SHIBUYA QWS Proposes "Questionpreneur" and Fully Updates Core Program "QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM"
SHIBUYA QWS proposes a new concept, "Questionpreneur," for individuals who create new value from questions, and fully updates its core program.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (14h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 01:32 (371h 52m after Collected)
SHIBUYA QWS (Shibuya QWS; hereinafter, QWS), a co-creation facility located on the 15th floor of "Shibuya Scramble Square" (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Operating company: Shibuya Scramble Square Inc.), is proposing a new concept, "Questionpreneur," as a human resource profile that creates new value starting from "questions," and is fully updating its core program, "QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM" (hereinafter, CulPro), which has been offered since its opening.
CulPro is a program that cultivates the power and sensibility of "questioning" through workshops, events, and support for academic research. It aims to connect individuals drawn to "questions" with like-minded peers and expand the potential of "questions" into society. It is offered as a core program of QWS under the supervision of MIMIGURI Inc. (Head office: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Co-CEOs: Tomomi Minabe, Yuki Anzai).
Due to recent changes in the technological environment, the era now demands the ability to "formulate questions" that pursue structures and mechanisms and resonate with others, rather than merely arriving at answers quickly. Since its opening in November 2019, QWS has supported over 460 startups and projects that challenge the creation of new social value based on "questions" that do not yet exist in the world. This year, marking its sixth anniversary, QWS is re-evaluating the value brought by its core concept of "questions" and proposing a new concept: "Questionpreneur." Furthermore, by reconstructing existing programs to include practical application, QWS aims to foster Questionpreneurs in society.
What is a Questionpreneur?
QWS defines a Questionpreneur as "an individual who creates new value and possibilities by starting from a question," and aims to foster such individuals through QWS activities and programs. Questionpreneur is a coined word combining "Question" and "Entrepreneur," referring to an individual who regards "questions as the source of ideas," deepens questions by involving others, and generates new value and change in the process.
Questionpreneurs are not limited to entrepreneurs; they also include individuals challenging new businesses within companies, researchers, creators, and practitioners addressing regional and social issues.
QWS believes this concept is crucial not only for startup support but also for corporate new business creation, human resource development, and research/education fields. Moving forward, QWS plans to actively disseminate case studies of Questionpreneur activities and promote partnerships with QWS members, QWS Academia, and other collaborating partners.
Full Update of QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM
CulPro previously consisted of nine courses based on "Encountering Questions," "Refining Questions," and "Releasing Questions." With this update, the number of courses will be streamlined, aiming for a back-and-forth between daily practice and the program. By combining it with various opportunities and programs within QWS, the intention is to re-evaluate the value of questions and connect them to business.
Features of the Updated CulPro
・Programs linked to QWS activities, developing "questioning power" through business practice
To become a Questionpreneur, it is essential not just to attend programs but to actually implement questions in society as projects. Existing programs will be updated to allow for regular participation, creating an environment where business practitioners can regularly engage with questions.
・A co-creation community by Questionpreneurs who have developed the ability to refine questions
Questionpreneurs who meet requirements such as QWS activity achievements or participation in specific programs will have a dedicated communication group created for them. In this exclusive group, they can brainstorm questions together, consult on business matters, and contribute to further business promotion.
CulPro program participants will be able to join a group exclusive to attendees, providing opportunities to engage with questions from Questionpreneurs.
QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM Overview
① Introduction to Questions (Revised Edition): Scheduled to be held once or twice a month
A program to experience the initiation of the "questioning" process within oneself.
▼Recommended for those who are about to start activities at QWS, want to experience it, or fall into the following categories:
―Those who want to experience a part of QWS or the concept of questioning.
―Those who have daily uncertainties or "fuzziness."
―Those who want to talk to people they don't usually meet.
―Those who want to encounter new perspectives that could be seeds for planning.
② Question Reflection (New): Scheduled to be held once a month to once every two months
A program to learn the sensation that reflection, starting from a question, becomes a source of new activities.
▼Recommended for those who are actively pursuing activities at QWS or on their own, or fall into the following categories:
―Those who are too busy with activities to reflect.
―Those who want to acquire a new "perspective."
―Those who want a trigger to promote things or businesses.
③ Special Consecutive Lecture Series: Held once a year (currently open in March 2026) *Invitation-only
A special program to explore and refine the source of one's own questions, and to seek one's unique way of articulating questions.
Organizer: SHIBUYA QWS
Supervision: MIMIGURI Inc.
Program Partner: Hirokazu Oda (Associate Professor, College of Design and Arts, Ritsumeikan University)
Participation Fee: Free for members, 500 yen for students, 1000 yen for general public *All prices include tax. Excludes special consecutive lecture series.
