Explore exciting job opportunities at Innovation Dojo Japan and become part of a dynamic team dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Kansai as a Gateway for Global Innovation: Reflections from GSE 2025
At the Global Startup EXPO 2025 (GSE 2025), held within the Osaka World Expo, our CEO Joshua Flannery of Innovation Dojo Japan joined a packed session on “Promoting Solutions to Global Issues through Collaboration with Overseas Startup Ecosystems in the Kansai Region.”
The event brought together diplomats, corporates, universities, investors, and startups across Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe, highlighting just how international and applied the Kansai startup ecosystem has become.
The session was moderated by an Innovation Analyst Andy Kondo , representing the Kansai ecosystem and featured an impressive line-up of panelists:
- Marc Kuipers, Consul-general for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Osaka
- Dr. Felix Moesner, Swiss Consul, Head of Post
- Dr. Yoshiki Sawa, Chairman, Organization for Advanced Healthcare Innovation
- Joren Tangelder (Co-founder, Hydyx) and Jeyran Hezaveh (CEO, AVAtronics), founders entering Japan via Kansai
Together, they shared perspectives on how global ecosystems and Japan can collaborate to address pressing challenges.
Key Themes from the Discussion
- Government and institutional support
Public programs and local institutions play a vital role in helping startups connect with the right partners, networks, and market entry pathways. Kansai in particular is developing concrete support frameworks for international innovators. - Local networks matter
Success in Japan requires more than entry, it depends on building trusted relationships. Time, patience, and cultural understanding are critical to establishing long-term partnerships with corporations and universities. - Kansai as a gateway
Panelists agreed that starting in Kansai provides startups with access to a dense industrial base, while also serving as a strategic launchpad to expand into Japan’s wider market.
Founders Joren Tangelder and Jeyran Hezaveh provided real-world insights, sharing what has worked for them in Japan, the challenges they encountered, and how Kansai has served as a practical base for their expansion journey.
Why Kansai?
In his remarks, Josh emphasized why Kansai should be considered as an entry point into Japan for global founders:
- Diverse industrial base: Kansai hosts a large B2B market across heavy industry, medtech and diagnostics, energy and utilities, advanced manufacturing, electronics, food, and mobility.
- Academic and municipal partners: Universities and local government programs are eager to collaborate with international startups, and are already driving successful partnerships.
- Strategic geography: With Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe all within an easy commute, Kansai offers a large market with less local competition and lower business operating costs compared to Tokyo.
Josh also cautioned against common mistakes: over-assimilating into Japanese culture at the expense of a startup’s unique strengths, and failing to clearly define Japan’s role within a company’s global expansion strategy.

Looking Ahead
GSE 2025 underscored Kansai’s role as a gateway for international startups tackling global challenges. With its diverse industries, strong institutions, government backing, and an increasingly international outlook, the region offers real and lasting opportunities for founders committed to entering the Japanese market.
At Innovation Dojo Japan, we remain dedicated to building these cross-border bridges and supporting global founders in creating impactful solutions in partnership with the Kansai ecosystem.
Position Title
Junior Position / Project Coordinator
Purpose of the Role
Innovation Dojo Japan LLC is a globally focused innovation support company with team members based across Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe region), Tokyo, and Sydney, Australia.
With the goal of developing and supplying the most diversity-focused talent and technology ecosystem in Japan, we operate through a highly diverse team across the following three areas:
- Entrepreneurial talent development through joint programs with domestic and international universities
- Startup community management and support for foreign companies entering Japan in collaboration with government agencies
- Business development and fundraising support services through extensive networks with corporations, venture capital firms, and other stakeholders
To support operations at our Kobe base and across Japan, we are seeking a coordinator who can provide cross-functional support across multiple projects. Working closely with the CEO, directors, and project managers, this role will help manage multiple parallel projects and serve as a core position supporting the company’s growth.
Responsibilities and Duties
In both Japanese and English, the successful candidate will work with internal stakeholders such as the CEO, directors, and managers to support and operate multiple projects, including:
- General project management support
- Project coordination through communication with clients
- Document preparation and deliverables under team guidance
- Assisting with coordination among staff and other stakeholders
- Email correspondence, presentation/report preparation, and data entry
- Scheduling and coordinating meetings
- Language support/translation as required
- Event and program operation support
- PR and promotional activities via social media and email
- Scheduling and logistical coordination for speakers and stakeholders
- Operational support across Kobe and the Kansai region (mainly Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe)
- Back-office support including office operations and document shipping
- Coordination with external specialists as required
- Proactively proposing and implementing operational efficiency improvements upon approval
Location, Compensation, and Benefits
Work Location
Kobe office (Chuo-ku, Kobe) or remote work
Working Hours
Assumed 40 hours per week
Salary
Determined based on experience and skills
Monthly salary range: JPY 280,000–380,000
Holidays and Leave
- Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
- Summer holidays
- New Year holidays
- Annual paid leave
Benefits
- Employment insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Employee pension insurance
- Health insurance
- Transportation allowance
Employment Type
Full-time employee with probation period (3 months)
Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications
Required
- Native-level Japanese and conversational English ability
- Approximately 2–5 years of professional work experience
Preferred
- Interest in building a career in the innovation and technology industry
- Interest in working with international colleagues and clients
- Experience in project coordination or administrative support (industry not specified)
- TOEIC score of 800 or equivalent English proficiency
- Basic PC skills (Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace)
Position Title
Project Assistant (Assigned to Individual Projects)
Purpose of the Role
Innovation Dojo Japan LLC is a globally focused innovation support company with team members based across Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe region), Tokyo, and Sydney, Australia.
