#Japan #Tokyo #Borderless Japan #Social Entrepreneurs #Zero Ichi

Introduction

The increasing involvement of youth in social entrepreneurship is crucial for addressing today's pressing societal challenges. To spotlight this movement, Borderless Japan and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) will host 'Zero Ichi Final Pitch 2026' on February 27, 2026, at SHIBUYA QWS. This event will serve as a culmination for the third cohort of the 'Zero Ichi' social entrepreneurship acceleration program.

Event Overview

The 'Zero Ichi Final Pitch 2026' is set to be a pivotal gathering where students, who have spent approximately six months honing their business plans aimed at resolving social issues, will present their work. This is not merely an academic endeavor; it’s a real-world challenge to create sustainable business solutions. Participants, now equipped with entrepreneurial acumen, will share their initiatives in an open forum including administrators, corporations, and potential investors.

Featuring a talk session titled 'Why is it Essential for Youth to Engage in Social Entrepreneurship Now?', the event will include discussions among prominent speakers from various sectors. General admissions for both in-person and online participation began on December 18, 2026. Registrations can be completed through this link.

About the 'Zero Ichi' Program

Launched in 2023, 'Zero Ichi' is a public-private collaboration aimed at nurturing the next generation of social entrepreneurs. This initiative specifically targets Japanese student entrepreneurs eager to tackle societal issues. This year marks the third iteration of the program, which is designed to provide aspiring social entrepreneurs intensive mentorship from industry leaders, skill development workshops, and networking opportunities.

Participants are immersed in a collaborative environment, enabling them to acquire both the mindset and skill set necessary for social entrepreneurship. More information about the program can be found on the dedicated site: Zero Ichi.

The Importance of the Final Pitch

The final pitch acts as a platform for the Zero Ichi finalists to present their proposed business plans, each focused on specific societal challenges they wish to address. Awards will be given, including the Audience Award, determined by viewer voting, and the Grand Prize, assessed by a panel of judges.

The opening talk session will feature notable industry figures, including Takumi Matsuzawa from Honda and Hiroshi Ishikawa from METI, moderated by Masayoshi Suzuki, COO of Borderless Japan. The discussion will center around the necessity of cultivating young entrepreneurs and the support structures essential for social business success.

After the pitch presentations, all participants will have the opportunity to engage in networking sessions with the speakers, fostering new collaborations and investment opportunities while connecting with passionate entrepreneurs.

Event Details

• - Date: February 27, 2026
• - Time: 14:00 to 19:30
• - Location: SHIBUYA QWS, Shibuya City, Tokyo
• - Capacity: Approximately 120 attendees in-person (first-come, first-served) / Unlimited online
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Organizer: METI
• - Running: Zero Ichi Program Management Office (Borderless Japan)
• - Special Cooperation: SHIBUYA QWS
• - Target Audience: Students interested in social entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurs, NPOs/NGOs, VCs, government officials, and any company looking to collaborate with social entrepreneurs.

If you would like to register, please follow this link and act quickly as in-person spots are limited and will close without notice once full.

Schedule

• - 14:00 - 14:05: Opening
• - 14:05 - 14:35: Talk Session
• - 14:35 - 18:10: Zero Ichi Final Pitch
• - 18:10 - 18:15: Closing
• - 18:30 - 19:30: Networking Session

Featured Speakers and Judges

This year's judges include industry leaders such as:

• - Hidetaka Fujino, CEO of Rhos Capital Works
• - Miwa Tanaka, Co-founder of Waris, a Beneesse Group
• - Yutaro Koyanagi, Representative of JOYCLE
• - Masahiro Kawachi, Representative of Annotation Support LLC.

Their diverse backgrounds span investment, business development, and social services, bringing a wide array of insights and expertise to the table during the event.

About Borderless Japan

Established in 2007, Borderless Japan operates solely in the realm of social business, tackling various socio-economic issues in over 14 countries. The company is known for its impactful initiatives in poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and educational improvement. With an aim to generate a social impact, Borderless Japan continues to champion the cause of social entrepreneurship, aspiring to innovate solutions for a better future. Their latest ethos, 'SWITCH to HOPE', signifies a renewed commitment to change societal challenges into collective hope.