Mie Startup Conference Vol.11: A Gateway for Innovation from Mie to the World

The 11th Mie Startup Conference is set to take place at SHIBUYA QWS, bringing together innovative minds and entrepreneurs from all over Japan. Organized by AlphaDrive, this event is a part of a broader effort to nurture the startup ecosystem in Mie Prefecture. In an exciting session titled “From Ise to the World – Isekado's New Challenges,” attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Narimune Suzuki, the 21st generation head of the historic confectionery store Isekado, who is also the founder of the craft beer brand Isekado. He will share insights on his journey from crafting traditional sweets to launching a craft beer empire and eventually establishing an incubation facility.

Event Details

- Date: December 22, 2025
- Time: 18:00 - 20:00 (Doors open at 17:30)
- Location: SHIBUYA QWS, 15th Floor, Shibuya Scramble Square, Tokyo
- Online Streaming: Yes, the event will also be broadcast online.

Schedule

- 17:30 - 18:00: Registration
- 18:00 - 18:10: Opening Remarks
- 18:10 - 18:20: Facilitator Introduction
- 18:20 - 18:30: Guest Introduction
- 18:30 - 19:20: Talk Session & Q&A
- 19:20 - 20:00: Photo Session & Networking

Speaker Profile

Narimune Suzuki, CEO of Isekado
Born in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, in 1967, Narimune is the 21st heir of Isekado, a storied mochi shop established in 1575. In 1997, he launched the craft beer brand Isekado, cultivating it into one of the largest in the Tokai region. He combines his roles as the confectionery store leader with his passion for fermented foods and local industries. Additionally, he obtained a PhD in Agricultural Science from Tohoku University, focusing his research on the commercial use of wild yeasts and serves as a visiting professor at Shizuoka University. He featured in the TV program Cambrian Palace in 2025, recognized as a