How Plug and Play Japan uses VoicePing to remove language barriers at their 2,200-attendee annual summit and weekly events.
Global Accelerator Promoting N-to-N Collaboration
In recent years, the internationalization of the startup ecosystem has accelerated, and cross-border business collaborations have become routine. However, language barriers still exist as a significant challenge.
We spoke with Mr. Ito, who oversees management planning and their major event, about their experience using VoicePing in daily operations and at the large-scale “Plug and Play Japan Summit 2025” event with approximately 2,200 participants, where VoicePing was implemented for the second consecutive year.
VoicePing provides translation subtitles on monitors at both ends of the stage
Interview
First, could you tell us about your role and about Plug and Play Japan?
Mr. Ito: Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Taisho Ito from Plug and Play Japan. I am a Senior Manager, Corporate & Operations Department which handles company strategy and long-term initiatives. This time, I was in charge of overseeing the “Plug and Play Japan Summit,” a completely open event held once a year.
Plug and Play itself is originally a Silicon Valley-based VC (Venture Capital) and accelerator. We have over 60 bases worldwide—facilitating collaboration between startups and large corporations and driving innovation.
Does Plug and Play Japan Summit have characteristics that differ from other startup events?
Mr. Ito: Yes. We have over 60 bases in the world, and while we run industry-specific programs like other accelerators commonly do, we are very conscious about creating horizontal connections among large corporations. We call it a consortium-type accelerator program, designed to foster n-to-n collaboration, not only between large corporations but also between startups.
Furthermore, among our 60+ locations, we host events with a strong focus on being global and we have about 25 industry-specialized expert teams worldwide. We cover FinTech, InsurTech, AI, but also semiconductors, real estate, and other finely specialized domains—which allows us to share deep knowledge and trends.
Reasons for 2 Years in a Row: Usability, Speed, and Accuracy
In an event where technical terminology is frequently used, could you tell us why you implemented VoicePing for two consecutive years?
Mr. Ito: Regarding VoicePing, we actually have an ongoing contract and use the service not only for this event but also for regular meetings with clients and startups, as well as smaller events held at our office.
We found that VoicePing outperforms compared to other providers in terms of usability, speed, and accuracy.
Also, from last year’s surveys and feedback, having a simultaneous interpretation tool added significant value to the event, so we felt it was absolutely essential. That’s why we requested their services again this year.
Since this is an event with a strong global focus, with many speakers from overseas and participants from abroad, we are consciously committed to making effective use of tools like VoicePing.
Implementation Results: Significant Reduction in Time and Resources
What problems were you able to solve? What benefits have you experienced?
Mr. Ito: The most common use case is in our office’s small event space, which can accommodate around 100 to 150 people. We hold events there about 2 to 3 times a week on average, and we frequently use VoicePing for simultaneous interpretation.
The accuracy is very high, including technical terminology. In the past, before and after each startup’s pitch, we would go on stage and give a brief explanation. For example, before or after an English pitch, we would say something like, “This startup is this kind of company, they aim to do this. They have this technology, and they just said this, so if you have the opportunity, please talk to them during the networking session afterward,” taking about 30 seconds to 1 minute to explain.
Now, thanks to the tool’s strong performance and level of detail, everything we want to convey is communicated more clearly and with greater immediacy, without us having to add the effort. That’s the greatest value—both in terms of event time reduction and our operational workload.
Another advantage is that the interpretation data remains as a record. It can be used as documentation of event pitches and meeting minutes, which is also extremely helpful.
7 People Designing an Event for 2,200 People
Were there any positive aspects in terms of communication during preparation or the effort required for implementation?
Mr. Ito: Without any input from us, they came on the day and handled everything with a “just leave it to us” mindset, which was incredibly helpful. Of course, a few months before the event, we aligned on essentials, but for all other details, we really left everything to them, and they managed it flawlessly. As the event supervisor and organizer, I have no complaints—only gratitude.
For this event, which hosted about 2,200 attendees, even though all employees—about 60 to 70 people—are involved on the day, the advance preparation was done by just 7 of us. Having a partner like VoicePing who can support us without detailed instructions provides an enormous sense of security.
Proven Performance at Global Events
Were there any reactions to VoicePing at this event?
Mr. Ito: VoicePing was recognized as extremely useful again this year. For some stages, we actually requested simultaneous interpretation by human interpreters. Compared to that, we received comments that VoicePing was on par with them, and we were able to deliver highly satisfying content at our event.
This time we had 5 stages—one with simultaneous interpretation, two with VoicePing, and the other two without anything in particular. Depending on the session, we also partially implemented VoicePing, which we do for our regular events.
Are there any points you’d like improved?
Mr. Ito: Honestly, I do not have many requests for VoicePing. There is nothing particular that I want them to change. It’s very easy to use if you understand how to connect it properly.
Future Vision: Creating Innovation Beyond Language Barriers
Could you share your outlook for next year’s event?
Mr. Ito: Our vision is to be an innovation platformer. Contributing to the ecosystem is one of our core visions and missions, so I believe we need to create and strengthen a structure that can properly embody that vision.
Japan Summit has grown into a very large annual event. To contribute to the ecosystem, the startup community, and open innovation, we need to create an environment where people can casually drop by feeling no barriers and develop interest. In that sense, this event plays an essential role.
By working with VoicePing, we can remove the language barrier and communication wall that inevitably become very high hurdles when advancing global collaboration in any business. I think solution tools like VoicePing help eliminate these barriers, so if an opportunity arises next year, we’d love to work with you again. We’d like to continue our partnership with VoicePing, who provides perfect support even when we leave everything to them.
Key Takeaways
In preparing and operating a large-scale event of 2,200 people with a lean team of 7 people, VoicePing’s reliability and minimal operational burden created great value. It’s also used regularly at small-scale events held 2-3 times per week, playing an important role in removing language barriers in the startup ecosystem.
In Plug and Play Japan’s efforts to promote n-to-n collaboration and build a global ecosystem as an innovation platformer, VoicePing has become an indispensable partner.
By implementing VoicePing, you can enjoy these benefits:
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Multinational participants understand content in their native language — We provide an environment where participants don’t feel language barriers in any session and can understand deeply.
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Easy review with recording and documentation features — Post-event confirmation and sharing with those who couldn’t attend becomes smooth.
