#Japan #Tokyo #Entrepreneurship #Diners Club #Aoyama Gakuin

Aoyama Business Plan Contest 2025

The Aoyama Business Plan Contest, designed for students of Aoyama Gakuin University and its high schools and graduate schools, was held on November 29, 2025, sponsored by Diners Club with the aim of nurturing entrepreneurial spirit and addressing social problems. This year, the contest received a remarkable 56 entries from undergraduate, graduate, and business school students, marking the seventh annual event since it started as the Idea Pitch Contest.

The contest began with a thorough initial screening, which narrowed down participants to five promising teams that presented their ideas at the finals. The event was held at Aoyama Gakuin University’s Maclay Memorial Hall, running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Event Details

Date and Time

• - Date: November 29, 2025
• - Time: 17:00 - 20:00

Location

• - Venue: Aoyama Gakuin University, Maclay Memorial Hall

Judges

The judging panel, led by the esteemed Fumiro Takahashi, a professor of Aoyama Gakuin University and chairman of the judging committee, evaluated the participants on five criteria: feasibility, marketability/profitability, social impact, originality, and the spirit of Aoyama Gakuin. Other judges included officials from Mitsui Sumitomo Trust Club and professors from various institutions.

Contest Highlights

The five finalists were as follows:
1. Kawaguchi Takahiro: