Japan Market Expansion Competition (JMEC)

31/03/2026

JMEC Team 5 would love your help! Please take a moment to complete our short survey.

JMEC Team 5 'Giving Roots' is developing a business plan for Refugee Empowerment International (REI), a Japan-based non-profit organization that supports refugee empowerment through education, vocational training, and community‑building initiatives. Team 5 kindly asks for your help with two short activities to help them validate their research and campaign ideas:

A. Survey for Foreign Residents in Japan
We are conducting a short survey to better understand how foreign residents in Japan engage with non-profit initiatives and community activities:

Team 5 Survey Link: https://forms.gle/XdXnNCpDhom1Yakb9

B. JMEC32 & REI Monthly Subscription Campaign Test
Our team has launched a JMEC & REI Monthly Subscription Campaign to explore how small monthly contributions can create meaningful impact in supporting refugee‑led initiatives. Should REI’s mission and values align with your own, we would greatly appreciate your consideration in contributing.

Team 5 Campaign Test Page: https://testingjmec32.framer.website/

The above surveys are anonymous and will only take 5-10 minutes to complete, and you are welcome to share the survey links with any friends or colleagues who may be interested. Kindly respond to the surveys at your earliest convenience and if possible, by April 10.

This its a JMEC fundraising campgain to change lives

31/03/2026

Got a minute? Are you 50+?
JMEC Team 3 would really appreciate you completing this quick survey.😀

JMEC Team 3 'Kizuna' is working on a new business concept for their client focused on serving the retirement needs and interests of people in the international business community in Japan and who plan to remain in Japan also in retirement. Whether your retirement is far in the future or you are in or close to retirement, the team would greatly appreciate your response to their survey to help their research:

Team 3 Survey Link:

Japan is entering a new era of retirement living—one that increasingly includes international residents who wish to age with comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This survey invites you to be part of that conversation. Your input will help shape innovative luxury senior living Continuing Ca...

23/12/2025

Wishing you a magical Holiday Season! May this time be filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or taking some time for yourself, may your days be merry and bright. Here’s to a wonderful season and a prosperous New Year!

27/10/2025

🎓 Want to learn how to write a business plan?

Join JMEC 32 – lectures start November 15!

We’ve added an extra online info session for those who still want to learn more about the program.

👉 Register here: https://peatix.com/event/4640992

Don’t miss your chance to join Japan’s leading business training program — just like Gary Urteaga, who shares how JMEC became a key stepping stone in his career. Read about his experience here:

From JMEC to Global Start-up Founder & Investor: The Story of Gary Urteaga
At a recent JMEC alumni event hosted by Meltwater, Gary Urteaga—JMEC 11 alumnus and third-prize winner—shared his inspiring entrepreneurial journey from Peru to Japan and beyond.
After first coming to Japan in 1993 through a Sophia University program, Gary returned years later as a World Bank scholar at the University of Tsukuba, where he joined JMEC. He credits the program for shaping his international outlook and entrepreneurial mindset.
Inspired by meeting Jack Ma and his exposure to Silicon Valley’s innovation culture, Gary co-founded Cinepapaya, a movie ticketing and streaming platform that grew across Latin America. The company was later acquired by Comcast NBCUniversal, where Gary became Vice President of Business Development.
He has since launched Jenesiz Capital, investing in high-impact startups such as Kanto, a karaoke app backed by Plug and Play Ventures. Gary also supports young entrepreneurs and women in tech through education and mentorship programs.
Reflecting on his journey, Gary highlighted JMEC’s lifelong impact:
“Only the power of JMEC can make such connections happen.”
His story is a vivid example of how JMEC inspires global collaboration and innovation.
long version: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/japan-market-expansion-competition_jmec-businesstraining-japan-activity-7388459563349471233-aThU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAD_gO0BJkqHMRr-Wo7EZT0yCgiFA0gmq24

22/10/2025

Following the great success of our first gathering, BLCCJ is pleased to announce the second edition of its women’s discussion circle, taking place over a special lunch on Friday 31 October.

22/10/2025

JMEC 32 – Lectures start November 15!
📆Application deadline extended to October 31, 2025

We’ve added an extra online info session for those who still want to learn more about the program.

🎓 Interested in joining JMEC 32?
Register for the info session here 👉 https://jmec32-info-session-2910.peatix.com/

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Japan’s leading business training program!😀

Hands-on Business Training in English in Japan - Learn How to Write a Business Plan Join ... powered by Peatix : More than a ticket.

