#Japan #Tokyo #Kickstarter #Gaku #ZESDA

Seminar Overview

On May 14, 2025, the Glocal Business Seminar Vol. 31 will be held in a hybrid format, organized by the non-profit organization ZESDA, under the leadership of Daisuke Sakuraba. This seminar will feature Taketo Nakamura, CEO of Gaku Co., as a key speaker. The focus will be on how Japanese manufacturing can leverage international crowdfunding to expand abroad.

Crowdfunding Japan’s Manufacturing to the World!

In recent years, crowdfunding has emerged as a popular means of raising funds globally for new products and projects. However, it is not just about securing funding; it also serves as a robust platform for selling products on a made-to-order basis and conducting test marketing aimed at potential customers and buyers.

International crowdfunding, in particular, presents an invaluable opportunity for Japan’s small and medium-sized enterprises and startups looking to venture into overseas markets. Yet, engaging in international crowdfunding requires distinct knowledge and strategies that differ from the ones common within the domestic crowdfunding landscape.

To address these challenges, the Glocal Business Seminar will welcome Taketo Nakamura, an Official Expert recognized by Kickstarter, who has guided numerous Japanese companies to success. During the seminar, Nakamura will discuss:

• - Essential characteristics of previously successful products and what it takes to succeed.
• - Common factors behind failure cases while deepening the understanding of the risks associated with crowdfunding.

Seminar Content

Below are the key topics Nakamura is expected to cover in his presentation:

• - The mechanics of crowdfunding
• - Latest trends in international crowdfunding
• - Strategies for effective project design
• - Concrete steps for achieving success

Event Details

The seminar titled "Utilizing International Crowdfunding for the Expansion of Japanese Manufacturing" will feature:

Speakers:

• - Taketo Nakamura (CEO of Gaku Co.)
• - Masayuki Okuyama (Professor at Meiji University)

Date and Time:

• - May 14, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM (Registration opens at 7:20 PM for in-person attendance; online entrance begins at 7:25 PM)

Venue:

• - Location: Room 1073, Liberty Tower 7th Floor, Surugadai Campus at Meiji University (1-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
• - Online: The seminar will be held via Zoom. A link will be sent after registration.

Participation Fee:

• - Free of charge

Registration Link:

• - Register Here

> Note: Please double-check your email address when registering.

Organizers:

• - NPO ZESDA / Masayuki Okuyama’s Laboratory at Meiji University

Co-organizers:

• - Research and Innovation Society’s Production Research Subcommittee.

Participants can look forward to an engaging session aimed at providing insights into the art and strategy of employing international crowdfunding as a means for expanding Japanese manufacturing on a global scale.