Debut of Sanbou BAR in Hokkaido: A Unique Networking Event for Entrepreneurs

Sanbou BAR Lands in Hokkaido: An Entrepreneurial Gathering

On May 1, 2026, a new chapter begins for entrepreneurs and professionals in Hokkaido with the debut of Sanbou BAR, a unique networking event held by Kenji Araya, CEO of Ken Consulting, in collaboration with the ENDO project team. Taking place at the underground venue ODORiBA within 4PLA in Sapporo, this event aims to cultivate authentic conversations between businesses and individuals in the relaxed atmosphere of a bar.

The Vision Behind the Event

Hokkaido, known for its vast landscapes and burgeoning potential, has drawn the eyes of numerous visionaries eager to innovate and establish new value. However, there remains a significant gap in opportunities for businesses looking to expand into regional territories and individuals seeking new career paths. This event strives to bridge that divide by offering an informal setting where discussions can flow more freely.

Gathering in a bar setting creates an environment that prioritizes genuine connections over rigid employment protocols. Sanbou BAR is not just another recruitment event; it's designed to foster relationships built on mutual appreciation and respect among participants—whether they are from established companies or passionate individuals seeking new opportunities.

Event Highlights

Several noteworthy features distinguish the Sanbou BAR experience:

- Casual Atmosphere: Attendees can sip drinks and engage in open conversations, departing from the formality typical of job fairs.
- Diverse Interaction Options: The event encourages varying forms of engagement, extending beyond full-time employment to include part-time, freelance, and contract roles.
- Three Connections Framework: The event aims to create synergies through three key interactions—between companies and individuals, among individuals, and between companies themselves.
- Three-Round Format: Participants will go through a cycle of self-introductions and mingle during three sets, fostering substantial dialogue and connections.
- Engaged Companies: High-energy firms, including Favy, Ken Consulting, and RAMAI, will be present, aiming for genuine expansion into Hokkaido.

Event Details

- Date and Time: May 1, 2026, from 5 PM to 8 PM (subject to change).
- Location: ODORiBA at 4PLA, Basement Level 1, directly connected to the Oodori Subway Station.
- Participation Fee: Individuals: 3,000 JPY (tax included), Businesses: 5,999 JPY (tax included). Businesses are encouraged to sponsor part of the venue's cost to make participation easier for individuals.
- Target Audience: Individuals interested in collaborating with Hokkaido's enterprises and projects (20 years and older).
- Registration URL: Sign up here

Confirmed Participating Companies (as of April 1)

- Favy: Expanding from Tokyo to Sapporo, looking for individuals related to the food and beverage industry.
- Ken Consulting: Aiming to establish a business community in Sapporo.
- RAMAI: Known for their signature soup curry, targeting those interested in the restaurant business in Sapporo and Asahikawa.
- Primavera: An enterprise focused on providing consulting for small and medium-sized businesses from Gunma.

Organizers’ Background

- Kenji Araya: CEO of Ken Consulting and operator of Sanbou BAR, has an extensive background in consulting for small businesses. His passion for creating a supportive community stems from his experiences in the field.
- Daichi Nakai: Head of the ENDO team, which works to spark interaction and new business ventures in local regions. His efforts have helped foster a culture of connections, exemplifying how Hokkaido's pioneering spirit paves the way for new projects.

About Sanbou BAR

Sanbou BAR serves as a community bar where entrepreneurs and business leaders converge over the common language of business. With locations in Shinjuku, Hamamatsucho, and Shiodome, this bar has established itself as a hub for meaningful connections and information exchange through various events.

For more details about Sanbou BAR locations:

This inaugural Sanbou BAR event in Sapporo invites you to step outside traditional networking boundaries and engage in authentic, meaningful exchanges that can lead to exciting new opportunities._