Invest Tokyo

07/10/2026

From "Launching in Tokyo" to "Growing in Tokyo" – Free BDCT Support

Many companies know BDCT is a gateway to establishing a business in Tokyo. But did you know that our support continues long after your company is set up?

To date, BDCT has supported innovators from around the world in entering and growing in the Japanese market, particularly in sectors such as AI, fintech, and cybersecurity.

BDCT provides free, tailored support at every stage of your business journey, including:

✅ Company establishment and registration
✅ Connections with legal, tax, and other professional advisors
✅ Market information and business resources
✅ Sales channel development and business matching with potential partners
✅ Guidance on administrative procedures

From establishing a presence in Tokyo to taking your business to the next stage, BDCT is here to support your continued growth.

Learn more about how we can guide your next steps in Tokyo: https://www.investtokyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/oursupports/bdc-tokyo/flow.html

30/09/2026

Why Tokyo Is a Compelling Choice for Global Fintech Companies

When U.S. digital asset fintech firm System 9—already established in the U.K., Dubai, and Singapore—set its sights on Japan, it chose Tokyo's Special Zone for Asian Headquarters and used the subsidy and support programs of the Tokyo Gov (TMG).

Desmond Tan, President and CEO of System 9 Japan, saw the opportunity clearly: "The liquidity is huge, and the potential is very high." With around ¥1,120 trillion of Japan’s household financial assets held in cash and low-interest deposits, he views Japan as a vast, untapped market for digital assets.
What made the difference wasn't just the opportunity—it was the support behind it.

Tan, a global banking veteran with over two decades of experience at institutions like Mizuho and Lloyds Bank, describes TMG's backing as a "stamp of approval" that accelerated trust with global banks and institutional partners.

Alongside this credibility, TMG provided hands-on support to help them establish their operations:

🔹 A work visa in roughly three months, compared with the six to twelve months Tan had expected
🔹 Introductions to immigration and corporate lawyers, and to an accounting firm
🔹 Support in securing a local corporate bank account, which is critical for conducting business in Japan

For Tan, this reflects something essential about doing business here. "In Japan, slow is fast," he says. "By respecting their need for detail, you build trust—and trust is the real currency of Japanese business." He sees Japan's strict but predictable rules as a genuine strength: "Japan gives digital assets a stable 'legal home.'"

With this support in place, Tan remains confident in Tokyo's potential.

For companies weighing where to anchor their Asian operations, Tokyo offers a rare combination: deep markets, a stable legal environment, and a government that actively helps you get established.

Tokyo isn't just a place to open an office—it's where your Asian hub can grow. 🌏

09/09/2026

The next breakthrough in climate action could come from Tokyo.

For a climate breakthrough, the hardest part isn't the science — it's the long road innovators must travel before their technology reaches the market. Tokyo is stepping in with the capital to see them through.

To accelerate the deep tech solutions powering the city's transition to net zero, the Tokyo Gov (TMG) has committed a combined ¥5 billion to two VC funds under its GX Innovation Promotion Support Fund.

The first was launched in December 2025 by MIRAISOZO INVESTMENTS Inc. — anchored by ¥3 billion from TMG and targeting ¥6 billion overall — taking advantage of the fund managers’ strength in supporting startups from the research stage through to the point where an IPO becomes a viable option.

The second, established this March by BUILD Inc. with ¥2 billion from TMG, is raising toward an ¥8–10 billion target, building on the founders' track record in deep tech company creation and bringing together academia with industry, government and finance.

Both funds primarily invest in seed-stage startups advancing decarbonization and deep tech, providing critical capital to bridge the gap between laboratory research and market deployment, and ultimately strengthening Tokyo's innovation ecosystem.

03/09/2026

Ready to put your sustainable finance initiatives on the global map?

Applications are now open for the Tokyo Financial Award 2026 - Sustainability Category!

