There is Only Potential in Those 400 Characters. TV Producer Noriyuki Sakuma Supports 'TOKYO STARTUP GATEWAY 2026' Business Plan Contest!

Organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government with NPO ETIC. (based in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) as the secretariat, the 13th edition of the 'TOKYO STARTUP GATEWAY 2026' is a business plan contest where individuals aged 15 to 39 can enter with just a 400-character idea.

This year, under the theme 'There is only potential in those 400 characters,' the contest is rolling out an advertising campaign featuring TV producer Noriyuki Sakuma, starting June 5th (Friday) across Tokyo public transportation and social media.

Sakuma has long used his TV and YouTube content to discover and highlight the unique charm and personality of individuals not yet widely known. His approach of identifying and polishing individual strengths, rather than focusing solely on finished plans, aligns with the philosophy of the TOKYO STARTUP GATEWAY.

The special website features an interview video with Sakuma and the original 400-character entries from four 2024 finalists and semi-finalists. In the interview, Sakuma discusses 'the potential of ideas that have not yet taken shape,' the appeal of the contest, and offers encouragement to those hesitating to apply.

Special website URL: https://tsg.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/lp2026

[Noriyuki Sakuma Profile] Born November 23, 1975. After graduating from university, he joined TV Tokyo. He served as a director and producer for variety shows such as 'Godtan' and 'Achi Kochi Audrey.' In 2021, he left TV Tokyo and established his own office. In the same year, he launched his YouTube channel, 'Noriyuki Sakuma's NOBROCK TV.' His Netflix production, 'Last One Standing,' hit number one on Japan's Netflix weekly viewing rankings. He is currently active in diverse fields, including radio personality, writer, director, and idol producer.

[Advertising Exposure] Campaigns including transit and web advertising are rolling out in two phases starting from June 5th and June 12th.

About TOKYO STARTUP GATEWAY Now in its 13th year, this contest is a brushing-up style business plan competition that aims to produce young entrepreneurs from Tokyo who will change the world across various fields—from technology and manufacturing to regional business and social issue resolution. It also serves as a place to meet 'entrepreneurial peers' with the same aspirations.