Living Best and the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) have unveiled the Living Best Japan Gateway, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting international longevity, agetech, and health-technology companies as they seek to enter the Japanese market. This innovative platform is designed to aid these companies in testing their solutions, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding their reach within Japan.
The Japan Gateway will debut at the Kyoto Smart City Expo, taking place on October 8-9, 2026, at Keihanna Plaza. During this event, selected companies will have the chance to showcase their products and connect with Japanese corporate partners through ATR’s business-matching network. Additionally, these companies could be considered for ATR’s KGAP+ business-development accelerator, with the next cohort beginning in December 2026.
At the core of this initiative is Living City Keihanna, a hub focused on longevity and innovation, developed through a partnership between ATR and Living Best. The platform aims to link international ventures with researchers, Japanese businesses, investors, care providers, and local communities, offering sustained support beyond initial introductions or short-term pilot projects. Living Best will guide participating ventures in assessing market demand in Japan, identifying potential partners for implementation and funding, validating their products with users, and creating evidence for broader commercial expansion.
Since 2021, Living Best has evaluated over 2,000 ventures from more than 40 countries, generating upwards of 17,000 assessments from Japanese consumers, along with feedback from clinicians, care operators, investors, and policy experts. Dominic Carter, CEO and co-founder of Living Best, emphasized that the partnership aims to provide international companies comprehensive support throughout the process of entering the Japanese market, from market validation to implementation, funding, and eventual expansion. Hiroyuki Suzuki, ATR’s Senior Executive Vice President and Representative Director, highlighted Keihanna’s unique combination of research capabilities, infrastructure, and networks across various sectors as a powerful connector for overseas innovations looking to gain a foothold in Japan.
The Gateway is currently accepting applications from international ventures in the longevity, agetech, and health-technology sectors that have products already on the market or at an advanced stage of development. Selection for participation will be conducted by Living Best and ATR, with the deadline for the October 2026 intake set for September 25, 2026.
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