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Here are 50 Japanese startups to watch, selected as a cross-sector discovery list from the official J-Startup roster, its 2025 selections, and Tokyo’s August 2026 SusHi Tech Global group. The list is non-ranked: “rising” here means worth following, not a verified measure of revenue growth, funding, valuation, hiring, or adoption.
How to read this list
The shortlist combines three recognition signals: the J-Startup roster, 31 companies newly selected by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on March 13, 2025, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s fifth SusHi Tech Global group, announced in August 2026. These sources offer ways to discover companies, but they do not establish that every company on this list belongs to each program. Inclusion reflects the curated roster and the supplied sector categories, not a common performance test.
J-Startup selections follow recommendations by outside experts and make selected companies eligible for government measures and assistance from private supporters. Tokyo describes SusHi Tech support as potentially including funding and hands-on assistance, subject to program terms and caps. Neither selection is proof of revenue growth, profitability, product-market fit, or investment quality.
The 50 companies below are grouped by sector for easier scanning, not ranked within or across groups. A program selection, a company’s own statements, and independently measured commercial results are different kinds of evidence; they should not be treated as interchangeable.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
50 Japanese startups to watch
AI
- Sakana AI
- Orange Inc.
- ABEJA, Inc.
- ExaWizards Inc.
- Preferred Networks, Inc.
- Asilla Inc.
ICT, digital services, and community software
- Commune Inc.
- Caulis Inc.
- Graffer, Inc.
- QUANDO, Inc.
Industrial technology, manufacturing, and materials
- CADDi, Inc.
- EneCoat Technologies Co., Ltd.
- EF Polymer K.K.
- K.K. SUN METALON
- Elephantech Inc.
- Kyulux, Inc.
- Ookuma Diamond Device Co., Ltd.
Aerospace and space
- ispace, inc.
- ArkEdge Space Inc.
- Astroscale Japan Inc.
- Axelspace Corporation
- Synspective Inc.
- GITAI Japan, Inc.
- ElevationSpace Inc.
- SPACE ONE CO., LTD.
- Orbital Lasers Co., Ltd.
Energy
- Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd.
- Helical Fusion Co., Ltd.
Medical technology, digital health, and biotechnology
- AI Medical Service Inc.
- CureApp, Inc.
- KAKEHASHI Inc.
- Cellusion Inc.
- Splink, Inc.
- Logomix, Inc.
- Toregem BioPharma Co., Ltd.
- Gellycle Co., Ltd.
- Global Vascular Co., Ltd.
Agriculture, environment, and aquaculture
- HarvestX Inc.
- AGRIST Inc.
- Eco-Pork co., ltd.
- Pirika, Inc.
- Innoqua Inc.
Mobility and services
- akippa Inc.
- WHILL, Inc.
- Aeronext Inc.
Robotics
- ugo, Inc.
- Connected Robotics Inc.
- GROOVE X
Social impact and assistive products
- HERALBONY Co., Ltd.
- Magic Shields, Inc.
What the selection signals do—and do not—tell you
Program recognition is a discovery signal
METI announced 31 new J-Startup selections on March 13, 2025, following recommendations by outside experts. Selection brings eligibility for government measures and support from private supporters; it does not, on its own, show how quickly a company is growing or whether its business is profitable.
Tokyo announced 18 companies in the fifth SusHi Tech Global group in August 2026. The city describes possible support such as funding and hands-on assistance, with program terms and caps applying. That recognition is geographically focused and should not be read as a nationwide performance ranking.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Japan’s startup landscape spans more than software
J-Startup’s categories include AI, ICT, services, mobility, robotics, medical technology and biotechnology, environment and energy, aerospace, and manufacturing and materials. The roster’s breadth helps explain why this list includes companies working in fields such as industrial production, space, health, agriculture, and assistive products alongside AI and digital services.
A 2024–2025 analysis by FIRSTLIGHT Capital found that Japanese AI startups in its valuation-based sample often targeted particular industries, including robotics, manufacturing, logistics, and medicine. Its sample was limited to startups whose latest funding round was in 2020 or later, and its top-30 list used assumed valuations at funding. Those figures are not current market valuations, and the analysis does not represent every Japanese startup.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Examples with primary-source context
Sakana AI describes itself as a Tokyo-based frontier AI research and development company founded in 2023. ispace states an ambition centered on lunar resources and space infrastructure. Those company descriptions help illustrate the range of the list, but they are not independent evidence of commercial success.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare companies on the list
There is no single comparable performance metric in the selection sources for all 50 companies. A useful comparison starts by defining what “rising” means for your purpose, then checks each company against evidence appropriate to that question.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Sector and business: Identify the market the company serves and whether it sells software, services, hardware, or a combination.
- Stage and geography: Check the company’s current operating status, headquarters, and markets served using its current materials.
- Commercial traction: Look for dated evidence such as disclosed customers, recurring revenue, deployments, or independently reported adoption. Do not substitute selection-program status for traction.
- Funding and valuation: Compare round dates, amounts, and terms only where they are reported on a consistent basis. A historical or assumed valuation is not a current market value.
- Recognition: Record which program selected a company and when, keeping that signal separate from financial or operating performance.
The Japan Investment Corporation report offers a different model for constructing a company list: it defined its scope as companies founded by Japanese entrepreneurs or headquartered in Japan, selected by market valuation, then highlighted representatives with international expansion or foreign investment. That valuation-oriented method is distinct from J-Startup and SusHi Tech program recognition.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →METI released Startup Ecosystem Research 2026 on May 21, 2026, prepared in cooperation with the Japan Venture Capital Association. The announcement describes the report’s scope, but it does not provide a basis here for stating ecosystem-wide totals.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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