Winners will be recognized by the Tokyo Gov at the official Awards Ceremony — with a select few honored across the Investment, Business, and Talent Development categories. Among these winners, one initiative demonstrating exceptional achievement in green finance will also receive the Governor's Special Award.

If you are leading efforts in sustainable finance or talent development, check out the details below and apply!

❇️Applications Now Open: Tokyo Financial Award 2026 – Sustainability Category❇️

Following the strong response and numerous applications received for the Financial Innovation Category, the Sustainability Category of the Tokyo Financial Award 2026 is now open for applications🏆

We welcome submissions from businesses undertaking outstanding initiatives in sustainable finance, including projects, investment activities, and human resource development that contribute to the realization of a sustainable society. We encourage eligible organizations to apply.

■ Application Period
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 17:00 - Friday, October 30, 2026 at 23:59 (Japan Time)

■ Application Subcategories and Themes
[Investment and Business Subcategory]
・Market Development and Wider Adoption of Sustainable Finance
・Environment
・Social
・Governance
[Sustainable Finance Human Resources Development Subcategory]
・Enhancing Basic Understanding and Literacy
・Enhancing Practical Capabilities and Specialized Skills
・Developing Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge and Leadership

For details and application information:
https://www.finaward.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en/esg/

We look forward to receiving your applications!
If you know organizations who may be interested, we would greatly appreciate it if you could share this information with them.

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31/08/2026

Tokyo's GX Legacy: Backing the World's Green Innovators

Tokyo Gov has long worked to power the city's Green Transformation — from the GX Innovation Promotion Support Fund to a wide range of programs designed to accelerate Tokyo's shift to a greener future.

One of them stood out for opening Tokyo's doors to cutting-edge deep tech from abroad.

Through the "GX-related Foreign Company Tokyo Market Entry Support Program," TMG invited firms developing advanced and innovative technologies to establish a Japanese entity within Tokyo's Special Zone for Asian Headquarters and collaborate with local partners on groundbreaking innovation.

The support was substantial: public relations, business matching, and regulatory advice — plus subsidies of up to ¥50 million (covering 100% of eligible expenses) in the first year, with additional tapered support over three more years.

In its most recent round, in FY2025, seven firms earned the city's backing — from US firm Ryp Labs, whose "StixFresh" sticker extends the shelf life of fresh produce, to Latvia's Fortes, which designs and manufactures biomass power plants using wood gasification technology.

They joined a remarkable roster. Over the years, companies from Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, Finland, Australia, Singapore and beyond set up shop in Tokyo — spanning everything from AI-driven grid optimization and fusion energy to hydrogen storage and battery technology.

From food-tech to power grids, the world's GX innovators have found a home in Tokyo — and that legacy continues to shape the city's green future.

19/08/2026

TOSBEC: The essential launchpad for Tokyo startups! 🚀

📑 The Tokyo One-Stop Business Establishment Center (TOSBEC) provides assistance to ambitious entrepreneurs in navigating the procedural complexities of establishing a business in Japan’s capital.

💭 Even if you are not quite ready to register your company, our professional consultants are available to address any questions you may have, entirely for free.

🧑‍🏫 Don't forget our events! We regularly host seminars on the latest industry trends and topics. Check out our webpage for upcoming dates and see how our experts can help scale your business! (1*)

What our services cover:
From incorporating a company to tax registration requirements, we offer guidance to entrepreneurs in preparing and submitting necessary paperwork, all at one location: TOSBEC.

The core services include:
- 📑 Business Establishment Support: Helping you navigate through all the necessary procedures to successfully kick off your operation.

- 🤝 Consultation Support: Our Small and Medium Enterprise Consultants offer expert guidance from legal affairs to business management plans.

- 🌐 Multilingual Support: In addition to assistance in English, interpretation in multiple languages can be arranged. Please note that interpreter arrangements may require advance notice.

