#Japan #Tokyo #Alliance Conference #Keio University #BtoB Holdings

Recap of the Business Networking Event

On March 28, 2025, over 60 participants including business leaders and university students from prestigious institutions such as Keio University and the University of Tokyo gathered for the 41st Alliance Conference. This collaborative event, orchestrated by BtoB Holdings, the monthly business magazine Keizaikai, and the student-focused networking initiative 'Jukusei Meshi,' aimed to create business opportunities and foster connections among different generations and industries.

Background of the Event

The event was designed in response to a growing desire among entrepreneurs to gain insights from younger generations, which could lead to innovative business ideas. By facilitating a platform where industry leaders could engage with promising students, the organizers aimed to bridge the gap between experience and fresh perspectives. Since its inception in 2021, 'Jukusei Meshi' has become a beacon for connecting business leaders with students, seeing participation from over 300 students and nearly 50 executives.

The venue, Keizaikai Incubation Center (KIC), serves as a member-based coworking facility designed to nurture startups and facilitate networking among members.

Event Highlights

Opening Remarks

The evening began with an opening address from Yumi Sato, the representative of Keizaikai. With gratitude for the attendees' presence, she acknowledged the significance of the gathering across various age groups and industries. Her message emphasized the vital role of youth in the evolving landscape of Japanese business, encouraging future leaders to immerse themselves in practical experiences while promoting a supportive environment from seasoned professionals.

“Today's collective efforts and discussions will lead to valuable growth for everyone involved. Young individuals must engage actively and embrace every opportunity for connection.”

Networking Sessions and Presentations

The atmosphere was vibrant as participants engaged in active networking, exchanging business cards, and sharing insights. The enthusiasm was palpable as business leaders listened intently to students’ ideas, while students eagerly absorbed the experiences shared by their older counterparts.

A highlight of the night was the one-minute presentations by five companies, where representatives showcased their business models. Notably, a presentation by 2WINS, an AI venture originating from the University of Tokyo, underscored the commitment to enhancing corporate value through tailor-made AI solutions.

“Our concept is to create AI that wins for businesses. We collaborate closely to understand and tackle each company’s unique challenges.” - Ryota Yoshimura, 2WINS Representative.

Closing Remarks

As the event drew to a close, Shintaro Nishina, representative of the Alliance Council and BtoB Holdings, expressed his gratitude for the engagement and excitement generated throughout the networking session. He emphasized the potential of such interactions to spark further collaborations and underlined the need for both students and entrepreneurs to embrace future opportunities.

“Let today’s connections blossom into meaningful collaborations in the future. Engage actively, and let curiosity lead the way.” - Shintaro Nishina

Feedback from Participants

The dynamics of the event were well-received, with participants sharing their experiences:

• - Entrepreneur: _“This networking space allows for relaxed interactions across industries, igniting fresh business ideas.”_
• - Student: _“It was invaluable to meet with business leaders directly, gaining insights and encouragement for my future aspirations.”_

Future Outlook

The Alliance Conference aims to continue providing valuable networking opportunities, creating platforms where innovative ideas can flourish and thrive. By considering feedback from participants, they will work on enhancing future events even further.

Event Details

• - Date: March 28, 2025, 19:00 - 21:00
• - Venue: KIC (Keizaikai Incubation Center), Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - Participation Fee: 5,000 JPY
• - Participants: Business executives from 37 companies (44 attendees) and 18 university students (from Keio University and University of Tokyo)

This gathering exhibited the promise of collaborative efforts between different generations, establishing an avenue for insightful discussions and valuable networking amidst an ever-evolving business landscape.