Mbody Japan Triumphs at UPGRADE with TOKYO Startup Pitch Event

Mbody Japan Triumphs in Startup Pitch Event

Mbody Japan, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the 54th UPGRADE with TOKYO startup pitch event, held on January 16, 2026. This event, organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, aimed to reimagine childcare services, shifting the focus from mere supervision to enriched encounters with culture. By fusing childcare with cultural and artistic experiences, Mbody Japan stands as a pioneer for the next-generation childcare model.

Event Overview

The UPGRADE with TOKYO initiative was launched in December 2019, aiming to foster collaboration between startups, government bodies, and enterprises to create new services that address municipal challenges. This latest pitch event invited startups to present innovative solutions aimed at enhancing social value through experiential services. Notably, the event not only provided a platform for startups, but also offered successful participants the opportunity to engage in negotiations for potential collaboration with the Tokyo government.

About Mbody Japan

Mbody Japan is led by CEO Moeko Kamiyama, a single mother and advocate for integrating cultural experiences into childcare. Reflecting on the victory, she said, "I am deeply grateful for this recognition. As a mother raising a five-year-old son, my driving passion has always been to create a system that allows children, including my own, to have access to experiences I believe are essential. Through our experiential childcare programs, we aim to enhance opportunities for cultural participation among child-rearing generations."

This acknowledgment from the judges illustrates the potential in combining childcare support with cultural and artistic experiences, positioning Mbody Japan as a frontrunner in this innovative arena.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Kamiyama emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and other related stakeholders. "We plan to conduct additional trials in various events and locales, establishing mechanisms that enable everyone to access cultural and artistic endeavors. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where participation in cultural activities is considered the norm for both children and adults, contributing to a more inclusive future."

Mbody Japan's groundbreaking approach is expected to reshape the concept of childcare in Japan. As they delve deeper into implementing their vision, they aim to establish a robust framework that connects childcare with cultural enrichment, reinforcing the belief that every child should grow up experiencing the richness of culture and art.

Thus, Mbody Japan not only celebrates its victory but also prepares for a future where cultural engagement and childcare unite to benefit broader communities, enhancing the social fabric of society.

Watch the Pitch

You can view the pitch and judges' feedback on the official YouTube channel of the Tokyo Bureau of Industry and Labor. The segment featuring Mbody Japan can be found around the timestamp 1:09:42. Watch Here.