Sri Lankan ICT companies participating in Japan IT Week 2026 strengthened their international engagement through a strategic visit to Shibuya Startup Support in Tokyo, one of Japan’s most vibrant ecosystems for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The visit formed an initiative to enhance Sri Lanka’s presence in the Japanese ICT market, enabling companies to connect directly with key stakeholders in Japan’s dynamic startup landscape. Shibuya, widely recognized as a leading business and technology district, has become a focal point for startups, investors and global tech collaborations.
During the visit, Mr. Yoshiro Tasaka, CEO of Shibuya Startup Support, extended strong support to the Sri Lankan delegation by facilitating a networking session. This initiative was supported and coordinated by Mr. MHM Gazzaly, CEO of Natsually Inc., who played a key role in connecting the delegation with relevant stakeholders in Japan. These engagements provided Sri Lankan companies with valuable opportunities to showcase their capabilities, explore potential partnerships, and gain deeper insights into the expectations of the Japanese market.
Engagement with the Shibuya startup ecosystem offered several long term advantages for Sri Lankan ICT firms.
Direct exposure to Japanese enterprises helps companies better understand market entry strategies and business culture. Collaboration opportunities with Japanese firms can lead to joint ventures, outsourcing partnerships, and technology exchange. In addition, interaction with cutting-edge startups provides valuable insights into emerging technologies and innovation trends.
Such participation also enhances Sri Lanka’s global brand visibility as a competitive ICT destination, while expanded networking within a globally connected startup hub opens doors to investors, accelerators and strategic partners.
The support extended by Shibuya officials reflects a growing interest in fostering stronger digital collaboration between Japan and Sri Lanka. Initiatives of this nature not only generate immediate business prospects but also contribute to long-term ecosystem development through knowledge sharing, innovation exchange and capacity building.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) expressed its sincere appreciation to Mr. Yoshiro Tasaka & Mr. MHM Gazzaly for their invaluable support in organizing and facilitating these engagements. Their contribution played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the visit and in strengthening business linkages between Sri Lankan and Japanese ICT stakeholders.
Sri Lanka’s participation in Japan IT Week 2026, complemented by its engagement with Shibuya’s startup ecosystem, marks a significant step in expanding its global ICT footprint. Continued collaboration with innovation hubs such as Shibuya is expected to play a vital role in positioning Sri Lanka as a trusted and capable technology partner in the Japanese market.
