Our top 5 reasons for starting up in Sendai.
Current Population of Sendai
* Source: http://citypopulation.de
You’ll be located for success
Northern Japan is open to foreign migration like never before. As the second largest city north of Tokyo, Sendai boasts an increasing population of over 1 million, and welcomes over 2 million visitors a year . Ranked as the 4th highest city in all of Japan for both it’s ratio of students & Research & Development Centers, you’ll be positioned in one of the best locations to connect with rising leaders and promising graduates from Sendai’s many outstanding Universities who are waiting and ready to connect with dynamic companies . As just one example, Tohoku University in the heart of Sendai currently enrols over 3000 international students, and has over 2000 local and exchange students participating in their Future Global Leadership Program. Sendai boasts strong engineering schools and over 10,000 non-Japanese residents a year. The possibilities to connect with talented individuals to catapult your business forward are endless.
* Source: industry in sendai 2016 by Sendai city, Japan Power Cities 2018 study by the institute for urban strategies-the mori memorial foundation, tohoku university global learning center.
All the convenience of A big city, with the comfort of your hometown
Just 1.5 hours by Bullet train from Tokyo, and a short flight from Shanghai, South Korea, Hong Kong, Seoul and more, Sendai puts you right in the heart of East Asia, yet remains one of Japan’s top 10 most liveable cities.
Nicknamed the “City of Trees” Sendai boasts nature unlike anywhere else in Japan with incredible waterfalls, ski resorts, parks, and is home to one of Japan’s “3 Scenic Places”, Matsushima Bay.
Also home to Tohoku International School, Meysen English Academy, and other World IB schools, Sendai is incredibly suited to families and individuals alike. With its affordable rent, large living spaces, unparalleled safety and some of the best weather in all of Japan, few places offer a better environment to start up your new company.
SENDAI’S ENTREPRENEUR SPIRIT
One quality unique to Sendai is the heart of the people and the overwhelming entrepreneur spirit.
Following the 2011 Tsunami and Earthquake disasters, Sendai is not just recovered, it’s moving forward, and the hearts of the people are burning strong today. There is a strength and community spirit that comes from this resilience, and you don’t need to go far to see incredible businesses rising up, and impacting the face of Japan for the future.
To learn more about Sendai’s recovery and entrepreneur spirit, we recommend the documentary “LAUNCH Tohoku” which highlights many of Sendai’s entrepreneurs and Sendai’s story of recovery.
practical Support at your doorstep
Sendai is brimming with organisations waiting to support you, share their expertise and guide you through the setup process, and Ignite Sendai are here to help you. From applying for a Business Startup Visa, seeking advice or mentorship from one of our international team, finding accomodation for you and your family, or navigating through the ins and outs of living in a foreign country, we are here to help.
Ignite Sendai Startups works closely with officials from the City of Sendai, Immigration Lawyers, experienced businesspeople and entrepreneurs and is made up of foreigners just like yourself who call Sendai home.
We can’t wait to meet you.
You’ll have access to unique Startup programs developed with you in mind
Sendai City boasts one of Japan’s Startup Business Visa Programs making it easier for foreign nationals to start a business in Japan. This program gives the Startup Business Visa Holder a 6 month head start on Japan’s Business Visa Requirements, allowing you the time and support to get your feet on the ground and develop your business forward for success.
You can read more about Sendai’s Startup Visa Program here, and at Ignite Sendai, we’d be happy to help you.