AI Entrepreneur Association Launches to Support Founders in Harajuku

Launch of the AI Entrepreneur Association

On June 4, 2025, the IT Cross Foundation, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, officially launched the AI Entrepreneur Association at its IT school in Harajuku, known as Harakado. The association is designed to support individuals and corporations aspiring to start their businesses by employing AI technology.

The primary goal of the association is to prepare for a future where entrepreneurs are not just using AI, but hiring it as a resource. It will offer a learning and practical platform focused on utilizing AI for the growth and management of startups. Scheduled events include a monthly networking meeting on the first Wednesday of every month, along with weekly webinars and study sessions every Wednesday.

Background

With the rapid advancement of AI technology, there is an ongoing concern about job displacement due to automation. However, a new era has emerged where businesses can leverage AI to compete globally, even as small entities. The IT Cross Foundation is committed to creating a world that future generations can be proud of by combining the powers of AI and entrepreneurship. They have been running free IT schools for children in Harajuku and are now expanding their efforts to support adult entrepreneurs using AI.

Membership Information

The association is currently accepting new members with the following details:

- Capacity: Limited to 100 members (individuals or corporations)
- Eligibility: Open to anyone regardless of age, gender, or nationality interested in using AI for starting or managing a business.
- Membership Fee: Individual monthly fee is 3,000 yen (30,000 yen annually), and corporate monthly fee is 20,000 yen (200,000 yen annually).
- Entrance/Annual Fee: Free

Member Benefits

Members will enjoy unlimited access to AI training sessions usually priced at 12,000 yen each. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to access various corporate services at discounted rates, including accounting, M&A, staffing, and software development services.

Comments from the President

Koichi Nagata, the President of the AI Entrepreneur Association, stated, "Our mission is to ensure a better future for children through the power of AI and entrepreneurship. I transitioned from being a programmer to a CEO and built an organization of over 5,000 members across 200 companies. Now, we are entering an era of small elite teams working alongside AI. Together with the publication of more than 70 IT literacy picture books, we will propose new ways of living."

Company Overview

- Organization: IT Cross Foundation
- Established: 2017 (originally founded in Liechtenstein)
- Japan Base: 3F Harajuku Tokyu Plaza, 1-14-30 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
- Activities: IT education, entrepreneurial support, free IT cafe for parents and children