Startups Utilize SusHi Tech to Promote Unique Products, Services

By Nobuo Ishizaki / Japan News Staff Writer

20:00 JST, April 27, 2026

The Tokyo metropolitan government is accelerating its efforts to support startups capable of competing on the global stage, and it is utilizing SusHi Tech Tokyo as a platform to connect domestic and international companies, as well as investors.

In front of booths set up by various companies and local governments at Tokyo Big Sight, where SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 began on Monday, representatives from each entity eagerly promoted their technologies, products and services in business talks with interested visitors.

A small foldable bike caught the attention of visitors at the booth of Tokyo-based Icoma Inc., which was exhibiting at the event for the second consecutive year. The company has been developing its products through a process that begins with creating miniatures similar to small toys and then developing them based on those prototypes.

The Tatamel Bike is one such product. When used as a bike, it measures 1,234 millimeters in length, 650 millimeters in width and 1,000 millimeters in height, but when folded, it is compacted to 690 millimeters in length, 250 millimeters in width and 650 millimeters in height. President Takamitsu Ikoma said, “For a small company like ours, it’s difficult to actually build prototypes, so we’d like to collaborate with larger companies to move forward with product development.”

During last year’s exhibition as well, the company expanded its network with firms interested in its technology. The company also has exhibited at similar overseas trade shows, and Ikoma said, “We are grateful there is an event of this scale here in Japan.”

This year, a record 770 entities including many startups exhibited their technologies, services and research results.

Hamamatsu-based Pi Photonics Inc. showcased lighting products utilizing its unique technology. The company has been strengthening its overseas expansion for several years and has spread its sales channels to countries such as the United States. They said they plan to continue expanding their overseas business.

Pi Photonics CEO Takahiro Ikeda said, “Since this event brings together not only domestic and international companies but also local governments from various regions, it is very helpful for expanding our network.”

On the day, representatives from a major South Korean manufacturer stopped by the Pi Photonics booth, received an explanation of its future business plans and exchanged contact information. “This connection may serve as a stepping stone for us to expand our business into South Korea in the future,” Ikeda said.

Huynh Cong-Thang Emba, who runs a consulting firm for a sustainable society in Vietnam, expressed interest in companies with ecosystem-related technologies. “We see [the] Japanese government supporting startups, and we are exploring … how we can support them,” Huynh said.