Taiwanese startups eye Osaka and Kansai, linking with the Osaka-Kansai Expo

JStories – Taiwanese startups are currently casting a keen eye on the Japanese market. Amid the buzz surrounding the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the 2025 Taiwan Tech Week is scheduled to be held Aug. 19-22 as a side event officially supported by the expo. Approximately 30 promising companies from world-leading fields such as smart cities and AI (artificial intelligence) are expected to participate. This initiative, part of the Startup Island TAIWAN program promoted by Taiwan's National Development Council (NDC), aims to create tangible business opportunities and enhance the international brand exposure for Taiwanese businesses.

Hankyu Hanshin Properties and Taiwan aim for synergistic business opportunities at Taiwan Tech Week       Photo courtesy of Startup Island TAIWAN (Same below) — Hankyu Hanshin Properties and Taiwan aim for synergistic business opportunities at Taiwan Tech Week Photo courtesy of Startup Island TAIWAN (Same below)

A key highlight of the event will be the pitch sessions on Aug. 20-21, featuring Taiwanese startups considered "next-generation unicorns." The event will also be attended by several prominent Japanese organizations, including the Osaka Prefectural Government, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Osaka.

The pitch sessions will be held at NORIBA10 umeda, a co-creation space operated by Hankyu Hanshin Properties. Located directly outside the central ticket gate on the second floor of Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, it serves as a "place" for people to co-create the future, hosting events for startups and various creators.

Nobuhide Okamoto of Hankyu Hanshin Properties, which operates NORIBA10 umeda, has experience working in Taiwan and holds great expectations for Taiwanese startups. He expressed his strong desire to facilitate one-on-one meetings between Taiwanese startups and Japanese companies during the event.

Mr. Okamoto speaks at the 2024 event. Last year, the event brought together 20 Taiwanese startups at NORIBA10 umeda. Another event will be held at the same venue this year

"I'm always impressed by the sense of speed in Taiwanese startups, as well as Taiwan itself," said Okamoto. "I have the impression that they are very skillful at integrating technology with daily life, and I believe many of their innovations can be utilized in Japan. I think it is very meaningful to attract these Taiwanese startups to the Kansai region, and I hope they can use this opportunity to be matched with great partners in Kansai."

Mr. Okamoto expresses high hopes for Taiwanese startups during an interview with JStories

Umeda Vision, driven by a sense of urgency

The strong interest from Hankyu Hanshin in Taiwanese startups stems from their high expectations for these companies.

"We want to further promote open innovation in the Kansai region. First, we plan to build momentum in Umeda and then spread this energy throughout the entire Kansai area," Okamoto said.

Hankyu Hanshin Properties has been actively promoting innovation. One of the initiatives is Hankyu Hanshin Properties Business Co-creation AWARD, which they have been hosting since 2020. This program invites multiple startups to pitch ideas based on themes proposed by the company's employees. In 2024, one Taiwanese startup was selected for this award.

Hankyu Hanshin Properties is dedicating its efforts to startup support, aiming to boost the Kansai economy        Photo courtesy of Hankyu Hanshin Properties (Same below) — Hankyu Hanshin Properties is dedicating its efforts to startup support, aiming to boost the Kansai economy Photo courtesy of Hankyu Hanshin Properties (Same below)

The Umeda Vision was launched in 2022 with the goal of enhancing the value of the Osaka-Umeda district. Since many of the Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group's assets are concentrated in Umeda, increasing the city's international competitiveness is vital for raising the group's overall value. Under this vision, the group aims to elevate its largest business hub, Osaka-Umeda, into an International Exchange Hub and connect it with the world. The opening of NORIBA10 umeda and the initiatives held there is one of the key measures to bring this vision to life.

Through its Umeda Vision, the Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group aims to create an International Exchange Hub that connects the Kansai region to the world

With the Expo as a catalyst, Umeda aims to be an East Asian hub

Osaka is currently at a prime juncture to enhance its presence as an international city. Major projects, including the ongoing Osaka-Kansai Expo, the Osaka IR integrated resort scheduled to open in 2029, and its designation as a National Strategic Special Zone for a Super City by the Cabinet Office, are drawing significant attention both domestically and internationally.

Okamoto feels that the dynamism of fast-moving, innovative companies, starting with those from Taiwan, is essential to seize this opportunity and further elevate Osaka-Umeda into an international exchange hub. Going forward, he intends to attract a diverse range of global companies and talent, including startups, to promote open innovation.

"Interacting with global innovators creates opportunities for collaboration. Taiwanese startups are one such group of innovators," Okamoto said. Through these efforts, he aims to help achieve the Umeda Vision and contribute to the further growth of the Kansai economy.