Yokohama has been Japan’s first international gateway since its port was opened to the world in 1859. To this day, the city is committed to attracting a diverse range of individuals and businesses from across the world, as well as to encouraging open innovation and creative human resources within the city. With this model in mind, the City of Yokohama’s International Relations Division and Policy Department has established and organized the new international convention Y-SHIP (Yokohama – Showcasing Highly Innovative Pioneers) to aid new citizens or businesses wishing to establish roots in Yokohama. In March 2023, the inaugural event was hosted in City Hall, with invited guest speakers, panel discussions, and business workshops taking place both in-person and online in conjunction with Reuters Plus.
The convention’s main goal is to give entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small business owners the chance to network with like-minded people and be introduced to local officials who can offer business support, guidance, and crucial connections with key stakeholders in the government. The March 2023 event began with opening remarks by the Mayor of Yokohama, Takeharu Yamanaka, and featured various guest speakers including the Ukrainian Ambassador, Sergiy Korsunsky, as the keynote speaker. Other panel discussions included foreigners who work or own businesses in Yokohama and who described the business environment in their home countries, and the potential scope of successful business engagement with Yokohama.
As a result of the first Y-SHIP convention, participants were able to connect locally with other businesses, providing them with a sense of security that might have taken many years to establish independently. Businesses that attended the event reported benefits such as direct involvement with city authorities, networking and interacting with other Yokohama enterprises, and, most significantly, feeling like a valued member of the local business community. The conference provided an opportunity to build beneficial ties with diverse businesses while also providing advice and tools to budding entrepreneurs at the start of their careers. These kinds of networking events are one component leading to corporate success.
Following the success of the inaugural convention, the city has planned the second annual Y-SHIP Convention 2023, which will take place over three days from November 13 to 15 at Pacifico Yokohama North. The event will include talks and panel discussions by embassy officials and persons from other countries who work in Yokohama. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to interact and network with other professionals living and working in Yokohama.
The city is constantly updating its website, available in both Japanese and English. For more information regarding the event and how to register, please scan the QR code here.
