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On June 19, 2025, a special event hosted by Peatix took place at the “TEAM EXPO Pavilion” within the Future Life Village of the Osaka–Kansai Expo. Themed around “co-creation,” experts from diverse fields shared practical know-how, real-world experiences, and the challenges they’ve faced and overcome in a series of live storytelling sessions.
In this session, Kanako Murase, Senior Program Manager at Innovation Dojo Japan (IDJ), spoke about key insights from IDJ’s support for cross-border collaboration.
1. Recognize the differences
Recognize the differences in business customs and adjust timelines and approval/trust-building processes accordingly. Japanese firms typically rely on careful, multi-stage approval chains. Startups, by contrast, favor speed and a “test–adjust–iterate” culture. Understanding these approaches is vital.
2.Don’t overlook nuances in wording
When international firms say “yes,” they usually mean “understood and agreed.” But in Japan, “yes” can simply mean “I’ll look into it,” as a polite response. Clarifying acceptance versus politeness is crucial to avoid misaligned expectations.
3. Master expectation management
With cross-border projects, it’s essential from the outset to structure the process carefully. Japanese firms often pursue a “finished product,” while startups typically begin with a minimal viable product (MVP). Agreeing in advance when, what level of output, and how to share progress can help prevent friction later on.
In conclusion, for cross-border collaboration to truly succeed, it’s essential to “know differences, adapt processes, and nurture relationships.” The aim isn’t just tangible results—the real value lies in designing and implementing a meaningful co-creation process. That very mindset and structure are what generate lasting innovation.
Innovation Dojo Japan is accelerating Japan’s innovation ecosystem from a strategic, design-oriented standpoint—specializing in cross-border collaboration from end to end.
On July 2–4,one of Japan’s largest startup conferences, IVS Kyoto 2025returned to Miyakomesse and ROHM Theatre under the theme “Reshape Japan with Global Minds”.The event brought together over 12,000 attendees and 300 startups, showcasing global innovation and highlighting Japan’s evolving startup landscape.
At the “TEAM EXPO Pavilion” within the Future Life Village at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, Peatix hosted a special event titled “Event Salon Kansai in EXPO 2025 – The Future of Co‑creation Emerging from Events & Communities.” At this event, IDJ’s Senior Program Manager, Kanako Murase, participated in a panel discussion, speaking around the theme: “How can overseas startups and Japanese companies truly achieve results through co‑creation?”
