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Koriyama Impact Startup Next: A New Era of Social Entrepreneurship

On February 24, 2026, Tokyo will host its inaugural Meet Up Day for social entrepreneurs under the Koriyama Impact Startup Next (KIN) program. This event, organized by Borderless Japan and backed by the Koriyama City government, will take place at City Lab Tokyo in Chuo Ward. Its purpose is to bring together entrepreneurs tackling social issues in the region of Koriyama, Fukushima, and encourage collaboration and innovation towards their next business stages.

Koriyama, historically known for its industrial development and as one of the largest cities in the Tohoku region, is a hotbed for entrepreneurial spirit. The city has faced various social issues over the years—including youth outflow, childcare shortages, elderly isolation, and mental health challenges. The KIN program has recently selected six social entrepreneurs aiming to tackle these specific issues, providing them with approximately six months of support to grow their initiatives.

During the Meet Up Day, these six entrepreneurs will present their current business standings and future plans in a series of pitch sessions. Participants will have the unique opportunity to explore ways to collaborate with these innovators through investments, partnerships, and shared resources. This event will also feature a special talk session led by Tatsuya Hoshino, CEO of the educational startup NIJIN, who will discuss the social issue of school refusal and how he structured a business model around it.

The event moderator, Masataka Suzuki, COO of Borderless Japan, will facilitate discussions on the challenges and triumphs of being a social entrepreneur in Japan today. As the dialogue unfolds, participants will be encouraged to connect and find their own ways to engage with these budding social enterprises.

In addition to highlighting local entrepreneurial efforts, this Meet Up Day aims to bridge the gap between regional initiatives and metropolitan resources, targeting investors, corporate leaders, public officials, and individuals passionate about social innovation. Attendees will have the chance to engage with leaders from the KIN program and learn more about the various approaches to social entrepreneurship creating impact in their communities.

This event not only promises to spark fruitful conversations but also strives to cultivate an ecosystem where social entrepreneurs can thrive. By bringing together diverse stakeholders interested in regional revival, social business, and collaborative investments, KIN seeks to create an inspiring platform for future collaboration.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Meet Up Day with 6 Social Entrepreneurs from Koriyama Challenges
• - Date & Time: February 24, 2026, 18:00 - 21:00
• - Location: City Lab TOKYO, 6th Floor Tokyo Square Garden, 3-1-1 Kyobashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo
• - Participation Fee: Free of charge
• - Organizer: Koriyama City
• - Supported by: KORIYAMA IMPACT STARTUP NEXT Secretariat (Administered by Borderless Japan)

For more information and registration, please visit KORIYAMA IMPACT NEXT

About KORIYAMA IMPACT STARTUP NEXT

KORIYAMA IMPACT STARTUP NEXT is a program initiated by Koriyama City to foster social entrepreneurs who address social issues through business. The program offers a comprehensive support system for early-stage entrepreneurs, assisting them with business model validation, fundraising, partnership development, and visibility of their social impact.

For inquiries, please contact:

• - Borderless Japan, KORIYAMA IMPACT STARTUP NEXT Secretariat

Email: [email protected]