20/10/2025

JMEC Start-up Speaker Event at Meltwater Ebisu (in-person)

Thinking about starting a business? Not sure if you have what it takes to be a start-up founder?

Then come and join us at Meltwater Ebisu to hear the amazing story of successful start-up founder and investor Gary Urteaga—and a JMEC 11 participant! Gary will talk about how he went from taking the JMEC program in 2005 to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor—and what it takes to succeed as a business founder.

More info and registration via: https://jmec-startup-event.peatix.com/

👉 Interested in the JMEC program? You can still apply for JMEC 32. Find out more at https://jmec.gr.jp/

Participants info sheet:
👉 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/z8lyi57th1wdw6gb55478/JMEC-32-Participant-Info-Sheet-N.pdf?rlkey=2wfdil4gui81mc5c14kvbktlz&st=pnlrlb6t&dl=1

# Expansion

JMEC Start-up Speaker Event at Meltwater Ebisu (in-person) Thinking about starting a busin... powered by Peatix : More than a ticket.

06/10/2025

We are delighted to highlight the story of John Tak, a participant in JMEC 2. John first learned about the JMEC program through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ)—one of the five founding chambers of JMEC.
It was also through the CCCJ that he met his wife, making his JMEC journey both professionally and personally transformative.
John describes the program as a pivotal experience that has left a lasting impact on his career and life in Japan.
Read the full article here: https://thecanadian.cccj.or.jp/attend-a-chamber-event-and-you-never-know-your-luck/
👉 Interested in the JMEC program? It is still going strong! We are now looking for participants and projects for JMEC 32. Find out more at https://jmec.gr.jp/
(c) CCCJ
hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag # Expansion hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) excels in bringing together businesspeople to network, share experiences, provide input to government; socialize and make a challenging business environment less-so. I was on the CCCJ Board of Governors for five years from 1993 to 1997 and benefitted....

07/09/2025

JMEC Alumni Panel Discussion + Workshop @ QUINTBRIDGE
Future-Ready Skills: Learning to Solve Real Business Challenges
More info & Registration:

Staying competitive in today’s fast-changing market requires more than theory—... powered by Peatix : More than a ticket.

13/08/2025

Looking to Upgrade Your Business Skills? 💡
The JMEC 2025/2026 Program is Now Open for Applications!

Are you looking to enhance your business skills and learn how to develop and write a professional business plan? Then come and join the Japan Market Expansion Competition!

The next program, JMEC 2025/2026, is now open for applications and you can attend an online information session to learn more about how the program works.
In the first part of the program you get lectures and workshops from experienced executives and successful start-up founders on how to develop and write a professional business plan—then gain hands-on experience working in diverse multinational teams on real business projects for real companies.

People anywhere in Japan can attend this ‘mini MBA’ style program as all lectures are streamed live online and you can also attend in person if you live in Tokyo.
Interested applicants can find more information, including details of the info sessions and the online application form, here:
https://jmec.gr.jp/participants
Participant Application Deadline: October 15, 2025.

* PDF Participant Info Sheet https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tyecfpdwn49oqwlq4pc74/JMEC-32-Participant-Info-Sheet-P.pdf?rlkey=tqvfik5iygps9tax116s43hgm&st=nodm6tew&dl=1
* PDF JMEC Brochure: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/snjlwp4qp3dzmwn2yddp9/JMEC-Brochure.pdf?rlkey=ynbj6005o1kmb6e7jmm5osfco&st=4ul28chz&dl=1
* JMEC Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmy0AniqLQ0

04/08/2025

JMEC Speakers at Venture Cafe! (Hybrid session)

Thinking about starting a freelance career while still working full-time? Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring four inspiring women from Japan, the U.S., and Bolivia who have done just that or are preparing to do so. Hear their personal stories, practical advice and lessons learned on how you can transition to a potential freelance career. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or ready to take action, this session will offer insights, support, and inspiration.

Join the session!

🎶 Future on your Terms 🎶

Women building Freelance Careers

Date: August 7, 2025 | 17:00 - 18:00

Where: Venture Cafe Tokyo, Toranomon Hills Business Tower 15F.

*This is a hybrid session (In-person + Online)

Please note this session is a hybrid session meaning you can participate either in person or online. If you’d like to participate, please click the “INTERESTED IN ATTENDING” button at the top of this page to select your participation method and pre-register.