Reference Links:
・Questionpreneur Special LP: https://shibuya-qws.com/questionpreneur
・QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM Application Page: https://shibuya-qws.com/event/cultivation01
Comment from Program Partner
"When we try to advance a business or project, we tend to rush to 'find answers quickly.' With the widespread use of generative AI, this trend will only accelerate. However, truly valuable questions arise from the courage to pause. Moving forward isn't just about continuously running. Turning our attention to the 'fuzziness' within ourselves and articulating it as a question—that 'pause' is what changes the quality of the next step. I hope the concept of Questionpreneur will encourage people to bravely pause and involve others."
Hirokazu Oda｜Associate Professor, College of Design and Arts, Ritsumeikan University
His research focuses on how to realize value creation in society by leveraging aesthetic sensibilities at the core of design and art, centered on the "power to find things interesting." At MIMIGURI Inc., he is involved in consulting and facilitation for a wide range of projects, from business development to organizational development (currently a Fellow). Co-author of "Research-Driven Innovation: Exploring Ideas from Questions" (Shoeisha) and author of "Designing a 'Place' Where Ideas Continuously Bear Fruit: Six Approaches to Creating an Organization Where New Businesses Are Born" (Shoeisha).
Comment from QWS Representative
"How do we express the passion and movement happening at QWS? We arrived at this concept proposal through a process that involved all operating staff. The core program, CulPro, which has been running for six years, has also been significantly revamped to allow more people to engage with QWS, aiming for QWS to continue being a place where many possibilities intersect. We believe this concept is not an answer but a 'question' that we will continue to practically propose. We look forward to a future where Questionpreneurs transform society, companies, and ourselves."
Kenta Iwata｜Community Manager, SHIBUYA QWS, Shibuya Scramble Square Inc.
After joining Tokyu Corporation, he was involved in HR training, education, and work-style reforms such as allowing side jobs. He then engaged in public-private infrastructure development, renewable energy development, and new business promotion using an in-house startup system before taking his current position. At QWS, as a Community Manager and Program Manager, he is responsible for programs such as the QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM. With the theme "How to sprout and nurture the potential hidden in places and people?", he also operates projects in collaboration with local communities and open share houses as a side job.
About SHIBUYA QWS
SHIBUYA QWS is a co-creation facility that aims to bring together diverse people to interact and create ideas and new businesses that lead to social value. Since its opening in November 2019, QWS has offered unique programs and supported over 460 startups and projects challenging the creation of new social value that does not yet exist in the world. Some startups and projects have already achieved social implementation and secured funding from multiple angel investors and venture capitalists.
SHIBUYA QWS Website: https://shibuya-qws.com/
＜Shibuya Scramble Square Overview＞
Name: Shibuya Scramble Square
Project Owner: Tokyu Corporation, East Japan Railway Company, Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Location: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Usage: Offices, retail stores, observation facilities, parking lots, etc.
Total Floor Area: Phase I (East Tower) approx. 181,000㎡, Phase II (Central Tower/West Tower) approx. 95,000㎡
Number of Floors: Phase I (East Tower) 47 floors above ground, 7 floors below ground; Phase II (Central Tower) 10 floors above ground, 2 floors below ground; (West Tower) 13 floors above ground, 4 floors below ground
Height: Phase I (East Tower) 229.7m, Phase II (Central Tower) approx. 61m, (West Tower) approx. 76m
Designers: Shibuya Station Area Development Project Joint Venture *Nikken Sekkei Ltd., Tokyu Architects & Engineers Inc., JR East Design Corporation, Metro Development Co., Ltd.
Design Architects: Nikken Sekkei Ltd., Kengo Kuma and Associates, SANAA Office
Operating Company: Shibuya Scramble Square Inc. *Jointly invested by Tokyu Corporation, East Japan Railway Company, and Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Opening/Completion: Phase I (East Tower) opened November 1, 2019; Phase II (Central Tower/West Tower) scheduled for completion in FY2031
FAQ
What kind of talent is a Questionpreneur specifically?
A Questionpreneur is someone who uses questions as a source of ideas, involves others to create new value and change, including entrepreneurs and corporate new business developers.
What are the main changes to the QWS CULTIVATION PROGRAM?
The number of courses has been streamlined, strengthening the link with daily practice. A co-creation community by Questionpreneurs will also be formed to support business promotion.
Can anyone participate in the program?
Members, students, and the general public can participate, but some special consecutive lecture series are invitation-only. Participation fees vary by program.