Plug and Play Japan
Varies by partner program · Japan + global network · Open now
Plug and Play Japan is a multi-program corporate-innovation and market-entry platform, not one standardized accelerator. The wider network advertises 40+ locations, 60+ annual theme programs, 500+ corporate partners, and 250+ startup investments per year; individual Japan programs set their own sectors, support, travel requirements, and economics.
Tier 2 · ranked #7japancorporate
ApplyOfficial siteOpen in the live directory
Program intake
Applications are currently open according to the program's authoritative source.
What the source says“スタートアップ募集開始！”
Key facts
| Check size | Varies by program; no guaranteed standard check |
| Terms | Varies by partner program |
| Stage | startup to scale-up |
| Applications | Open now |
| Program dates | Multiple partner- and sector-specific programs |
| Location | Japan + global network |
| Remote friendly | Yes |
| Warm intro needed | No — open application |
| Sectors | fintech, mobility, vertical-specific |
| Status | open |
Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.
Background
The Japan platform connects startups to domestic corporations and Plug and Play's global offices. The 2026 Kawasaki Global Accelerator illustrates the model: a free deep-tech and US-expansion program running into March 2027, with approximately five startups selected for its overseas track and travel paid by participants.
How the application really works
Choose a specific Japan partner or sector program and apply on that program's page. The Japan homepage is discovery infrastructure, not a universal application with fixed terms.
Tips
- Read the cited current official page before applying because program dates and terms are volatile.
- State fit with the documented stage, geography, and attendance model; do not rely on an aggregator's old terms.
- Ask for the complete investment, fee, and follow-on documents when the public page does not publish them.
Watch out for
- Cash, equity, fees, and travel support vary. The Kawasaki 2026 program is free but participants fund their own travel.
- Program economics and deadlines are partner-specific. The current Kawasaki Global Accelerator is one concrete 2026–27 example, not universal Japan terms.
Track record
- The global platform says it invests in 250+ startups annually and works with 500+ corporate partners.
No platform-wide acceptance rate; the Kawasaki overseas track plans to select approximately five startups.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this program currently accepting applications?
- Choose a specific Japan partner or sector program and apply on that program's page. The Japan homepage is discovery infrastructure, not a universal application with fixed terms.
- What are the current economics?
- Cash, equity, fees, and travel support vary. The Kawasaki 2026 program is free but participants fund their own travel.
- How large and long is the program?
- Global network: 40+ locations and 60+ annual theme programs; Japan runs multiple partner programs. Corporate pilots, market-entry work, mentoring, and sector programs vary by partner.
- Can founders participate remotely?
- Program-specific; overseas activity can require travel.
- What happens after the program?
- Corporate introductions and global office access are documented; investment is not guaranteed by admission.
Related accelerators
Sources
- japan.plugandplaytechcenter.com — Current Japan platform scope and global network metrics (checked 2026-08-10)
- contents-jp.plugandplaytechcenter.com/kawasaki-global-accelerator-2026 — Current Kawasaki program format, selection count, fees, travel, timeline, and contact (checked 2026-08-10)
- contents-jp.plugandplaytechcenter.com/hubfs/Japan/Kawasaki-Global-Accelerator_%E5%85%AC%E5%8B%9F%E8%A6%81%E9%A0%98_0702.pdf?hsLang=ja — 公募要項を確認; opened 2026-08-24: HTTP 200 (checked 2026-08-24)