Bangladeshi-Japanese entrepreneurial couple achieves consecutive success in Japan

Naho Hasan, a Japanese entrepreneur, has won the prestigious Grand Prize (最優秀賞) at the SAITAMA Smile Women Pitch 2026, held in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

In recognition of her innovative business proposal, she was also awarded ¥2 million (Tk15.75 lakh) in business support funding.

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is that her husband, Bangladeshi entrepreneur Hasan Mahmud, had already earned major recognition through his company at the Saitama New Business Award 2026 in May. His company was also selected for a government-backed open innovation program.

Following her husband’s achievements, Naho’s latest success has brought renewed attention to this Bangladeshi-Japanese entrepreneurial family in Japan. Together, they have now achieved three major recognitions.

One of the key objectives of their business initiatives is to address Japan’s growing labor shortage by developing skilled human resources in Bangladesh.

Their vision is to provide comprehensive training in Bangladesh, including Japanese language education, workplace culture, and job-specific technical skills, before connecting trained candidates with employment opportunities at Japanese companies. Their ultimate goal is to promote sustainable employment and long-term career development in Japan.

This initiative aims not only to help Japanese businesses overcome workforce shortages but also to create new opportunities for young Bangladeshis to build successful careers in Japan.

Their efforts represent a promising bridge between Bangladesh and Japan, fostering cross-border business collaboration, human resource development, and stronger economic ties between the two countries.