We empower students in Tokyo
to build
entrepreneurial self efficacy

Pre-Register for the next bootcamp

About Us

Japan Venture Academy (JVA) is a student-run startup hub for ambitious, globally minded builders in Japan. Backed by Shibuya Startup Support, we empower students with entrepreneurial self-efficacy through hands-on training and a vibrant community—aiming to become the number one place for ambitious students who build the future.

In partnership with Shibuya Startup Support:

Offerings

We offer students many ways of exposing themselves to the world of startups. By helping them in building their own startups, expanding their network, and working at real startups, we aim to instill a greater sense of entrepreneurial self efficacy in the next generation of founders in Japan.

JVA Bootcamp

The JVA Startup Bootcamp is our hands-on 3 months program to support ambitious students in building their own startup ideas. Through weekly lectures, coaching and a vibrant community, students can build essential startup skills in a supportive, fun and challenging learning environment.

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Regular Events

We offer regular startup events to help startup enthusiasts connect and grow. Common events we host are networking, panel discussions, workshop and learning events.

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Internship Board

Our Internship Board connects startups with ambitious students in Tokyo who want to further their practical skills and insight into the world of startups.

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Core Team

The core team is what makes JVA run smoothly every day. We are a team of students from different universities and study backgrounds around Tokyo all united with a common passion for startups. Each of us is part of one of the following departments: Marketing, Curriculum or Community Engagement. Our unique contributions to JVA help ensure that we can offer the best opportunities for students to build entrepreneurial self efficacy.

Kento Akiyama, Founder

Kento started JVA in 2022 and set out with a vision to create an offering to help build greater entrepreneurial skills and self efficacy amongst young people in Japan.

He leverages his experience participating in an entrepreneurship programs back in Munich and building a student-run consultancy group as a university student.

Aimi Komeya, President

Aimi joined JVA on 2024 and serves as president from 2025. She draws on her experience leading startup events, fostering student-industry collaboration, and interning at startup accelerators.

With a vision for more inclusive and globally connected startup ecosystem, Aimi is committed to inspiring students to take bold steps in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Marketing Team

The Marketing team's goal is to increase JVA's brand awareness in the student startup ecosystem in Japan. Through creativity, precision and team work, they bring to life the most engaging and thoughtful content to show you everything JVA can to offer.

Minji oversees event and social media operations at JVA.
Using knowledge earned from her current internship at a startup, she aims to position JVA as the best place for entrepreneurial students in Japan.

Waseda University, Korea
Minji Shin, Team Lead

After graduating from the Fall 24 cohort of the JVA Bootcamp, Udit joined the core team.
He wants to further expand his knowhow and network in the startup ecosystem in Japan.

Shibaura Tech, Nepal
Udit Pradhan, Events Team

Jasmine leverages her experience in digital design and photography in the SNS team of JVA. She also dipped her toes in the startup world by taking a venture management class at university.

Sophia University, Japan
Jasmine Chan, SNS Team

Ayako adds to the creative energy in our social media team by leveraging her graphic design skills in posts and videos. She joined JVA to expand her startup and design know-how.

Sophia University, USA
Ayako Kiener, SNS Team

Sanika leverages her background in digital marketing by helping to boost JVA's social media presence. She is also learning more about startups by taking various courses at school.

Waseda University, India
Sanika Parge, SNS Team

Curriculum Team

The Curriculum Team runs the JVA Startup Bootcamp twice a year, organizing lectures, expert sessions, and events to create an engaging learning experience. We also operate an internship board to connect students with startup opportunities.

Kenny brings his past experience interning at both startups and incubation programs. He oversees the entire curriculum operations including the bootcamp and startup internship board

Sophia University, Indonesia
Kenny Hoesin, Team Lead

Min wants to start her own globally operating business in the future and plans to learn more about entrepreneurship at JVA.
She takes the lead on the JVA startup internship board.

Keio University, Korea
Jeongmin Gwon, Internships

Jimin has gained business experience by interning in ecommerce. She is eager to learn more about startups by facilitating our regular bootcamp cohorts.

Keio University, Korea
Jimin Kim, Bootcamp

Saki is exciting to explore Tokyo's startup ecosystem by connecting with people through events. At JVA, she will help run our regular startup bootcamp by coordinating with experts.

Waseda University, Japan/US
Saki Saito, Experts

Community Engagement Team

The Community Engagement Team recruits new members, hosts internal events, and operates our alumni network. We focus on building an active, supportive, and engaging core team culture that strengthens long-term connections across the JVA community.

Jet brings his strong entrepreneurial spirit shown by his experience winning hackathons and working on his own startup ideas. He adds to the positive energy of JVA by coming up with creative ways to keep the community engaged.

Institute of Science, Thailand
Jet Pinjaiyos, Team Lead

Aimi leverages her extensive experience organising Japan's biggest startup events such as Sushitech, IVS and Takeoff Tokyo.
Her skills and strong network make her the perfect fit to lead the community engagement efforts at JVA.

Hitotsubashi University, Japan
Aimi Komeya, Recruiting

Kaori is motivated by learning more about startups based on inspiration from friends. She helps organise events and takes full advantage of her creativity.

ICU, Phillipines/Japan
Kaori Taniguchi, People Engagement

Riya is excited about JVA's mission to foster cross-cultural collaboration and am excited to contribute to Tokyo’s startup ecosystem. At JVA, she leads our recruiting efforts across bootcamp and core team.

University of Tokyo, India
Riya Fartyal, Recruiting

Rion is excited about JVA's mission to foster cross-cultural collaboration and am excited to contribute to Tokyo’s startup ecosystem. At JVA, she leads our recruiting efforts across bootcamp and core team.

Waseda University, Japan
Rion Kanazawa, Recruiting

Want to join the next Bootcamp cohort? Pre-register now!

Stay tuned for the 7th cohort of the JVA Bootcamp.
The official application will open in July 2025