More than just a showcase of technology, the sessions were designed to forge meaningful connections between international delegates and Japanese industry leaders, generating insights that could be translated into tangible transformation. Discussions focused on addressing real-world pain points in financial services, technology and business innovation. At Finolab, Japan’s premier fintech hub, Takeshi Kito, co-founder and CEO of Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) Japan, provided an overview of Japan’s fintech landscape and its growing integration with global markets. He described how Finolab and GFTN are collaborating with regulators, financial institutions and startups to drive financial innovation. Makoto Shibata, head of Finolab, explored key fintech trends, including the rise of banking-as-a-service, open banking, regulatory shifts shaping digital finance, and the increasing diversity of international talent contributing to the innovation ecosystem. Japan continues to balance a highly regulated financial environment with the need for greater digital agility, a challenge that offers both opportunities and constraints. Two fintech startups presented their solutions to pressing industry challenges: Keiko Sydenham, CEO of Luca, introduced Luca’s digital platform for alternative investments, designed to democratise access to private markets. Traditionally, private investments have been restricted to institutional and ultra-high-net-worth investors, but Luca simplifies investment structures, enhances transparency and lowers capital entry barriers, making alternative assets more accessible. This addresses a significant pain point in financial services—the growing demand for diversified investment opportunities across a broader investor base. Su Shih-wen, chief technology officer (CTO) and general manager of overseas and technology research at Caulis, presented Caulis' artificial intelligence (AI)-driven fraud detection and anti-money laundering solutions. With Japan’s increasing shift towards cashless transactions, financial security has become a critical concern. Caulis employs AI and behavioural analytics to detect fraudulent activity in real time, helping financial institutions strengthen security while maintaining seamless customer experiences. Fraud detection and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance remain persistent pain points for global financial institutions, and discussions explored how AI can enhance security without adding friction to transactions. Steve Monaghan, general partner at FinMirai, offered a broader perspective on Japan’s fintech ecosystem, highlighting structural barriers and growth opportunities. He emphasised scaling challenges for fintech startups within Japan’s regulatory landscape and the potential for cross-border collaboration. The session encouraged delegates to reflect on how fintech solutions could address pain points within their own institutions. Kawasaki Robostage: A hands-on experience with robotics and automation At Kawasaki Robostage, delegates were immersed in interactive demonstrations of robotics and automation technology. This session provided a firsthand look at Japan’s advancements in industrial and service robotics, with applications in manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. Unlike other stops, this session was entirely experiential, allowing delegates to interact directly with automation solutions. Preferred Networks: A full-stack AI pioneer At Preferred Networks (PFN), delegates explored Japan’s leading AI innovation ecosystem, where AI development spans custom AI chips, large language models and applied AI solutions. Kageatsu Ueno, vice-president of Global AI Business Development, led discussions on PFN’s expertise in AI-powered automation, predictive analytics and deep learning. Yotaro Katayama, chief financial officer (CFO alongside Adiyan Mujibiya and Karim Hamzaoui, shared insights into PFN’s AI-driven solutions, research direction and strategic collaborations. A standout feature was Plamo, PFN’s proprietary large language model, designed specifically for Japan’s language and business landscape. Unlike off-the-shelf AI models, Plamo is fine-tuned for high-context accuracy, solving a critical pain point in AI-driven financial and industrial applications. PFN is also developing high-performance AI chips, positioning itself as a competitor to Nvidia, with a focus on energy-efficient, scalable AI solutions. Discussions explored how PFN’s AI technology could address major pain points in banking and finance, from improving fraud detection and regulatory compliance to enhancing customer engagement and predictive analytics. The session reinforced AI’s growing role in business transformation, providing delegates with practical insights on how generative AI can drive efficiency and decision-making in financial institutions. ispace: Pioneering the commercialisation of lunar exploration The final stop of the day brought delegates into the realm of commercial space exploration with ispace, Japan’s leading private lunar exploration company. Atsushi Saiki, executive fellow, presented ispace’s vision for an Earth-Moon economic ecosystem, where lunar mining and precision landing technology could create new commercial opportunities. CFO Jumpei Nozaki and senior business development manager Masayuki Urata detailed ispace’s technological advancements and strategic partnerships, while Global Alliance lead Antonio Stark explored financial and investment models for space commerce. The discussion encouraged delegates to rethink the role of finance and investment in space, as commercial space activities present new challenges in funding, risk management and transaction security. Meaningful connections and tangible transformation Day 1 of the Japan Innovation Study Tour provided more than just an introduction to fintech, AI, robotics and space exploration—it established direct connections between innovation and real-world business transformation.
