Berlin-Japan Cross-Border Meetup
Berlin’s Startup Energy Lands in Tokyo. Join Rainer — who has spent two decades linking Asia and Berlin — along with innovators, city officials, and forward-looking companies eager to collaborate. Discover Berlin’s unique blend of diversity and open innovation, and spark cross-border projects that move Japan and Germany closer than ever.
Partners Bringing This Event to Life
Organizers
AsiaBerlin - The Berlin Senate’s official platform linking Berlin with leading innovation hubs across Asia.
CROSSBIE - A Japan-Germany startup hub accelerating cross-border business and diversity.
Facilitation Partner
ADDReC - A design firm that creates and brings innovative concepts, content, and communication to life in real-world spaces.
Supporters
GTAI / Digital Hub Initiative (de:hub) - Germany Trade & Invest and the national Digital Hub network, promoting investment and innovation.
Shibuya Startup Support - Shibuya Ward’s official team that spotlights globally minded entrepreneurs from Tokyo.
DJW (German-Japanese Business Association) - A business network dedicated to advancing economic exchange between Germany and Japan.
AHK Japan (German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan) – Promotes Japan–Germany business relations and supports companies with market entry.
Special Thanks
SusHi Tech Tokyo - This session is an official partner event of SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025.
Agenda
17:30-18:00 Doors Open / Registration
18:00-19:00 German Innovation Hub Intro & Berlin Deep Dive
• German Innovation Hub Overview (Chika)
• Berlin’s Startup Scene Overview (Rainer)
• AsiaBerlin Platform Introduction (Rainer & Chika)
• Current Japan–Berlin Links (Chika)
19:00 – 20:30 Networking Reception
About the Speakers
Mr. Rainer Seider
Head of Unit, International Affairs, Berlin Senate Chancellery
• Initiator of AsiaBerlin (1997) and longtime architect of Berlin’s outreach to Asian innovation hubs.
• 27 + years building cross-border partnerships for the city, with a strong focus on startup exchange and foreign trade.
Chika Yamamoto
Founder & CEO, CROSSBIE GmbH
• Ecosystem builder bridging European and Japanese startups; AsiaBerlin Ambassador and board member of Asia Berlin Forum e.V.
• Global Ambassador for Germany’s Digital Hub Initiative (de:hub) and for Shibuya Startup Support (Tokyo).
• Leads CROSSBIE’s bi-continental team (Berlin & Yokohama) and heads The Drivery Japan, advancing mobility and deep-tech collaboration.
Who Should Attend?
Municipal & Government Leaders – Cities, prefectures, and public agencies exploring sister-city programs or innovation partnerships with Berlin.
Corporations & SMEs – Companies eager to tap Europe’s market through Berlin’s vibrant startup scene.
Startups & Founders – Entrepreneurial teams looking for funding, mentors, or a soft-landing in Germany.
Investors & VCs – Funds scouting cross-border opportunities at the intersection of Japan and Europe.
Creative Bridge-Builders – Artists, designers, musicians, and culture-tech innovators drawn to Berlin’s diversity.
Ecosystem Enablers – Incubators, accelerators, universities, and cluster managers expanding their global networks.
If any of these describe you—and you feel the energy to build bold Japan–Berlin collaborations, we’d love to meet you!