
Networking at the GFTN Forum, Japan
Grow your network, discover opportunities, and exchange insights in a uniquely Japanese setting
Meet policymakers, technologists, business leaders, and investors from around the world at the GFTN Forum, Japan. Explore the 2025 networking events below.
VIP Reception
This exclusive invitation only VIP Reception provided the chance to unwind and enjoy exquisite beverages in a sophisticated setting, while networking and connecting with prominent industry leaders.
6:00pm - 8.00pm, Monday 3 March 2025
Invitation only.

Tokyo Rooftop Night @ 7th Floor, Otemachi Building
A reception was held for participants of Japan FinTech Week on the 7th floor of the Otemachi Building. Attendees embraced the fusion of nature and cityscape while connecting with fellow participants at this soirée. Hosted at the Otemachi Building, the event provided a night of networking in a relaxed environment.
6:00pm - 8:00pm, Tuesday 4 March 2025
7F, Otemachi Building (1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004)
Open to Pass holders - space is limited, entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration required.
Bar Crawl
Attendees enjoyed an exclusive Bar Crawl, exploring local bars and restaurants in the streets surrounding Otemachi Financial City Grand Cube & Otemachi Financial City South Tower. Attendees savored refreshing drinks and immersed themselves in the captivating glow of Japanese Umbrella (和傘) illuminations while networking and mingling.
Participating bars & restaurants included: Carnesio, Bonne Quela, CLARKE QUAY, Craft Beer Market (Sponsored by: FIS), Siam BBQ, GARB Cheers, and BRUSSELS.
6:00pm - late, Wednesday 5 March 2024
Otemachi Area, Tokyo
Open to all Pass holders

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Private Prayer Ceremony at Kanda Myojin Shrine
Founded in 730 near present-day Otemachi, Kanda Myojin Shrine holds nearly 1,300 years of history. It was relocated to its current site during the Edo period (1603–1867), and shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have paid his respects at this revered shrine.
This private ceremony offers a unique opportunity for reflection and spiritual connection in one of Tokyo’s most historic and culturally significant shrines.
12:30pm, Thursday, 6 March 2024
Meeting location is at the prayer hall of the shrine
Open to all Pass holders
The Founders ROCK
Money moves and killer grooves collide!
Dive into "The Founders ROCK", where entrepreneurial minds jam on stage, igniting connections and innovation!
6:00pm - 8:00pm, Thursday, 6 March 2024
2F Main Hall, Kanda-Myojin Shrine
Open to all Pass holders

Marunouchi Architecture & History Walking Tour
On this tour, we will explore some of Marunouchi’s must-see architectural landmarks, including Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Building, Imperial Palace Moat & Surroundings, Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum and many more landmarks!
2:00pm - 4:00pm, Friday 7 March 2024
Meeting Point: Tokyo Station, Marunouchi North Entrance
Open to all Pass holders

