#Japan #AlphaDrive #Sakai #Start Hub

Empowering Entrepreneurs in Sakai

On January 26, 2026, AlphaDrive, a dynamic digital marketing agency based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will host a hybrid seminar focused on acquiring early-stage customers. This initiative, in collaboration with Sakai City, is part of the community support project 'Start Hub SAKAI', aimed at nurturing new businesses in the region.

Event Overview

In the entrepreneurial journey, one of the most daunting challenges entrepreneurs face is attracting customers and developing sales channels. This seminar will be an essential resource for many new businesses struggling to effectively market their products or services. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Kazuma Iwakata, a seasoned digital marketer with a wealth of experience in social media marketing and new business development.

The event will also feature a networking session where participants can engage with city officials and gain practical insights into launching and sustaining their business ventures in the community.

Purpose of the Seminar

The 'Start Hub SAKAI' initiative is designed to support individuals eager to challenge themselves with new ventures. The seminar addresses a common issue faced by entrepreneurs — the uncertainty of effectively reaching their target market after developing a great product or service. By immersing attendees in practical marketing techniques, the event aims to empower them to overcome these initial hurdles.

The networking portion of the event will facilitate direct dialogues between participants and Sakai City officials, aiding attendees in understanding local support systems and resources available for entrepreneurs.

Three Key Features of the Event

1. Insightful Lectures from Marketing Experts

The seminar will feature practical lectures from Kazuma Iwakata, who brings years of experience from a leading digital agency. His history includes overseeing marketing strategies for major manufacturers and executing campaigns that resonate with potential customers. His insights will be invaluable for early-stage companies seeking effective customer acquisition strategies in a resource-limited environment.

2. In-depth Introduction to Sakai City’s Support Systems

At the beginning of the seminar, representatives from Sakai City will share valuable information about the local community and the support systems in place for entrepreneurs. This will help participants recognize the resources they can utilize while establishing their businesses.

3. Engaging Networking Opportunities with Officials

The networking session will be structured to allow small group interactions with city officials. This presents an excellent opportunity for participants to gain meaningful insights into business development and access to local best practices, moving beyond mere introductions.

Speaker Profile

Kazuma Iwakata
Group Manager, AlphaDrive REGION Strategy Promotion Group
Kazuma has a solid background in digital marketing, having worked for CyberBuzz where he was instrumental in launching new marketing strategies. As the head of social media marketing at CyberBuzz, he played a pivotal role in shaping marketing plans as a responsible leader for major brands. His role at AlphaDrive, starting in 2023, involves leading large-scale business events and new initiatives across various regions in Japan.

Event Details

• - Date: January 26, 2026
• - Time: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
• - Format: Hybrid (In-person and online)
• - Venue: Sakai City Hall, Room 205, 2nd Floor
• - Capacity: 16 in-person participants (first-come, first-served) / No limit on online attendees
• - Cost: Free
• - Target Audience:

- Individuals interested in entrepreneurship and startups, regardless of their place of residence
- Those facing challenges related to customer acquisition and marketing in their early-stage business
- Anyone considering developing a business in the local area

Schedule

1:30 PM - 1:40 PM: Overview of Start Hub SAKAI (by AlphaDrive)
1:40 PM - 2:00 PM: Introduction to Sakai City (by Sakai City)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lecture on Effective Marketing for Early Customer Acquisition (by Kazuma Iwakata)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Networking Session (Workshops, Group Sharing, and Free Discussions)

How to Register

To participate, please fill out the registration form.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to the Start Hub SAKAI Management Office (within AlphaDrive):
Contact Person: Reiko Ishida
Email: [email protected]