Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is an excellent way for international entrepreneurs to launch their companies in Fukuoka. Successful applicants receive up to a one-year Business Manager Visa, opportunities to apply for financial assistance, national tax reductions, and many more benefits. Founders will also have access to free support from the Global Startup Center and Startup Cafe. In addition, they will meet a group of enthusiastic current founders available to help guide them during the creation of their startups. As a result, new founders will find themselves surrounded by a supportive community. 

Our startup community is comprised of both local and international founders who launched their innovative businesses in Fukuoka and often expand into the global market. To capture a slice of startup-life in Fukuoka, we interviewed four founders from different countries who all chose to launch their businesses here.

TANOSHIMI PRESENT

Founder: Kim Jeong Ho (Korea)

Please introduce your business and your vision for the future of your company.
We are bringing a novel technology to Japan by applying light that illuminates reflectors on figures, interiors, and signboards to make them appear 3D.

As Japan has a strong interest in anime and focuses on creating things that are genuine and high-quality, I think it is better to make things here first. Then, we can consider global expansion. In Fukuoka, I have the chance to meet many companies from overseas. I want to grow and find more fun opportunities through the connections we make with these companies.

Why did you choose Fukuoka to start your business?
My image of Fukuoka was that it is a young city with a lot of forward momentum. I happened to meet Mayor Takashima at SLUSH Tokyo last year and learned that I could start up in Fukuoka too, so I came here!

What advice do you have for people considering starting a business in Fukuoka?
I think that Fukuoka is a place where you can feel lively, young, and fun. In particular, I believe that mayor Takashima provides support for international companies. It’s very easy to live here - with delicious food and kind people. By all means, come to Fukuoka! Welcome!

*Please note the TANOSHIMI PRESENT website is under development.

Treant

https://treant.org
Founder: Jeffery Liang(Taiwan)

Please introduce your business and your vision for the future of your company.
Our purpose is to create digital content because I always feel full of energy when I make something new. That’s especially true when working on projects in different fields such as systems-engineering, digital arts, movies, TV dramas, and mobile games.

The space between us is getting wider, so we hope that content services that are based on theories from evolutionary psychology and cognitive psychology will be part of a solution for people who feel down about the world. The happiness people feel today will be the strength people feel tomorrow.

Why did you choose Fukuoka to start your business?
Fukuoka city has its own goals to expand the gaming industry and e-sports businesses. The city fosters excellent creators, meaning the creative people linked by Fukuoka will always find each other much easier.

What advice do you have for people considering starting a business in Fukuoka?
You should take some time to contemplate the big picture of your business in this city. Come to the Startup Cafe and take a look around, have conversations with the people and experts there about your plan and see if the picture is getting clearer. If it is, then keep your faith and passion in this city, it won't fail us and neither will we.

Mango Project

Founder: Luppo Daniil (Russia)

Please introduce your business and your vision for the future of your company.
Mango Project develops web applications and web services. Right now, we’re developing a web application to practice Japanese. Speaking globally, I want to make the world a better place to live using modern technologies, especially with regards to work style and the amount of free time people have.

Why did you choose Fukuoka to start your business?
Fukuoka has a good program for starting a new business in Japan (visa, support in arranging a bank account, tax accountant, and similar things). It's a nice city to live in, with everything you expect from a big city and even more.

What advice do you have for people considering starting a business in Fukuoka?
It can be real if you have a realistic plan. Fukuoka’s startup program is possible even for small companies without huge investments.

*Please note the Mango Project website is under development.

PikaPage

www.PikaPage.com
Founder: Leroy Yue (Hong Kong)

Please introduce your business and your vision for the future of your company.
At PikaPage, we make ready-to-use apps for amateur sporting events. We successfully launched our latest app, PikaPage Athlete Registration and Check-in System, last year for The City Cup International Dragon Boat Championship in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. My vision is to make amateur sporting events in Japan more user-friendly.

Why did you choose Fukuoka to start your business?
I chose Fukuoka because the city center is near the sea (I love sailing) and it’s also near the airport. Fukuoka is cheaper and less crowded than larger cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. It also has a nice climate as well as beautiful parks and museums.

What advice do you have for people considering starting a business in Fukuoka?
If you are single, Fukuoka is perfect and you will love it immediately. If you have kids, first research schools and what is available for your kid’s age. Everything should start after you find the right school for your kids. Feel free to contact me for my experience!

Start Up in Fukuoka

For entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Japan, Fukuoka is the best option. We will do our best to support you, so please reach out to us on our contact form and let us know more about your business plan. In addition, the Global Startup Center is available to help entrepreneurs with important tasks such as obtaining visas, localization, and a great deal more. We are looking forward to hearing from you!