10 Entrepreneurs Selected for Kanagawa’s Startup Hub 'HATSU Kamakura'!

Kanagawa Prefecture runs the 'HATSU Entrepreneur Support Program' to continuously cultivate local entrepreneurs by recruiting and selecting promising pre-startup individuals—called 'Challengers'—and providing intensive, hands-on support to help them realize their entrepreneurial goals.

We are pleased to announce that 10 individuals have been selected as the fiscal year 2026 'HATSU Kamakura Challengers' at the entrepreneurial hub 'HATSU Kamakura,' supported by the prefecture.

List of FY2026 HATSU Kamakura Challengers (in alphabetical order, without honorifics)

Name

Proposed Business

Ryo Uwagawa

Low-cost autonomous underwater drone business to address aging port infrastructure and high inspection costs

Umeno Khan

Training and consulting business to co-create inclusive environments where diverse talent, including those with overseas backgrounds, can thrive

Satoki Zaima

Regional revitalization business using gamification to convert waiting time into opportunities to visit nearby shops and tourist spots

Mina Shimizu

After-school enrichment programs operated within daycare centers to eliminate parental transportation burdens

Izumi Nakama

Child nutrition education support business offering online weaning food classes and expert guidance

Yoko Hayakawa

Business connecting accommodation, dining, experiences, and animal welfare by repurposing vacant homes as new community hubs

Rui Higuchi

Generative AI app for Kamakura tourism aimed at solving overtourism

Azusa Hiraguchi

Platform business where experts provide dialogue-based support for parents of children who are not attending school

Shuhei Yamanaka

Wellness business from Kamakura that combines local resources such as temples, shrines, and nature with coaching to prevent burnout and drive performance among executives and managers

Kotaro Watanabe

AI-powered mental health care service for workers, connecting them to human support just before reaching their limits

Support Program Details

From August 2026 to February 2027, approximately six months of intensive support will be provided, including workshops to develop essential entrepreneurial skills. Challengers will work on launching their businesses by achieving milestones such as initial sales, company registration, fundraising, and developing prototype products or services.

During the support period, participants can use the 'HATSU Kamakura' facility free of charge.

[Reference 1] Challenger Recruitment at Other Hubs

Recruitment for the second half of FY2026 'AGORA Hon-Atsugi Challenger' will be announced separately.

[Reference 2] About the HATSU Entrepreneur Support Program

The program operates at three locations in Kanagawa Prefecture—Kamakura, Atsugi, and Odawara—providing intensive support (Challenger Program) to aspiring entrepreneurs. It aims to foster startup founders from Kanagawa and build entrepreneurial communities across the region.

https://startups.pref.kanagawa.jp/program/hatsu/

Contact

Kosuge, Section Chief, Space Industry and Venture Support Division, Industrial Department, Kanagawa Prefectural Government Phone: 045-285-0213

Ueno, Venture Support Group, Industrial Promotion Division Phone: 045-210-5646