01. Osaka for Entrepreneurs
Osaka Lets Your Japan Adventure Start Easily

Japan’s economic system started in Osaka. The metropolis has been home to many trading innovations, technology innovations, pioneering in robotics, food inventions such as instant noodles, carousel sushi, and more. Many of these breakthroughs stunned the world at EXPO 70, which is still seen as one of the most futuristic Expos of all time. The merchant community has always been at the heart of the city, driving the local development. A lot of the basic infrastructure of Osaka was built based on the needs of the people doing business. The harbor, and more recently Kansai airport, have always connected Osaka to the world, giving the city a global perspective from the beginning.

With EXPO 2025 ahead, Osaka, as well as the greater Kansai area, is in a state of constant transformation. It is becoming a smart city with a strong focus on improving the QOL (quality of everyday life and life as a whole) for people, in such fields as mobility and digital government. Innovations are important for us to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. In Japan, where the population is aging significantly, technologies, such as AgeTech, will play a key role in supporting longevity in health.-In line with the motto of EXPO 2025: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,”a new “life design” is what Osaka is ultimately aiming for, with diversity and global communities being part of a better life.

Osaka is based on a strong, well-designed, frequently updated infrastructure. No matter which particular industry, businesses need great connectivity such as reliable public transport, airports, roads and bridges, and of course co-working spaces, start-up entrepreneur visas and much more. OSAKA HAS IT ALL. Thanks to the world-class universities and research institutions present in and near the city, local industries flourish in high-tech fields such as robotics, machinery, medical technology, and pharmaceutics. Finally, what is special about the established large companies located in Osaka is that they assert that they are startup-friendly and welcome collaboration by sharing lists of companies for startups to directly contact them. Again, being open is the virtue here.

Osaka has a special culture that was always “a little different” compared to other places in Japan. The distinctive characteristic of Osaka people is humor, and they always seem to have the right “punchline” at hand. They are friendly, open and direct (making mistakes is tolerated – if you do not repeat them) – and interactions with them are not bound to complicated rituals and hierarchies. Osaka’s inhabitants and businesspeople focus more on expertise in important discussions. Although laughter surely works as a lubricant in communication in Osaka, being on point, fast and precise is what they value the most.

People who have started businesses in Osaka have always been well respected. These people, along with technology experts, visionary projects and the people at Osaka Innovation Hub and Osaka City, serve as protagonists of the Osaka story for foreign company founders. Learning from them means understanding how Osaka “ticks.”

A striking food and entertainment industry helps to gladden busy people during lunch and at night. The focus in Osaka is always on making things fast and easy while offering real value for money. Thus, dining out is cheap, rents are affordable, space for constructing new office facilities is available, and the health system is one of the best in the world. Forms of public transportation are always on time and so safe that young children are often seen commuting alone. Neighboring cities such as Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara offer nice, calm weekends away from the buzz of Osaka. Startup and tech-related events are plenty too!