Startups Fujitsu Forum Japan Technology

This article explains what the Fujitsu Forum is, how it relates to startups in Japan’s technology scene, and what you can gain from attending or following it. You’ll learn the event’s background, what actually happens there, how startups get involved, and how it compares to other tech conferences.

Formula

The calculator above estimates how you might allocate your time at a tech conference like Fujitsu Forum. The first result, avg (average time per session), is simply the total hours you spend at the event divided by the number of sessions you plan to attend.

avg = t / s

Where:

• t = total time at the event (hours)
• s = number of sessions you plan to attend

The second result, rem (remaining time for expo/networking), subtracts an assumed 45 minutes per session (0.75 hours) from your total time. This gives you a rough idea of how much time you’ll have left for walking the exhibition floor, visiting startup booths, and talking to people.

rem = t − (s × 0.75)

The 0.75 hours per session is an estimate—some sessions are 30 minutes, others are 60. Adjust the number of sessions in the calculator to match your actual schedule.

Worked Example

Suppose you plan to spend 8 hours at the event and attend 6 sessions. Using the default values:

1. Average time per session: 8 ÷ 6 = 1.33 hours (about 1 hour 20 minutes). This matches the calculator’s output of 1.33.
2. Remaining time: 6 sessions × 0.75 hours = 4.5 hours in sessions. 8 − 4.5 = 3.5 hours left for expo and networking. The calculator shows 3.5.

So with 8 hours and 6 sessions, you’ll have roughly 3.5 hours to explore the exhibition and meet people. If you want more networking time, reduce the number of sessions or extend your day.

What Is the Fujitsu Forum?

The Fujitsu Forum is an annual technology event hosted by Fujitsu, one of Japan’s largest IT services and hardware companies. It typically takes place in Tokyo, usually in May, and spans two to three days. The event showcases Fujitsu’s latest products, services, and research, with a strong focus on digital transformation, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

For startups, the Fujitsu Forum is not primarily a startup pitch event—it’s a corporate technology showcase. However, Fujitsu has increasingly partnered with startups through accelerators, co-creation programs, and innovation labs. At the Forum, you’ll often find a dedicated startup zone or partner booths where selected startups demonstrate their solutions alongside Fujitsu’s offerings.

How Startups Fit Into the Fujitsu Forum

Startups typically get involved in the Fujitsu Forum in one of three ways:

• Exhibiting at the partner/startup area: Fujitsu invites a selection of startups that are part of its accelerator programs or have a technology that complements Fujitsu’s portfolio. These startups get booth space to demo their products.
• Speaking on panels or in sessions: Some startups are asked to present case studies or participate in panel discussions, especially if they’ve co-developed a solution with Fujitsu.
• Attending as visitors: Most startup founders and engineers attend to network, learn about enterprise needs, and scout for potential partnerships or clients.

Fujitsu has several open innovation programs, such as the “Fujitsu Accelerator Program� (often run with partners like Techstars), which selects startups for mentorship and potential collaboration. Graduates of these programs often get invited to showcase at the Forum.

Why Japanese Tech Startups Care About Fujitsu Forum

Japan’s startup ecosystem has grown steadily over the past decade, but it still differs from Silicon Valley. Enterprise partnerships are often more important than consumer traction. Fujitsu is a massive enterprise IT provider with deep relationships in banking, manufacturing, retail, and government. For a B2B startup, getting in front of Fujitsu’s customers—and Fujitsu itself—can open doors that would otherwise take years to unlock.

The Forum also attracts a large number of IT decision-makers from large corporations. According to Fujitsu’s own reports, the event draws tens of thousands of visitors over its run. That’s a concentrated audience of potential enterprise clients, which is rare in Japan.

How to Make the Most of Attending

If you’re a startup founder or technologist planning to attend, here are practical steps:

1. Pre-register: The event is free but requires online registration. Do it early to avoid queues.
2. Set goals: Decide whether you’re looking for clients, partners, investors, or technology insights. Your schedule will differ.
3. Use the official app: Fujitsu Forum typically has an app with session schedules, floor maps, and exhibitor lists. Plan your day in advance.
4. Visit the startup zone first: If you’re a startup, see what other startups are doing and identify potential collaborators.
5. Attend keynotes: Fujitsu’s executives often announce new strategies and partnerships. These are valuable for understanding where the company is heading.
6. Network at the expo: The exhibition floor is busy; bring business cards (still essential in Japan) and have a short pitch ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading your schedule: As the calculator shows, sessions eat up time. Don’t book back-to-back sessions without leaving time for walking the floor.
• Ignoring the language barrier: Many sessions are in Japanese with simultaneous English translation. Check the session details; some are bilingual. If you don’t speak Japanese, plan to bring a translator or focus on English-friendly sessions.
• Expecting immediate sales: Enterprise deals take months. The Forum is for building relationships, not closing contracts on the spot.
• Not following up: Collect contact info and follow up within a week. In Japan, personal introductions matter; ask for a warm intro if possible.

Fujitsu Forum vs. Other Tech Events in Japan

Japan has several major tech events, and it helps to know how they differ:

• CEATEC: Japan’s largest IT and electronics trade show, held in autumn. Broader consumer and enterprise focus. More international exhibitors.
• Japan IT Week: A series of specialized trade shows (AI, IoT, cloud, security) held multiple times a year. More vendor-driven, less startup-focused.
• IVS (Infinity Ventures Summit): A startup-focused conference with pitching competitions and VC networking. Much smaller, but more relevant for fundraising.
• Fujitsu Forum: A single-vendor event with a strong enterprise and innovation focus. Best for B2B startups seeking enterprise partnerships.

If you’re a startup looking for investors, IVS or CEATEC’s startup pavilion might be better. If you want to sell to large Japanese corporations, Fujitsu Forum is a unique opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Fujitsu Forum open to the public?

Yes, it’s free to attend, but you must pre-register online. It’s open to business professionals, researchers, and students. You don’t need to be a Fujitsu customer.

Can a startup apply to exhibit at the Fujitsu Forum?

You can’t directly apply for a booth. Fujitsu selects startups through its accelerator programs and partnerships. If you’re interested, you should apply to Fujitsu’s open innovation programs or contact their startup engagement team.

Is the event in English or Japanese?

Most sessions are in Japanese, but Fujitsu provides simultaneous English interpretation for keynotes and some major sessions. The exhibition floor has bilingual staff. Check the session schedule for language indicators.

What is the typical cost of attending?

Attendance is free, but you’ll need to cover travel and accommodation if you’re from outside Tokyo. The event is usually held at the Tokyo International Forum or similar venues.

How can I find out about the next Fujitsu Forum date?

Check Fujitsu’s official website or their newsroom. The Forum is usually announced a few months in advance, typically in early spring for a May event.

Are there virtual options?

Fujitsu has offered hybrid formats since the pandemic, with some sessions streamed online. However, the full experience, especially networking, is best in person.

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in t | Time at event (hours) | h | 8 | 0 | 24
in s | Number of sessions attended | - | 6 | 1 | 20
out avg | Avg. time per session | h | t / s | 2
out rem | Remaining time for expo/networking | h | t - s * 0.75 | 2