#Japan #Tokyo #Women Entrepreneurs #APT Women

APT Women Kicks Off its 10th Cohort

On September 12, 2025, the APT Women initiative, led by Tokyo Metropolitan Government, hosted a kick-off event unveiling the 40 selected participants for its 10th cohort. The program, formally known as the Acceleration Program in Tokyo for Women, continues to promote the growth of female entrepreneurs.

During the event, guest speaker Yukari Iwasaki, CEO of YOUTRUST, inspired attendees with her entrepreneurial journey and offered encouragement for aspiring businesswomen. The event not only showcased the new cohort but also discussed the various resources available through the APT Women program to support women entrepreneurs.

Starting on September 10, 2025, the program includes three months of group mentoring, lectures, and workshops designed to equip participants with essential skills, knowledge, and networks for scaling up their businesses and expanding into international markets. A tailored approach considers each participant's unique needs and business stages, ensuring relevant support across various sectors.

Participants selected for the international expansion program will have opportunities to visit startup facilities in New York and Singapore, further paving the way for their global ambitions.

Since its inception, APT Women has supported 280 businesses, achieving impressive milestones including approximately 24.2 billion yen in fundraising and partnerships with over 900 major corporations. The program is recognized as Japan's foremost initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs.

The New Participants of the 10th Cohort

The 10th cohort features diverse talents across multiple industries. Here are some participants:

IT & ICT

• - Eriko Osaki, CEO of DotAi: Empowers women to make informed career transitions through a workplace review and evaluation platform, SHEHUB. Website
• - Yoshitaka Takahashi, CEO of Orwood Inc.: Connects global talent with Japanese firms via a referral-based matching platform, Orsnap. Website
• - Nagisa Tsuchiya, CEO of WellBy: Enhances purchasing experiences in beauty and health using AI image analysis technology. Website

Services

• - Saya Sugawara, CEO of Synk Inc.: Offers childcare services for inbound tourists through Parent Time. Website
• - Ayaka Morimoto, CEO of WithIris: Supports career development for women in their 20s and 30s through Muu. Website

Health & Lifestyle

• - Erika Ina, CEO of Welx: A health platform that visualizes unnoticed health issues for women through ReadyMe. Website
• - Yoko Ichibankase, CEO of Jibunjiku Planner: Aims to empower people by creating a customized planner titled Jibunjiku Notebook. Website

Conclusion

The APT Women program continues to be a beacon of opportunity and support for women entrepreneurs across industries in Japan. By providing mentorship, resources, and a collaborative space, APT Women is nurturing the next wave of impactful female leaders who are set to make their mark not just in Japan but across the globe.

For more information about APT Women and to view the complete list of the 10th cohort participants, please visit APT Women Official Site.