ABOUT
MISSION
Creating an entry point
into the world of impact.
IMPACT SHIFT is a Japan-based general incorporated association working to open up the concept of "impact"—where solving social issues and economic growth go hand in hand—and to build an ecosystem where anyone can take part in the movement for social change. Engaging a wide range of players including investors, corporations, government, and nonprofits, we work to bring new audiences into the world of impact.
Founded by an organizing committee of practitioners from across sectors—venture capital, corporations, intermediary support organizations, government, and academia—we were incorporated on August 23, 2024. We have hosted IMPACT SHIFT, one of Japan's largest impact conferences with a cumulative total of over 2,000 participants, and IMPACT GALLERIA, an international conference connecting players from 10 countries.
HISTORY
2024.03
Held our inaugural conference, IMPACT SHIFT 2024 (approx. 650 participants)
2024.08
Incorporated as a general incorporated association
2025.03
Held IMPACT SHIFT 2025 (approx. 2,000 participants, 35 sessions, 160 speakers)
2025.12
Selected as a partner organization of TOKYO SUTEAM, a startup support initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
2026.08
Held IMPACT GALLERIA TOKYO 2026, an invitation-only international conference, at the University of Tokyo (approx. 300 participants from 10 countries)
VOICE
"It brings together investors you rarely see at other events. A connection made at a mentoring session led to new forms of support — and even a national TV appearance."
Kosei Nakamura
M.D. / CEO, SpinLife Inc.
Read the interview →
"It was our first time standing in front of this community, and a real turning point for us. The people we met there still help and advise us today."
Mayu Imura
Representative Director, Child Play Lab.
Read the interview →
"After the event, our name started coming up across the industry, and our visibility in the impact space grew. Our client work has increased significantly."
Shoma Taira
CEO, StudioStark Inc.
Read the interview →
PROFILE
Name
IMPACT SHIFT INITIATIVE (General Incorporated Association)
Address
3-1-3 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan
Founded
August 23, 2024
Representative Director
Masaki Kawai
Directors
Sora Ichiyanagi, Yuyu Obara, Shuhei Kanke, Risa Kogure, Mao Sato
Auditor
Shoichiro Sakairi
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