HATSU Entrepreneur Support Program Showcases Innovative Business Ideas in Kanagawa

On November 1, 2025, the HATSU Entrepreneur Support Program, run by AGORA Hon-atsugi, held a presentation event featuring the outcomes of its 5th cohort during the 2025 fiscal year. This initiative aims to cultivate entrepreneurs in Kanagawa Prefecture, engaging entrepreneurs, startups, and local businesses in a collaborative environment designed to nurture innovative ideas and community ties.

Overview of the HATSU Entrepreneur Support Program

Initiated in the year 2022, the program is a strategic initiative by the Kanagawa Prefecture to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community. It focuses on creating a network where aspiring entrepreneurs can connect, share experiences, and support each other's business ventures. The HATSU Program particularly targets those from the Kanagawa central area, which includes cities like Atsugi, Sagamihara, and Ebina, aiming to empower local entrepreneurs to turn unique business ideas into reality.

Detailed Insights into the Challenger Businesses

The recent event highlighted 12 challengers, 10 of whom achieved significant milestones beyond mere concept ideation. Their accomplishments included developing prototypes, launching services, establishing companies, and even securing initial clientele, showcasing tangible progress in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Here are some notable participating challengers and their innovative projects:

1. Yuki Ashida – Wandoor: A Matching System for Pet Owners and Experts

Yuki's project connects pet owners with trusted dog trainers, chiropractors, and photographers through a secure matching platform, alleviating concerns around finding reliable services for their pets.

2. Ryo Imai – NEXT BASE: Talent Development and Recruiting Support

Ryo's initiative introduces exploratory learning into career education, aiding middle and high schools while also providing a recruitment platform specifically for local businesses searching for talent driven by inquiry and exploration.

3. Toshiyuki Kanai – Next-Gen Presentation School

This educational program leverages AI to cultivate effective communication skills among middle and high school students, preparing them for comprehensive selections and developing their ability to express thoughts clearly.

4. Hariharan Krishnan – Engineering Career Outsourcing Services

Hari focuses on streamlining the employment of Indian engineers in Japan by collaborating with universities and language schools in India to match candidates with Japanese companies.

5. Shuya Shigetomi – Comprehensive Housing Support for Seniors

Through legal and real estate integration, Shuya's service addresses the needs of elderly individuals facing housing issues, including properties for rent or purchase, and related legal assistance.

6. Naomichi Tada – Community Information System

Naomichi's project is geared towards improving access to community information through digital signage and enabling better emergency responses within local facilities.

7. Yurie Taniguchi – External Health Room Services for SMEs

Yurie's service supports small to medium enterprises by offering external assessments and improvements in workplace health management, ensuring employees can thrive in safe environments.

8. Yusuke Tsuboi – Quickry: A Next-Gen Ticketing System

Young's innovation aims to enhance the waiting experience by transforming queues into a more rewarding process, benefiting both customers and businesses.

9. Kayo Hoshino – YURAS: Seasonal Japanese Herb Tea

Kayo offers a selection of herbal teas crafted from traditional Japanese herbs, addressing general wellness concerns while connecting consumers with local tea producers in Kanagawa.

10. Makoto Maejima – Rentory: Small Appliance Rental Service

This service provides short-term rentals for household appliances, addressing space constraints and environmental issues associated with consumerism in urban living.

11. Maki Masunaga – Support for Elderly Living Without Insurance

Maki’s nursing-focused service aims to alleviate loneliness among seniors, facilitating regular visits to provide care and support community engagement.

12. Ayako Matsubara – English Learning Support with Oxford University Materials

Ayako's project aims to reform English education through comprehensive reading and listening support, utilizing innovative methodologies that yield real results for learners.

Future of HATSU Program

The success stories from the current cohort underscore the impact of the HATSU Program in fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Efforts have already commenced for the 6th cohort, which plans to present their progress in March. Expectations are high for the continued evolution of these startups as they contribute to Kanagawa's economy and innovation landscape.