Entrepreneurial Momentum in Japan Accelerates with 17th EO Chapter Launch

Finishing a year with nearly 16 percent growth in Japanese membership, EO Kanagawa joins the global EO community of 222 chapters worldwide

29 July 2024 (Kanagawa, Japan/Virginia, U.S.) – Following another strong year of double-digit growth in membership year-over-year across Japan, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), proudly welcomes EO Kanagawa, its 17th chapter in Japan and 29th chapter in North Asia to support founders and business owners across all sectors. This newest chapter –EO’s 222nd chapter worldwide– was officially launched earlier this month with 40 founding members gathered at a launch party to celebrate the inauguration of their new community.

The chapter’s founding chair and president, Jun Takai, is a seven-year member of EO through its Tokyo West chapter, as well as founder of Information Strategy Technology Company. In launching the new chapter, he said, “I wanted to establish an EO community in my hometown, which has historically been the center of the samurai culture. Kanagawa’s legacy led to the opening of Japan to the world. With that spirit, we entrepreneurs will work together to make Kanagawa a center of Japan once again.”

Supporting Takai will be a volunteer chapter board comprised of 12 chapter leaders, including Membership Co-Directors Naoko Ogawa of Trent Co. and Yuki Umaoki of SANN Co. Yota Kobayashi of Actis Asset Management Co. will serve as EO Kanagawa’s Strategic Alliance Director.

Claire Lim, the EO global Growth Director whose team supports the cultivation and launch of new chapters, explained, “The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Japan is experiencing such dynamic transformation, characterized by increased innovation, government support, and a thriving business culture. The launch of EO Kanagawa signifies a major step forward in this evolution and highlights EO's strong commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship across Japan’s many, diverse prefectures.”

EO first took root in Japan in 1995, with the opening of EO Japan. Since that time, interest in the peer network has rapidly grown, outpacing the organization’s growth in most other leading economies. In 2023, Japanese membership in EO surpassed 1,000 members. With more than 1,200 members today and climbing, EO's expansion in Japan will further enable the organization to deliver on its purpose of moving the world forward by unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs everywhere.

New members of EO Kanagawa will gain opportunities to connect with other leading entrepreneurs across Japan’s second most populated prefecture through chapter events and Forum groups that provide special training for confidential and accountable experience sharing. They will also gain entry to a diverse community of entrepreneurs in 86 countries worldwide, along with exclusive access to regional and global events such as the Discover Series events in Asia.

Kanagawa, a coastal prefecture located south of Tokyo, is characterized by mountains, rivers, and sea. The port city of Yokohama is its capital and main site for Kanagawa’s business and economic relations. Kanagawa prefecture is also home to the historical charm of Kamakura, and the natural beauty of Hakone.

The EO Kanagawa chapter will host a series of inaugural events, including networking meetups, educational workshops, and keynote sessions featuring prominent local and international entrepreneurs. These events are designed to introduce new members to EO's unique culture of peer learning and mutual support, inspired by EO Kanagawa’s theme, “My Life with EO”, to communicate the business and personal benefits of belonging in the network. EO Kanagawa’s first event will be a social event in Yokohama’s Chinatown on 21 August for new and transferring members to meet, network, and begin building connections.

For more information about EO Kanagawa membership and upcoming events, please visit their new website.

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Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is the world’s largest membership network exclusively by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs everywhere. Since 1987, EO has been supporting the world’s leading builders of business to realize more of their potential by fostering connections, applying leadership skills, and creating belonging across industries and borders. Nearly 19,000 entrepreneurs in 80+ countries make up EO’s network of leaders, who enjoy local and global membership experiences that go beyond the business to support the whole entrepreneur. For more information or to get involved, follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and visit our website: www.eonetwork.org