UK Creativetech Startups Visit Shibuya

Japan-UK Collaborate on Creative Technology

With Japan having a large music market and the UK ranking second in global music exports, the two countries are working to foster new collaborations in industries such as music, film, and design.
To coincide with the networking reception at the British Embassy, SSS Ambassador Takayuki Suzuki accompanied the UK startup delegation and helped facilitate exchanges under the “Creative × Technology” initiative, deepening engagement with startups and artists from both Japan and the UK.

Networking Reception at the British Embassy

On October 8, 2025, the “Creative × Technology” reception was held at the British Ambassador’s Residence to welcome the visiting UK musictech trade delegation. The event gathered professionals from music, film, design, and technology sectors to connect and explore collaboration opportunities between Japan and the UK.

During speeches by British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom, Akiko Miyamoto from Shibuya City, and members of the UK delegation, the strengths of both countries—Japan’s dynamic music culture and large domestic market, and the UK’s powerful creative export ecosystem—brough hope for cross-industry collaboration.

Despite the formal setting, artists, government officials, startups, and media representatives engaged in relaxed conversations, leading to new connections within the Japan–UK creative community. For SSS, the event provided an opportunity to introduce DIG SHIBUYA 2026, a citywide cultural festival celebrating the fusion of digital art, music, and technology. The reception proved a valuable opportunity for expanding Shibuya's creative scene, including establishing connections with companies showing potential for future collaboration.

Community Gathering at SHIBUYA BRIDGE

On October 9, SSS hosted the Shibuya × UK Creative Tech Community Gathering at SHIBUYA BRIDGE, welcoming eight UK-based creative tech startups: Certi.World, TwoShot, Hootenanny, Tickets For Good, Mymanu, Audoo, Ristband, and Happaning.

Many of the visiting UK startups expressed strong interest in expanding into the Japanese market and in building long-term relationships with local artists and companies. Several participants also showed enthusiasm for Shibuya’s creative tech programs, including DIG SHIBUYA.

Through these two days of engagement, concrete connections were established between the creativetech scenes of Shibuya and the UK. SSS will continue to strengthen collaborations with the creative industry through initiatives such as DIG SHIBUYA, while supporting both domestic and international startups aiming to grow from Shibuya to the world.

If you are a startup interested in expanding into Japan or collaborating with SSS, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and follow us on social media to keep up-to-date on upcoming events!

Shibuya Startup Support: https://shibuya-startup-support.jp/
Shibuya Startup Support’s social media accounts:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shibuya-startup-support/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shibuya.startup.support
X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/ShibuyaStartup

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