#Japan #Tokyo #Startup Initiative #Ogasawara Islands #Tokyo Islandhood

Five Startups Selected for Tokyo's Islandhood Initiative

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's innovative initiative, TOKYO ISLANDHOOD with STARTUPS, has announced the selection of five promising startups aiming to realize smart and sustainable business ventures in the island areas of Tokyo. This program, now in its third year, is set to enhance the charm and address local challenges within these regions.



The selected startups will receive hands-on support over a period of approximately seven months, focusing on various aspects like expertise development, information dissemination, network building, and opportunities for real-world engagement in the Ogasawara Islands (specifically Father Island and Mother Island).

Overview of Participating Startups

The selection process showcased a strong interest from businesses and individuals, reflected in the participation of numerous candidates at three meetups organized by the Tokyo government. The chosen startups were evaluated on their business viability, sustainability, uniqueness, and technological prowess. Their goal is to increase the quality of life on the islands through innovative solutions and products.

1. Island Films, Inc.

• - Theme: Creating a visual archive documenting the stories of Ogasawara residents
• - Summary: Island Films aims to encapsulate individual narratives through photographs and videos, fostering understanding and connections across generations.

2. UMIAILE Inc.

• - Theme: Automated unmanned boats for marine data collection and inter-island logistics
• - Summary: This startup will utilize a unique autonomous boat design with integrated sensors for data acquisition, exploring logistics possibilities in the Ogasawara region.

3. AC Biode Inc.

• - Theme: On-site methane generation from organic waste using a container system
• - Summary: This company harnesses advanced technology involving catalysts and bacteria to convert organic waste into energy, championing environmental sustainability.

4. GREEN OFFSHORE Inc.

• - Theme: Utilizing agricultural environment control devices to simplify farming and ensure stable production
• - Summary: They provide a remote control system for agricultural monitoring, aiming to advance AI-based data management and predictive controls.

5. Rise & Play Inc.

• - Theme: Developing immersive, puzzle-based experiences highlighting the history and culture of Ogasawara
• - Summary: Focused on educational tourism, they create engaging mystery-solving activities that help people learn about the cultural heritage while exploring local attractions.

Achievements of the TOKYO ISLANDHOOD Program

The TOKYO ISLANDHOOD with STARTUPS program, initiated two years ago, was designed to promote business activities in the island areas through inventive business models and enthusiastic entrepreneurs. Previous years have witnessed the support of six companies in the Izu and Oshima islands, leading to tangible community initiatives ranging from audio guide applications to multi-language online healthcare services.

This year’s emphasis on the Ogasawara Islands marks a completion of support across all Tokyo island areas over the three years since the program's inception. Additionally, selected startups from previous years are continuing to push forward with their pilot projects on other distant islands.

Addressing Community Challenges

Tokyo's island regions hold a wealth of natural beauty and unique culture, yet they face significant challenges such as population decline, aging infrastructure, and healthcare improvements. There's also the recognition of untapped resources that can be harnessed through innovative approaches to create value.

Tokyo is actively working on strategies aligning with its vision for 2050 to rejuvenate these regions by fostering industry, tourism, medical advancements, and disaster preparedness through various engaging initiatives. TOKYO ISLANDHOOD with STARTUPS exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit catered toward resolving local issues with innovative ideas and technologies.

This initiative is facilitated by Deloitte Tohmatsu Risk Advisory LLC, in collaboration with Hitokara Media, which acts as a planning and operational partner. The program's mission, simplified as “Starting from the Islands, Connecting to the Islands”, stresses the importance of enabling collaboration among the islanders and startups to ignite industrial growth.

Conclusion

The debut phase of this year's selected startups will officially begin support in September 2025, leading to a showcase event slated for February 2026, presenting the fruits of their labor and innovation. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to nurture the islands' inherent beauty and cultural heritage while engaging their communities in constructive and sustainable development.

For more information, you can check the official TOKYO ISLANDHOOD website. Keep an eye on their note page for the latest updates and insights on the startups' journeys.

Engagement with the community and the environment aims to foster a lasting impact that transcends the traditional confines of business, ultimately enriching the collective future of Tokyo's island regions.