Networking in Japan and building that network is like planting seeds, the more seeds you plant and the more you nurture it, the more fruit it will bear in the future. Despite what others may say, getting a job or getting a client isn’t 100% based on your qualifications or the best product, a lot of it is who you know. The best jobs and getting new clients often come from referrals in Japan and is a critical aspect for anyone serious about doing business in Japan long-term.
In this article, we will explore all that you need to know about networking in Japan, unveiling the cultural intricacies, unwrapping the secrets of successful connections, and guiding you toward mastering the art of building relationships. This will not only elevate your professional journey but also immerse you in the captivating tapestry of Japan’s vibrant social landscape.
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Where Can I Network in Japan?
Japan hosts various networking events, each bahamas phone number library tailored to different audiences while accommodating a wide range of participants. These gatherings offer opportunities for job seekers, students, business owners, and freelancers to connect and grow. Whether you’re aiming to expand your industry contacts, collaborate, or enhance your skills, Japan’s networking events provide a diverse and inclusive platform for meaningful interactions and are commonly found on sites such as
- Eventbrite (English and Japanese)
- Meetup (English)
- Peatix (Japanese)
- Facebook (English and Japanese)
Networking events for entrepreneurs/startups
There’s a range of networking events available for entrepreneurs in Tokyo but if you’re looking to help your start-up gain some traction and begin networking in Japan faster, consider joining an accelerator. To find the right accelerator for you, head to our article on Start-up accelerators in Japan. Here is a list of networking events for entrepreneurs in Tokyo:
- Venture Cafe at Cambridge Innovations Center Japan (English events)
CIC supports the growth of startups by holding regular meet-ups/lunches for networking in Japan. Around the world, CIC has created a network of bright and hopeful entrepreneurs and it’s no different in Tokyo.
- FuckUp Nights Tokyo (English Events)
Failure Sucks, but Instruct! FuckUp Nights is a community of people who share the experiences and learnings from their business failures. They are a global community in more than 185 cities across 62 countries.
- Startuplady (English events)
Startup Lady is an international community dedicated to bridging the gap between dreamers and women entrepreneurial leaders by inspiring, challenging, and equipping motivated individuals.
- FEW Japan (English events)
FEW is a collective of globally-minded, English-speaking women who motivate, inspire, and connect with one another through powerful programming, intimate gatherings for networking in Japan, and a constant exchange of ideas.
Networking events for students
Finding the right events for networking as a student is difficult. But, try to look in the right spots. Job or opportunity boards from schools often post about upcoming events with companies in which you can begin your journey of networking in Japan. Job fairs are a great place to meet other foreign students and begin networking in Japan. They may have also obtained a job at a company. If you’re able to connect well with one of the recruiters, this might even help you improve your resume, direct you to companies that might hire you, and ultimately, get hired. Take a look at these circles or other international groups in and out of your university as well as a few job fairs that you can enter:
- Tokyo International Students Hangout
This is an example of clubs and circles that help introduce you to other international students in Japan. Make sure to check if the club meets according to your schedule.
- GlobalLeader DOORS GL Job Fair
They have free registrations and hold most of their events online now. Companies in this job fair will center on the science and automotive industries. If you’re currently studying a STEM-based degree, make sure to check this out.
- MyNavi
With numerous companies presenting, MyNavi is dedicated to job accrual and matching for international students. Linked above is their latest online event. Their future dates are TBA.
- Oshitogo
Oshitogo regularly holds online and offline job events for both international and Japanese students. Make sure to stay tuned to their website for the latest updates.
Events in other areas of Japan
- Start-up Guild Osaka (Japanese and English events, mainly Japanese)
Startup Guild is an organization aimed at developing local startup ecosystems through speaking sessions, networking events, and support. They hold regular events with speakers and are usually free to sign up to.
- Entrepreneur’s Organization North Japan (Mainly Japanese events)
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a 3 niche influencers you can use to improve your marketing global, peer-to-peer network of more than 18,000+ influential business owners with 220 chapters in 75+ countries. which makes this a great option for networking in Japan and beyond This organization is mainly centered on high net worth entrepreneurs. This organization has a few chapters around Japan such as EO Central Tokyo, EO North Japan, EO Tokyo Metropolitan, EO Kyoto, EO Osaka, EO Kyushu, EO Nagoya, and EO Hokkaido.
- Lions Club Japan / Shusei Club
This club allows small medium enterprise (SME) business owners to network with monthly exchange meetings that include business card exchanging meetings, table meetings, and other social gatherings.
Additionally, for those in Fukuoka, Fukuoka Plus is a great site to learn more about events in the area.
Annual Startup Networking Events
- Takeoff Tokyo (June)
Takeoff Tokyo is mainly a 2-day pitch event for early-stage startups working on world-changing ideas and competing for the grand prize, but they also invite veteran entrepreneurs and industry experts chat sessions to share their knowledge. Networking in this event is highly encouraged and there are booths where you can schedule meetings with certain people.
- Growth for Startups (November)
The Growth Industry Conference is the country’s contact lists largest hybrid global conference and network. The event hopes to bring together eco-system builders from growth industries in Japan and abroad for the purpose of networking in Japan.