— Guide
Information for Finalists & Semi-FinalistsThe 5th Makinohara City Challenge Business Contest
Last updated: September 24, 2026
— Overview
3-Day Overview
— Awards
Awards
The following awards will be announced at the Award Ceremony on October 20, following the Open Pitch (final round) on October 1.
This year we received a record 230 entries — 156 from Japan and 74 from overseas.
— Day 1
Oct 1 (Thu) — Open Pitch
Thursday, October 1, 2026 — 2:00–5:00 PM (JST, UTC+9)
Fully online
The pitch will be live-streamed on YouTube. Viewers vote to decide the Audience Award. Watching and voting are free and open to everyone.
Watch on YouTubeThe participation URL for finalists is different from the viewing URL above. It will be sent to you separately by email. Semi-finalists can watch via the viewing URL above.
The Audience Award is decided by YouTube viewer votes. Please share the viewing URL above with your friends, colleagues, and supporters — and ask them to vote for you! Your outreach can make the difference.
Rehearsal
A rehearsal will be held before the Open Pitch. We will test your connection, screen sharing, and walk through the event flow. Attendance is required.
Rehearsal scheduling information has been sent by email. Please check and respond with your preferred date and time.
— Day 2
Oct 20 (Tue) — Award Ceremony
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Makinohara City Community Center "Iira"
Part 1
Part 2
After
Exhibition booth participation is optional. A dedicated registration form will be provided — please wait for the announcement from the secretariat.
Watch the live stream (YouTube)140 Susuki, Makinohara, Shizuoka 421-0524, Japan
Shuttle bus (Oct 20) — A shuttle bus will run from Kakegawa Station to Iira, departing around 11:00 AM. It also covers the day's rehearsal and hotel transfers. Details will be provided by the secretariat.
By train — About 20 min by car/taxi from JR Tokaido Line "Kikugawa Station" / Shizutetsu bus to "Sagara Eigyosho", get off at "Susuki", 5 min walk
By car — About 10 min from Tomei Expressway "Sagara-Makinohara IC"
Parking — Free parking available
Getting to Makinohara
From Tokyo — Tokaido Shinkansen to "Kakegawa Station" — about 1h 40min (Hikari) → taxi or rental car about 40 min to venue
From Nagoya — Tokaido Shinkansen to "Kakegawa Station" — about 1h 10min (Hikari) → taxi or rental car about 40 min to venue
From Shizuoka Station — JR Tokaido Line to "Kikugawa Station" — about 40 min → taxi about 20 min / about 1 hour by car from Shizuoka Station
From Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport — About 20 min by car. The airport serves domestic routes (Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, etc.) and international routes (Seoul, etc.)
Uotomo
1581-50 Jitogata, Makinohara, Shizuoka 421-0532, Japan
— Day 3
Oct 21 (Wed) — Collaboration Meetup
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Makinohara Incubation Center
Sponsor companies will host booths. You can book one-on-one business meeting slots in advance. Booking details will be announced separately. Priority for meeting slots on October 21 is given to finalists and semi-finalists.
221-1 Nunobikihara, Makinohara, Shizuoka 421-0407, Japan
— Stay
Accommodation
Special rates are available at Shizunami Swing Beach for Makinohara Challenge 2026 participants, for the nights of October 19 and October 20. To request a room, please use the form sent to you by the secretariat. There are no convenience stores or restaurants near the hotel, so we recommend the plan with breakfast.
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can anyone watch the Open Pitch on October 1?
A. Yes. It will be streamed free on YouTube, and you can take part in the audience vote.
Q. Can I attend the Award Ceremony online?
A. Finalists are expected to attend in person, but if travel is not possible, online participation is available. Attendance is optional for semi-finalists. We would be delighted to meet you in Makinohara.
Q. Are travel and accommodation costs covered?
A. Travel and accommodation are at each participant's own expense.
Q. Do I need a visa to enter Japan?
A. It depends on your nationality. Japan has visa exemption arrangements with many countries and regions for short stays. Please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. If you need a document confirming your participation for your visa application, please contact the secretariat.
MOFA Visa ExemptionsQ. How many people from my company can attend?
A. There is no limit. Please tell us the number of attendees in the form.