#Japan #Tokyo #Borderless Japan #Tohoku Impact #Startup Meetup

Tohoku's Impactful Entrepreneurs Gather for a Unique Meetup in Tokyo

On March 12, 2026, the bustling district of Marunouchi in Tokyo will transform into a hub of innovation as six remarkable startups from Tohoku come together for a pivotal event: the "Social Impact Booster Meetup Day." Organized by Borderless Japan, a company based in Fukuoka, and hosted by Sendai City, this gathering aims to foster collaboration among social entrepreneurs dedicated to tackling pressing societal challenges.

Empowering Change Through Collaboration

The Tohoku Social Impact Booster program, funded and initiated by Sendai City, identifies and supports startups poised to make significant societal contributions. The Meetup Day is a key part of this initiative, providing a platform where entrepreneurs can openly discuss their journeys, share insights, and forge connections that could lead to collaborative solutions and investment opportunities.

What to Expect at the Meetup

The event will feature seven participants representing six startups, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. The entrepreneurs will delve into various critical issues, including healthcare, education, addiction to technology, wildlife-related incidents, and the maritime industry. This diverse representation is poised to initiate engaging dialogues on how best to tackle these challenges head-on.

Notably, the entrepreneurs are expected to present not only their successes but also the hurdles they face in their respective ventures:

• - Why have they chosen to address these particular societal issues? Each entrepreneur will address their motivations and the driving force behind their efforts to create solutions to these pervasive problems.
• - What is the current status of their projects? These insights will highlight the progress each startup has made thus far.
• - What do they need to advance to the next phase? The entrepreneurs will outline the resources and collaborations needed to push their initiatives forward.

Meet the Innovators

The startups participating include:
1. Aroma Care Tech — Led by Satomi Ito from Sendai City, the focus is on supporting caregivers of cancer patients through effective communication with healthcare professionals.
2. in the Rye — Shōhei Okino from Ōkuma Town presents a comprehensive guide on building Japan's most global school, sharing valuable insights from his experience.
3. BearBell — Yudai Hattori from Akita City showcases an animal sighting information-sharing system designed to promote coexistence over mere safety.
4. Argonauts — Hisashi Hirayama from Sendai City discusses conveying the wishes of end-of-life cancer patients to their families.
5. Rex Tech — Kendall Freizzier and Hans Birkedal from Sendai City tackle the issues of internet dependency and early detection through AI-driven support.
6. Awesome Sea LLC — Takuya Mikami from Aomori City presents a sustainable food infrastructure model that promotes mutual growth within the region.

Additionally, Akiko Hayama, CEO of Pallet and a graduate of the SIB program, will also take the stage to share her insights and experiences.

Expert Mentors Joining the Event

A defining feature of this meetup will be the presence of seasoned professionals who will serve as pitch commentators. They bring invaluable experience from their respective fields, focusing not solely on investment judgments but rather on fostering collaboration that propels these startups forward:

• - Natsuki Tamura — Principal of KIBOW Social Investment Fund
• - Taku Harada — Director at Taliki Co., Ltd.
• - Masataka Suzuki — COO of Borderless Japan.

Event Details

• - Name: Social Impact Booster Meetup Day
• - Date: March 12, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Registration starts at 5:30 PM)
• - Location: 1F SQUARE-1, Tokyo Innovation Base, Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - Capacity: 80 participants (Pre-registration required; lottery if oversubscribed)
• - Cost: Free
• - Organizer: Sendai City
• - Managed by: Borderless Japan

For those interested in participating or learning more about the initiatives, visit the official event page.

Conclusion

The Social Impact Booster program set by Sendai City aims to bridge social issues and business development, promoting sustainable and impactful solutions. This meetup represents a critical opportunity for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the emergence of new partnerships that can significantly contribute to the enhancement of society. Don’t miss the chance to witness and support the next wave of innovative Tohoku startups tackling pressing societal challenges head-on.