#Japan #startups #ATOMica #Matsumoto

ATOMica Initiates Entrepreneurial Seminar in Matsumoto City

ATOMica, a startup company specializing in social co-working, is launching an entrepreneurial seminar program called "Matsumoto Dojo" in collaboration with Matsumoto City. This initiative is part of Matsumoto's plan to promote startups and create an ecosystem where anyone can consider entrepreneurship as a viable option. The first session, known as the "Class 0," will kick off on November 1, 2025, and will consist of five sessions designed to teach the basics of entrepreneurship and provide practical support for presentations.

Program Background

Matsumoto City has established a comprehensive plan that includes fostering new industries by leveraging local characteristics as a part of its fundamental policies. This plan emphasizes nurturing startup talent and developing a supportive framework for entrepreneurs throughout the region. As part of this initiative, the city will begin its “Startup Promotion Project” in 2025, which aims to provide an environment where diverse talents can easily pursue entrepreneurship as an accessible option. In order to achieve such support, there is a pressing need for program designs that encourage casual participation and facilitate continued challenge even after the program's conclusion.

ATOMica has been running programs for entrepreneurial support and development of young entrepreneurs in collaboration with local governments, universities, and companies. By leveraging the know-how accumulated through operating over 50 co-working facilities across the nation—including the "Southern Gaku" co-working space in Matsumoto City—ATOMica plans to assist in expanding the entrepreneurial base and creating a cycle of challenges in the region.

About "Matsumoto Dojo"

The Matsumoto Dojo is an entrepreneurial seminar designed to make entrepreneurship a nearby choice, aiming for a community where everyone can try their hand at starting a business. This program will foster connections and learning among local entrepreneurs and supporters.

From November to December 2025, the seminar will host the Class 0 offline sessions to enhance interest in entrepreneurship. The seminars are structured to provide hands-on learning experiences, supporting participants as they take their first steps into the world of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, there will be additional support for preparing business ideas and presentation practices leading up to a pitch event scheduled for January 2026.

Roles of ATOMica

1. Event Planning and Management: ATOMica is responsible for the design, speaker casting, and day-of management of the seminar. The program caters to participants at various stages, from beginners to those who are more experienced.
2. Support System: A community manager stationed at the "Southern Gaku" co-working facility will provide ongoing support to participants, promoting continuous challenges through mentoring and encouraging connections among attendees.
3. Community Building: By facilitating encounters and learning among participants, local businesses, municipalities, and various stakeholders, the program aims to cultivate a local community that supports one another. Relationships formed during the program will be established not just temporarily but as mechanisms to sustain ongoing challenges.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Entrepreneurial Seminar "Matsumoto Dojo"
• - Venue: Southern Gaku (1F, NTT East Japan Matsumoto Daimyo Town Building, 3 Chome-3-9 Oote, Matsumoto City, Nagano)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Organizer: Matsumoto City Industrial Promotion Department, Commerce Section
• - Managing Company: ATOMica
• - Event Detail Page

Class 0 Event Schedule

• - Session 1: Techniques for Articulating Ideas

- Date: November 1, 2025
- Time: 13:30-16:00
- Instructor: Masaya Yoshimaru, Brand Design Expert at ATOMica

• - Session 2: Identifying Issues and Understanding Users

- Date: November 8, 2025
- Time: 13:30-16:00
- Instructor: Tomoko Kurahashi, CXO at ATOMica

• - Session 3: Idea Actualization

- Date: November 22, 2025
- Time: 13:30-16:00
- Instructor: Ayumu Shiraiwa, Development Division Manager at ATOMica

• - Session 4: Creating Pitch Materials with AI

- Date: November 29, 2025
- Time: 13:30-16:00
- Instructor: Junya Ohuchi, Community Manager at Iwate University (TOVLAB)

• - Session 5: Presentation Practice

- Date: December 6, 2025
- Time: 13:30-16:00
- Special Guest: Kaori Chiba, CEO of Kaeka, Facilitator: Tomoko Kurahashi, CXO at ATOMica

Partnership with Kaeka Co., Ltd.

Kaeka, with its concept of "Strengthening People and Businesses through Speaking Training," offers a unique program that quantifies and systematizes speaking skills. Over 7,000 individuals, ranging from business executives to professionals, have benefitted from learning practical communication strategies.

In the final session of the Class 0 event, participants will learn the foundations of how to communicate their business ideas and narratives persuasively, enhancing not only the content but also the delivery to increase presentation impact and engage their audience effectively.

Comment from Kaeka's CEO, Kaori Chiba

"Speaking is not an innate talent; it's a skill that anyone can improve with practice. Knowing how to do it and consistently applying it can move people's hearts. I hope this seminar will be a stepping stone for participants to spread empathy and action through their speaking abilities, creating a new wind from Matsumoto."

About ATOMica

ATOMica is a startup company founded in 2019, specializing in social co-working across the nation. They produce and operate co-working spaces tailored to diverse stakeholders including businesses, municipalities, and universities to foster a sustainable community and urban development that goes beyond conventional co-working spaces. Currently, ATOMica operates over 50 facilities nationwide. Recently recognized in the 2025 edition of "Toyo Keizai's Amazing Ventures 100," ATOMica is committed to supporting various initiatives.

• - Company Name: ATOMica
• - Established: April 5, 2019
• - Founders: Co-CEOs Mizuki Shimada and Kazuki Nanbara
• - Headquarters: 5F, THE E.A.S.T., 1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
• - Business Overview: Startup support and co-working space operations; academic-industry collaboration projects; community-based training and matching in the DX/CX field among others.
• - Corporate Website: ATOMica
• - Community Manager Special Website: ATOMica Community Manager