Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE)’s recent seminar series, “The Ultimate Guide to IPO in Japan,” marked a notable step in connecting Japan’s capital markets with Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Held in Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, the events gathered a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and private equity executives, all keen to understand Japan’s IPO landscape. With insights into the pathways and support available for ASEAN startups, TSE made a compelling case for Japanese listings.

Tokyo Stock Exchange’s seminar in Ho Chi Minh City drew strong interest, with attendees eager to explore Japan’s capital market opportunities. Photo of the networking session at the HCMC event. Photo and header photo courtesy of Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For Southeast Asian startups, Japan’s stock market holds a distinct appeal, offering high liquidity and robust valuations. While Western markets become more wary, affecting valuations globally, Japan’s steady economic framework presents a more stable alternative. The TSE offers a way for companies to access substantial capital while maintaining proximity to their Asian operations and tapping Japan’s investor network.

The seminars went beyond highlighting TSE’s benefits, positioning it as a gateway for growth-oriented companies that want the backing of Japanese investments but without the high barriers and regulatory requirements found in markets like the US. TSE’s approach presents a more accessible option for ASEAN firms looking to scale.

TSE’s seminars didn’t merely spotlight the exchange’s perks. With backing from partners like Nomura Securities, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), sessions took a practical turn, guiding startups through Japan’s IPO process.

Key topics covered include listing requirements, audit timelines, and J-SOX compliance—Japan’s corporate governance standard. Experts also clarified complex listing structures, such as Japan Depositary Receipts (JDR) and corporate inversion, which allow foreign companies to access Japanese markets without extensive corporate restructuring. Through real-world examples, these sessions provided attendees with practical tools to navigate Japan’s listing process in ways tailored to their specific business needs.

Panelists take questions from an engaged audience at Tokyo Stock Exchange’s seminar in Singapore. Photo courtesy of Tokyo Stock Exchange.

TSE also underscored its dedication to long-term support by collaborating closely with major Japanese financial players. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust, for example, detailed its role as a transfer agent, stressing the importance of establishing lasting relationships to navigate Japan’s regulatory landscape. Known for valuing trust and relationship-building, Japanese business culture aligns with TSE’s vision of being more than just a one-time partner—positioning itself as an enduring ally for ASEAN companies post-IPO.

Collaboration between TSE and ASEAN startups may have broader implications for ASEAN-Japan relations. Southeast Asia’s vibrant startup ecosystems, like those in Singapore and Vietnam, offer growth opportunities for Japanese investors who are looking to diversify. The cross-border IPO environment, TSE hopes, will not only drive investments into Japan but also encourage the expansion of ASEAN’s tech sectors.

With interest in cross-border partnerships steadily growing, the seminar series opened discussions around Japan’s supportive business ecosystem, highlighting its long-term commitment to partners beyond just financial backing. Panelists delved into the ways Japan can support ASEAN startups in building sustainable and resilient businesses that prioritize trust.

Looking ahead, the enthusiasm seen at both events suggests TSE may deepen its ties with ASEAN’s startup ecosystem, hosting similar sessions across other regional markets. By making itself accessible to ASEAN startups, TSE not only broadens its listing scope but also promotes an exchange of ideas and investment that benefit both sides.