- Monday, 3 March
- Tuesday, 4 March
- Wednesday, 5 March
- Thursday, 6 March
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Tokyo Innovation Base
Japan Fintech Week 2025 Opening Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Ginza, Tokyo
Unlock the Future of Digital Assets | Networking Night
Join us for an exclusive evening networking of with the sharpest minds in banking, custody, payments and tokenization. Connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge innovations, and gain fresh insights into how digital assets are reshaping financial services.
Whether you're looking to connect, collaborate, or simply unwind, this is the perfect setting to build meaningful relationships and gain fresh insights into the world of blockchain and digital finance.
Spots are limited — apply to attend today
REGISTER HERE
4:30pm - 6:00pm (seminar), 6:00pm-7:00pm (networking)
A&O Shearman Tokyo (JP Tower 22F, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Tokyo)Al in M&A Transactions: Challenges andOpportunities
Join us for an exclusive seminar tailored for Japanese investors seeking to grow their share in the dynamic world of AI. This session explores the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI, particularly generative AI, in M&A transactions, from recent structuring trends to unique legal and regulatory challenges. We'll examine recent case studies and provide practical guidance for navigating AI-centric deals. After completing this session, participants will have a greater understanding of:
1. Recent market trends
2. Unique legal and regulatory challenges in AI-driven M&A transactions
3. AI-specific due diligence considerations in M&A transactions
4. Key representations and warranties and interim operating covenants for AI-related M&A deals
REGISTER HERE
TBC
Will be announced to attendees
ITC Japan
1:00pm - 6:30pm
Will be announced to attendeesGenAI Day
Organised by: FinTech Journal
4:30pm - 8:30pm
TSE Hall, Japan Exchange Group, Inc. (Head Office) | 2-1, Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Quant Community Meet-up
Join us on Thursday, March 6, as we bring together the Tokyo quantitative community, including academic researchers, quant fund managers, systematic traders, researchers, and developers for an engaging knowledge sharing session and networking. This event will feature presentations followed by an insightful panel discussion, exploring topics such as:
- The impact of AI in quant trading: Opportunities for JPX markets in 2025 and beyond
- Optimizing Quantitative Trading: Effective Practices and Common Obstacles
- Available technology tools and methods to scale up analysis and trading operations
- Trends in alternative data: How buy-side and sell-side are leveraging it
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Will be announced to attendees
Digital Assets Night: JCBA x CoinDesk JAPAN
As a part of Japan Fintech Week and with the support of GFTN, one of the largest crypto association in Japan "JCBA"and the official Japanese version of the world's largest web3 media "CoinDesk" will co-host this event and meetup.
This gathering will offer a comprehensive exploration of the current landscape and the immense potential of the Web3 and digital assets market in Japan, featuring a distinguished panel of key experts from both domestic and international markets. Through insightful discussions, we aim to shed light on the future of this rapidly evolving space.
The entire event will be conducted in English, and we will provide light food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, during the networking session. We warmly invite you to join us for an evening of thought-provoking insights into digital assets, as well as an opportunity to connect with leading figures in fintech and Web3.
Don’t miss the chance to engage in meaningful conversations and experience the serendipity of this ecosystem.
Attending Organisations
Private and public sector leaders from across the globe are attending GFTN Forum, Japan to engage, connect, and collaborate

Elevandi Japan
Elevandi Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of the not-for-profit global FinTech ecosystem builder Elevandi, is playing a strategic role in developing and accelerating the Japanese and North East Asian FinTech ecosystem; promoting Japan's advancement in critical technologies, and connecting Japan with Elevandi's fast-developing global network of initiatives.
2025 International Satellite Events
- Tuesday, 5 March
- Wednesday, 6 March
- Thursday, 7 March
- Friday, 8 March
- Monday, 11 March
4:30pm - 5:30pm
FINOLAB, 4F, Otemachi Building (1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004)
Github CTO Circle
GitHub CTO Circle is an exclusive initiative created to cultivate a tight-knit community of startup CTOs and technology leaders. Its primary objective is to promote collaboration, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, and nurture the growth of strong best practices within early-stage and rapidly expanding startup enterprises.
7:00pm - 10:30pm
Date to be confirmed
Fintech Startup Mixer by Takeoff Tokyo and GIG-A
Takeoff Tokyo is a one-day event for world-conquering founders, visionary investors, influential media and ecosystem players from around the world. Startups will go head to head in a pitch contest, entrepreneurs and investors will share their experiences on panel discussions.
GIG-A is a fintech company providing a multilingual, 100% mobile, simple and hassle-free bank account to foreign residents of Japan. GIG-A was also Takeoff Tokyo’s pitch contest winner in 2023.
Registration: Free Entrance
10:15am - 12:00pm
Morning Tea Session & networking between Australian organization visiting Japan Fintech Week and Japanese players in FinTech, blockchain and DeFi
Organised by: AUSTRADE
By invite only
1:00pm - 6:30pm
Brillia Lounge(東京建物八重洲ビル1F) 東京都中央区八重洲1-4-16 Japan
Discussing FinTech with Global Leaders
Organised by: Tokyo Tatemono, CFTE, Mizuho and Elevandi Japan
10:00am - 1:00pm
APAC FINOLAB Panel Pitch & Lunch
Organised by: FINOLAB
By invite only
3:45pm - 6 pm
British Embassy Tokyo (〒102-8381 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Ichibancho, 1)
UK FinTech Meetup event at British Embassy Tokyo
Organised by: British Embassy Tokyo
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Growth 1(Event Space),2nd floor, Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City Terrace, 6-53,Daimyo 2-chome,Chuo-ku,Fukuoka-shi,Fukuoka
Fukuoka FinTech Meetup
Organised by: Fukuoka Prefectural Government