On 11 October, 2024, YOUNEEDS Co., Ltd. (“YOUNEEDS”) CEO Waka Someno had the pleasure of attending BlendTokyo: Bridging Cultures and Expanding Networks, a networking event focused around connecting members of the 90,000+ Business In Japan LinkedIn group in an offline setting. Despite this being our first time participating, we were able to engage enthusiastically with members of the international business community while exchanging insights on a wide range of topics throughout the event. We left BlendTokyo with card holders bursting with business cards and heads full of ideas.

Blending Networks

BlendTokyo was an example of the power of connection, online and offline. Australian businessman Jason Ball led the event. Jason himself has been working to facilitate interpersonal connection in Japan and beyond for many years. “I joined LinkedIn in February 2004 and have been a proactive Japan-focused networker and user of LinkedIn since then,” he recounted. Owner of the 90,000+ member LinkedIn community Business In Japan, Jason has been instrumental in helping professionals connect for more than the 16 years of the group’s history.

However, he has not been operating in a vacuum. Leveraging his personal connections, Jason put his head together with Gary Ikebe, Shingo Nakamura and Jun Matsumoto, some of LinkedIn Japan’s most connected business people. The four friends came up with the idea to create a large networking event which could unite their thousands of online connections. “The four of us decided ‘Let’s do an event together, mix our networks together,'” Jason recounted. “We came up with the name ‘BlendTokyo.'” Uniting some 57,000 professional connections, the four friends hope to continue BlendTokyo as a series of networking events positioned to help small and medium enterprises in Japan, both online and offline.

Networking, Face-to-Face

Tokyo’s international business community continues to grow, with professionals eager to expand both personal and professional networks. While platforms like LinkedIn are valuable for establishing initial connections, turning these online interactions into meaningful, face-to-face engagements can be challenging. This is why YOUNEEDS CEO Waka Someno was keen to make the journey from Osaka to Otemachi, Tokyo, to attend the BlendTokyo event. The opportunity to transform virtual connections into real-world relationships while strengthening business ties and exploring future opportunities, was invaluable. In the modern day, where online interactions can take priority over in-person meetings, such events are vital for bringing people together and creating community in Japan’s international business environment.

For non-Japanese members of the business community in Japan, establishing a foothold can be challenging without robust connections to local professionals. Networking events like BlendTokyo provide a vital platform for expanding one’s network, fostering meaningful relationships, and gaining valuable insights into the nuances of doing business in Japan. These gatherings not only facilitate introductions but also create opportunities to explore potential collaborations and partnerships, making them essential for anyone looking to thrive in this dynamic market.

International Networking in Tokyo

One of the most enjoyable aspects of BlendTokyo for our CEO was the balance between Japanese and non-Japanese professionals. The diversity of backgrounds, specialties and languages was inspiring for a business such as ours, which seeks to straddle the intersection of foreign and domestic business. This balance also allowed for a friendly and dynamic networking experience, where members could be themselves. Loud conversations, fluid groups and laughter were hallmarks of this event, where we made many new connections.

Waka shared his thoughts on the event, “I believe it’s highly beneficial for Japanese and foreign companies to have the opportunity to meet and discuss potential business collaborations in person, all in one event.” YOUNEEDS hopes to attend more in-person events like BlendToyko in the future. As ever, if you are interested in finding your feet in the Japanese market, YOUNEEDS is always ready and waiting to help. Contact us here or via our LinkedIn.

Upcoming Events & Useful Links

By engaging with both local and international professionals fosters a richer understanding of the business environment in Japan, enhancing chances of success. Here are some upcoming events and useful links which we hope will be of use to international business people in Japan.

Business + Work + Japan
Held: bi-weekly on Mondays
Details: Audio only online event, see the Business in Japan website for more details.
An informal, audio-only online networking session where you can introduce yourself and listen to experiences and advice from others in the international business community in Japan. Also hosted by Jason Ball and his close connections, this no-pressure event is a great way to dip your toes into the water of business in Japan.

Osaka International Business Meetup
Held: Knowledge Capital Congrès Convention Center, Osaka
Date: November 26 (Tues) 16:00 – 17:40
Details: See the Invest Osaka website for more details.
A business networking event in English for members of the international business community in Osaka. Supported by the Osaka Business and Investment Center (O-BIC) and organized by Osaka City, this event is an excellent way for business people based in Osaka to expand their network.

Business in Japan LinkedIn Group
Join the group here.
An active LinkedIn group with over 90,000 members. Over one third of the members live in Japan, making this a great place to meet like-minded business people in the Japan-based international business scene. Join the group to learn more about doing business in Japan as a member of the international community, as well as for the latest on networking events.

Please let us know if you have an event we can add to this list.