#Japan #Tokyo #Entrepreneur #SoLabo #Value481

Embracing Failure: A New Narrative in Entrepreneurship

In Japan, narratives surrounding success in entrepreneurship are common, but the stories of failures are seldom discussed. Yet, it is within these challenges where real learning and insights for future entrepreneurs lie. Issues like hiring mistakes, indecisive business judgments, organizational struggles, and financial anxieties are often hidden behind the façade of success. These experiences, however, hold immense value for aspiring entrepreneurs who can learn from both the missteps and successes of others.

To tackle this, Value481 Inc. has launched initiatives revolving around the theme of "transforming failures into value." This mission was exemplified in their recent collaboration with SoLabo Inc., where they hosted the fifth installment of their event series titled Real Sessions: Entrepreneurial Insights and Networking, on February 26, 2026, at WeWork Linksquare Shinjuku in Tokyo.

The event saw participation from around 20 individuals, including startup founders, business leaders from venture companies, and executives from small and medium enterprises. Following the event, a satisfaction survey yielded an impressive average score of 9.3 out of 10, indicating a strong resonance among attendees.

Highlights of the Event

The session featured Tetsuya Hirano, CEO of Only Story Co., as a guest speaker. He shared vivid recollections from the early days of his entrepreneurship — the hardships faced and pivotal decisions that shaped his company's direction. Hirano discussed the complexities of hiring and organizational development, providing an authentic account that fostered an engaging environment. Attendees were particularly responsive, flooding the session with questions that invited deeper discussions.

This candid exploration was not solely limited to success; it emphasized the real challenges and the thought processes behind critical decisions, inspiring participants to rethink their own business strategies and experiences.

The Networking Experience

Post-session, a networking opportunity allowed participants to exchange insights on business challenges and share personal experiences. This provided a significant platform for entrepreneurs to connect, fostering meaningful conversations that formed a supportive community.

In attendance was Ryohei Oyabu, a finance support leader at SoLabo, who detailed their business initiatives, further enriching the discussions. The active networking atmosphere was evident as entrepreneurs engaged with each other, exploring ideas and potential collaborations.

Feedback from Attendees

The survey feedback reflected the event's impact, with many attendees appreciating the real-life narratives they encountered. Comments included:

• - "Hearing real stories from the speakers provided valuable insights for my next venture."
• - "The in-depth content offered a wealth of knowledge."
• - "Personal experiences shared were greatly informative."
• - "The authenticity of the discussions made it a fantastic learning experience."
• - "Both the individual stories and networking played a vital role in our learnings."

The numerous positive remarks highlighted a clear preference for discussions centered on real experiences rather than solely success stories.

Organizer Commentary

Koichi Tahara, CEO of SoLabo, expressed that every entrepreneur’s journey is accompanied by a multitude of trials and errors, which rarely surface in their narratives. He emphasized the importance of events like this, where business leaders speak openly about their experiences, as they provide considerable value. He hoped that the shared knowledge would benefit all attendees in their future endeavors.

Similarly, Watari Ebisawa, CEO of Value481, reiterated that while success stories abound, the unsung trials carry significant insights that can guide future decision-making. He envisions a society where failures are shared openly, helping to create an environment that supports and nurtures aspiring entrepreneurs.

Event Summary

Event Name: Real Sessions: Entrepreneurial Insights and Networking
Date: February 26, 2026
Venue: WeWork Linksquare Shinjuku

The event showcased that discussing failures can indeed pave the way for more informed and courageous future entrepreneurs.