Overview
The Kobashi Monozukuri Seminar is a focused session for deep-tech startups seeking to understand and apply the Japanese monozukuri (craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence) philosophy. Organized by Leave a Nest and Kobashi Holdings, the seminar aims to bridge the gap between prototyping and scalable manufacturing, helping startups adopt a mindset rooted in precision, quality, and sustainable production practices.
Participants will gain insights into how monozukuri principles can guide product development, design documentation, and manufacturing partnerships. Through case examples and discussions led by Shojiro Kobashi, President and CEO of Kobashi Holdings, startups will learn how to structure their production processes, collaborate effectively with manufacturers, and prepare for mass production. The session also serves as a platform to explore entry pathways into Japan’s manufacturing ecosystem, offering a rare opportunity to connect directly with one of Japan’s leading advocates for innovation-driven manufacturing.
Schedule
Date: 13 Nov 2025, Thursday
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (GMT +8:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Location: NUS Enterprise, I³ Building, Seminar Room 3, Level 1, 119613
Speakers
Speaker's Profile:
Mr Shojiro Kobashi, President and CEO , KOBASHI HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.
Shojiro Kobashi is the fourth-generation successor of a family-run agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1910. He officially took over the business in 2016. KOBASHI has long contributed to the mechanization of Japanese agriculture as an agricultural machinery manufacturer.
Speaker's Profile:
Haruka Sakurai, Assistant Manager, Leave a Nest Singapore
Ms. Haruka holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London. She began her career at UntroD Capital Japan (formerly Real Tech Fund), a venture capital firm investing in research-driven startups. At Leave a Nest, she promotes collaboration between Japanese manufacturers and startups in Southeast Asia and the UK.