(1*) https://www.startup-support.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/onestop/event/en/

12/08/2026

IRSC Is Here to Support Your Life in Tokyo

Expanding your in Tokyo is a huge opportunity — but unfamiliar procedures and language barriers can make the process look challenging.

The International Residents Support Center TOKYO (IRSC TOKYO), operated by the Tokyo Gov, offers free consultations on daily life matters for foreign nationals residing in Tokyo or planning to reside in Tokyo, including , employees, researchers, and their family members.

Whether you have everyday concerns or need assistance with housing, opening a bank account, administrative procedures, healthcare, or education, IRSC TOKYO provides clear guidance in English on the necessary procedures and available support services.

When needed, our staff can accompany you to the relevant offices or service providers, provide on-site interpretation and assistance with preparing documents, and support you through the required procedures.

From starting your new life in Tokyo to settling in, feel free to reach out to IRSC TOKYO anytime!

17/07/2026

Tokyo: A Global Business Hub, Just 30 Minutes from Haneda

What makes stand out as a business destination is how quickly it connects people to opportunity.

Just recently, Tokyo’s Haneda Airport was bumped up to world's third busiest airport by Airports Council International, just behind Atlanta and Dubai.

For business, this reflects the smooth, growing flow of people, goods and capital — one of many appeals of doing business in Tokyo.

Haneda's greatest advantage lies in its accessibility. Located just 15 km from central Tokyo, the airport provides seamless access to the city's business and districts, allowing visitors to reach the heart of Tokyo in under 30 minutes.

That kind of access is exactly what makes Tokyo such an easy place to do business: partners, clients, and talent are never far away.
With exceptional accessibility, Tokyo offers an ideal foundation for building your global business presence — we invite you to make it your base.

08/07/2026

Here's a smarter way to launch a business in .

For overseas asset management companies and firms eyeing Japan's capital, the Tokyo Gov (TMG) offers direct financial support to help cover eligible establishment costs— from office rent to personnel recruitment costs and expert consultation fee.

Through the Overseas Financial Corporation Establishment and Support Subsidy Program, the TMG covers half of eligible set-up costs — up to ¥15 million for FinTechs and asset management firms and up to ¥20 million for licensed asset management companies.

Ready to take the next step? Start by reaching out to Business Development Center Tokyo (BDCT), your first point of contact for navigating the application process and connecting with TMG.

For firms considering Tokyo as their next base of operations, this is a rare opportunity to establish a presence with reduced up-front costs and risks through support from TMG, which is actively investing in the city's future as a global financial hub.

Application deadline: December 25, 2026

Learn more: https://www.sangyo-rodo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/gfct/initiatives/nurturing-players/attract-company/establishment-subsidy-eng

02/07/2026

Tokyo at London Climate Action Week!

Last week, the Tokyo Gov (TMG) participated in the UK-Japan Transition Finance Forum 2026, held in London during London Action Week (link below), to showcase its initiative on sustainable and the TOKYO Resilience Bond issued in 2025 on the international stage.

The bond is the world’s first bond certified under the Climate Standard, through its new Resilience Criteria and Taxonomy, to facilitate investment in climate change adaptation.

Under the Resilience Bond, the use of proceeds is exclusively dedicated to critical infrastructure that strengthens Tokyo's physical resilience against increasingly severe floods and storms—including widening small and medium-sized rivers for flood control, and reinforcing river and coastal protection facilities and landslide prevention. By directing the proceeds into such measures, Tokyo aims to implement the Tokyo Resilience Project and protect the lives and livelihoods of its 14 million residents.

On the ground, the resilience bond drew a particularly positive response. There was a growing sense of interest in climate measures — not only emission reduction (mitigation) but, increasingly, adaptation — and at the same time, the importance of transition as a mitigation measure was once again strongly reaffirmed. Working closely with London, Tokyo will continue to advance its efforts toward a sustainable and resilient society.

https://londonclimateactionweek.org/event/uk-japan-transition-finance-forum-2026/

Images: Forum / TMG briefing at the roundtable