Located in Nago City, in northern Okinawa, Nagonova (hereafter referred to as Nagonova) has been a hub of activity since its establishment in 2021. With 500 events hosted and 30,000 visitors welcomed, it has played a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship. Through its business programs and community initiatives, Nagonova has produced 10 entrepreneurs, solidifying its status as a key business community hub in northern Okinawa.
Last year, AlphaDrive Inc. (CEO & President: Yoichi Aso) took over operations, introducing a new strength: a startup consultation service. The facility now actively supports entrepreneurs and businesses that embrace the unique “Okinawan identity” that this region fosters.
What is nagonova?
Established in January 2021 under the concept of “A Place Where Ideas Come to Life,” Social Design Inc. founded the facility under the name “Community Park coconova .” After the business was transferred to AlphaDrive Inc. in July 2024, the facility’s core functions and provided services remained unchanged.
How to Use nagonova: ① Open Space for Everyone
The open space on the second floor is free for anyone to use. It is also available for rent as an event venue, having hosted concerts and even wedding parties in the past.
A raised tatami-style seating area offers a cozy space for reading or brainstorming new projects. Large tables provide a convenient spot for working on a laptop or conducting research. A uniquely creative bookshelf, which can be rearranged to form stairs leading to a stage, houses a collection of donated books.
Visitors include local residents dropping by casually and business professionals who have relocated to Okinawa looking to expand their networks.
<Available Services>
- Rental spaces
- Gallery space
- Bar
- Flea markets & workshops
With a vision of making Nagonova a place where people can bring their ideas to life, the facility welcomes not only its core services but also new and unique projects or challenges proposed by the community.
On the day of the interview, the gallery space was transformed into a calligraphy area, where visitors could freely write and display their works. The gallery space is also used for art exhibitions and live painting sessions, making it a versatile creative hub.
Utilization Method ②: A Dedicated Workspace for Entrepreneurs
The first floor serves as a coworking space designed for entrepreneurs and freelancers (requires extra money).
It can also be used as a virtual office or satellite office, with additional plans available for workations and companies looking to establish a branch in northern Okinawa.
＜Sample Usage Plans＞
- Drop-in (e.g., ¥500 per hour)
- Monthly membership (corporate & individual)
- Student discounts
For more details, please visit nagonova’s coworking space page:
https://alphadrive.okinawa/nagonova/coworking
Utilization Method ③: Newly Established “Startup Consultation Desk”
A major highlight of this renewal is the newly established Startup Consultation Desk, which provides valuable support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Many people may not be aware that Nago City is the only designated “Economic and Financial Revitalization Special Zone” in Japan. This designation offers significant tax incentives, including an income deduction of up to 40%, tax credits, and special depreciation benefits, making it an extremely attractive location for startups.
At Ryukyu AlphaDrive, based in Nagonova, entrepreneurs considering starting a business in Nago can access valuable information. The organization also collaborates with local government agencies and support institutions to facilitate smooth business establishment and community engagement.
Additionally, it provides new business development support for companies that have already launched in Okinawa, helping them expand sustainably in multiple directions.
Certain programs even offer several months of dedicated consulting, guiding entrepreneurs from business planning to building an effective execution framework.
For more details on the Startup Consultation Desk, visit:
https://alphadrive.okinawa/nago-sogyo
Background of the Business Succession
The renewal of ＜Nagonova＞ was driven by several key factors.
According to CEO Aso, one of the fundamental reasons is the significant growth of Okinawa’s startup ecosystem over the past decade.
While startup ecosystems are already forming in areas like Koza and Naha, there are still many untapped opportunities in Nago. However, with the launch of Junglia Okinawa, more than 1,000 new jobs are expected to be created, boosting business travel and tourism in the region.
Given this momentum, strengthening incubation facilities in northern Okinawa is seen as a major advantage for regional economic growth.
An Incubation Facility Unique to Nago
The core philosophy behind the operation of ＜coconova＞ is not to replicate what exists in Koza or Naha, but rather to leverage the unique environment of northern Okinawa.Nago boasts an abundance of natural resources, including breathtaking oceans and a distinctive atmosphere. By merging these elements with economic activity, the facility aims to cultivate entrepreneurs that can only emerge in this region.
Additionally, a new business succession model is being explored for its operation. The founders will continue to be involved as FOUNDERs, ensuring that the place they have nurtured so carefully continues to support new businesses and challenges. By implementing a Co-Ownership system and collaborating with local partners, the goal is to achieve co-creative growth.
A Message to Future Entrepreneurs from Nagonova
CEO Aso:
“Nago has been designated as an ‘Economic and Financial Revitalization Special Zone,’ making it an incredibly attractive location for establishing a corporation in Okinawa. If you are interested in starting a business, feel free to consult with us. Even if you currently live outside Okinawa, online consultations are available.”
“Additionally, Nago City has adopted a ‘Smart City Initiative’ that focuses on three key areas: solving regional issues, creating a vibrant community, and developing industrial clusters while fostering people and culture. This initiative creates an environment highly conducive to conducting proof-of-concept experiments. With strong collaboration from various stakeholders, businesses can move forward rapidly, which is another major advantage.”
“Okinawa has a unique identity rooted in the spirit of ‘万国津梁（Bankokushinryo）’ (a bridge between nations). While being part of Japan, it has its own culture and systems. We are seeing the emergence of Okinawa-born technology and startups, and a strong foundation is being built to share these innovations with a broader audience. Each region within Okinawa’s startup ecosystem has its own distinct characteristics, but by fostering close collaboration among players, we believe we can establish an advanced ecosystem that serves as a national model for entrepreneurship.”
A Startup Hub Deeply Rooted in the Community
The vision of Nagonova is clear—to nurture businesses and entrepreneurs that can only be born here.
As a company dedicated to new business support, AlphaDrive aims to tackle social challenges and contribute to Japan’s overall growth through regional business creation. Within this framework, Nagonova continues to evolve under its new structure, positioning itself as a key hub for business creation in northern Okinawa.
With its growing role in Okinawa’s startup ecosystem, expectations for its impact are higher than ever.
User Voice
Community Staff, Student at Meio University
Sumire Higa
“I first got involved as a student volunteer, and now I help with operations as a community staff member. Nago attracts diverse individuals from different regions, and the interactions here are truly fascinating.”
“I’m originally from Naha, but after living in Nago for four years, I’ve completely fallen in love with this city. Many new activities have emerged through the people I’ve met here, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a wonderful place outside of university. The openness and accessibility make it easy to drop by, which is another great charm. For me, nagonova has become a valuable place for meaningful encounters.”
Interview and Japanese Text by Kanako Inafuku