With the goal of developing and supplying the most diversity-focused talent and technology ecosystem in Japan, we operate through a highly diverse team across the following three areas:
- Entrepreneurial talent development through joint programs with domestic and international universities
- Startup community management and support for foreign companies entering Japan in collaboration with government agencies
- Business development and fundraising support services through extensive networks with corporations, venture capital firms, and other stakeholders
We are seeking assistants to support the practical operations of specific projects (entrepreneurship development programs, startup incubation, business development and fundraising support, etc.) while working closely with designated project managers. This role is intended primarily for project-based outsourcing or part-time arrangements, with flexibility depending on the applicant’s expertise and availability.
Responsibilities and Duties
Under the direction of the assigned project manager, the successful candidate will support the following tasks related to their assigned project:
- Project progress management
- Schedule coordination, meeting minutes, and task management
- Document and design preparation
- Communication with clients, participating companies, and mentors
- Email correspondence and data entry/organization
- Language support/translation as required
- Event and workshop operation support (online/offline)
- Scheduling and logistical arrangements for speakers and participants
- Assistance with PR and promotional activities via social media and email
Location, Compensation, and Working Conditions
Work Location
Primarily remote work (attendance at events in the Kansai region may be required)
Preferably based in Kobe City or Hyogo Prefecture
Working Hours
Approx. 2–4 days per week / 4–8 hours per day depending on project requirements
Compensation
Hourly wage: JPY 1,400–2,000
(Determined based on experience and skills)
Contract Type
Independent contractor agreement or part-time employment (negotiable)
Contract Period
Until project completion (minimum 3 months, renewable)
Other
Remote communication will primarily use online tools such as Zoom, Slack, and Google Workspace.
Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications
Required
- Native-level Japanese and conversational English ability
- Practical experience in project coordination and operations
(Any industry; may include administrative or management-related work but is not limited to those areas)
Preferred
- Interest in building a career in the innovation and technology industry
- Interest in working with international colleagues and clients
- Comfortable using online tools such as Zoom, Slack, and Google Workspace
Position Title
Long-Term Intern
Purpose of the Role
Innovation Dojo Japan LLC is a globally focused innovation support company with team members based across Kansai (Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe region), Tokyo, and Sydney, Australia.
With the goal of developing and supplying the most diversity-focused talent and technology ecosystem in Japan, we operate through a highly diverse team across the following three areas:
- Entrepreneurial talent development through joint programs with domestic and international universities
- Startup community management and support for foreign companies entering Japan in collaboration with government agencies
- Business development and fundraising support services through extensive networks with corporations, venture capital firms, and other stakeholders
We are seeking long-term interns who can contribute to our business operations while learning directly through hands-on experience. Rather than performing only routine administrative work, interns will participate in projects from the same perspective as employees, including research, document creation, event operations, and client support. This role offers valuable practical experience for students with strong interests in startups and global business.
Responsibilities and Duties
Under the guidance of assigned staff members, interns will support one or more of the following tasks in Japanese (and English where required):
- General project management support
- Research (overseas startups, industry trends, client company background research)
- Assistance with preparing materials, meeting minutes, and reports
- Event and program operation support
- Support for workshops and pitch events
- Assistance with PR and promotional activities via social media and email
- Article writing
- Event reports and interviews
- Proactively proposing and implementing operational efficiency improvements upon approval
Location, Compensation, and Working Conditions
Work Location
Primarily remote work (attendance at events in the Kansai region may be required)
Working Hours
Minimum 3 hours per day / minimum 2 days per week during weekdays between 10:00–18:00
Hourly Wage
JPY 1,200–1,400 per hour
(Negotiable depending on experience and skills)
Transportation
Full transportation reimbursement
Contract Type and Period
Paid internship (part-time/casual employment)
Minimum employment period: 3 months
(1-month probation period applies)
Start Date
Flexible / rolling basis
Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications
Required
- Currently enrolled in a university or graduate school
(No restrictions on year level or major) - Conversational English ability
(Reading/writing skills preferred) - Motivated to learn proactively and take initiative
Preferred
- Native-level Japanese (not mandatory)
- Strong interest in innovation, technology, startups, and international business
- Interest in working with international colleagues and clients
- Basic PC skills (Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace)
Application Method and Application Period (Common to All Positions)
If you are interested in any of the above positions, please send your resume and a brief self-introduction to the contact person below:
Recruitment manager japan@innovationdojo.com.au
Please include the position title in the email subject line
(example: “Application – Junior Position”).
Application deadline: July 15, 2026
We look forward to receiving your application.
Company Overview
Company Name
Innovation Dojo Japan LLC
Representative
Co-Founder & CEO: Joshua Flannery (Executive Officer)
Established
2021 (July 5, Reiwa 3)
Listing Status
Unlisted
Business Activities
Services business (entrepreneurship development and innovation support)
Address
4-1-14 Isogami-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
(Sannomiya Sky Building, 120 WORKPLACE KOBE)
Website
Innovation Dojo Japan was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2016 with the mission:
“Where ordinary people make extraordinary impacts.”
Since its establishment, the company has built experience and expertise around three core pillars:
- Entrepreneurial talent development
- Startup incubation
- Business development and fundraising support related to innovation
Moving forward, together with our mission and vision, we will continue leveraging our global connections to contribute to the growth and development of entrepreneurship and innovation.



