The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Regional Revitalization 2.0: Creating a new local economy that creates added value（2）
The Headquarter for the Creation of New Regional Economies and Living Environments, Cabinet Secretariat
Panel Discussion
Recorded video available
Discussion
- Regional Revitalization 2.0
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
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Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.08.21[Thu]
12:45 ～ 13:45
(Venue Open 12:30)
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- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
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audio.
In this program, as a case study of “Regional Development
2.0,” we will take up export and overseas expansion by local
companies in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, and discuss how to
realize a profitable local economy by adding high value to
local products.
Reports
【Reflection】
In this program, we highlighted an example of “Regional
Revitalization 2.0” by looking at how local companies in Yao
City, Osaka Prefecture, are expanding into export and overseas
markets. The discussion focused on how boosting the appeal and
added value of local products can help build a stronger
regional economy that can generate sustainable income. These
efforts—using creative ideas to make local products more
attractive so that they succeed not only in Japan but also
internationally—have drawn strong interest from people both at
home and abroad. As a result, the event was held to a full
audience.
Through this program, we showed—using real-life examples—that
enhancing the appeal and value of regional products allows
local businesses to grow, reach international markets, and
contribute to revitalizing their communities. We believe this
helped participants gain a clearer understanding of how local
innovation can lead to both stronger economies and more
vibrant regions.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Even after this program, the government continues to work
toward the vision outlined in the Basic Policy for Regional
Revitalization 2.0, which was approved by the Cabinet on June
13, 2025. Based on this policy, our goal is to create a
sustainable society where everyone—whether in urban or rural
areas—can live happily, safely, and securely. At the same
time, we aim to build “fun and attractive regions” that are
appealing to young people and women.
To promote this vision, we are holding forums in five
locations across Japan to showcase leading local initiatives
and inspire broader public engagement. Alongside these forums,
we are also providing financial support to local governments
through grant programs, while actively raising awareness
through lectures and other outreach activities at various
events.
Cast
Moderator
KISHIDA Rikako
Councillor, The Headquarter for the Creation of New Regional Economies and Living Environments, Cabinet Secretariat
Joined the Ministry of Construction in 1993. She has promoted policies such as regulatory guidance in urban planning, urban revitalization through private sector utilization, preservation and revitalization of historical cityscapes utilizing local resources, regional revitalization through creation of public-private partnership projects, and disaster prevention city planning.
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Speakers
TOMOYASU Hironori
Tomoyasu Works Co.,Ltd.
He studied abroad in the United States from high school and obtained an MBA from City University of Seattle. While in university, he worked at a trading company and then started a business with a friend. He returned to Japan in 2004 and joined his father's company, Tomoyasu Works. He became the company's president in 2016. He is also the representative director of Miserubayao and vice-chairman of FactorISM.
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KIMURA Shoichiro
Kimurasoap industries Co., Ltd.
Born in 1972, he co-founded an IT venture company in 1995 with several university peers. For 18 years, he was responsible for product development and marketing. In June 2013, he joined his family business, Kimura Soap Industry Co., Ltd. He was appointed the 4th generation president in September 2016. He currently focuses on developing proprietary brands, featuring modernly designed soap products.
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FUJITA Seiichiro
Fujita Metal Co., Ltd
Born in 1981 in Osaka. After graduating from university, he joined the family business, Fujita Metal Co., Ltd. in 2003, where he was mainly in charge of sales and development. 2020, he became the fourth president and representative director. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2021, the company opened its own store called “Frying Pan Village”, which allows customers to take a look into the factory.
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MINAMIDA Takeshi
MINAMIDA CO., LTD.
Born in 1983. After graduating from university, worked for a steel trading company for seven years, four of which were stationed in India. In 2013, joined family business, Minamida Co., Ltd., mainly in charge of sales and new business development. Became president of the Mexican subsidiary in April 2016 and the fourth-generation president in April 2023. The company develops its business based on the niche technology of cold forging.
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GOTO Ikuno
YAO city
After joining Yao City, he experienced different departments such as welfare, tax, and human resources. In 2013, he joined the Industrial Policy Division. As part of the national economic measures, he created a regional revitalization project, a startup support plan, launched the public-private partnership platform "Miserubayao," and was in charge of a project to bring together Yao City's small and medium-sized enterprises to exhibit at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
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The Future of Community and Mobility Week
Regional Revitalization 2.0: Creating a new local economy that creates added value（2）
Panel Discussion
-
2025.08.21[Thu]
12:45～13:45
(Venue Open 12:30)
- Theme Weeks Studio
OTHER PROGRAM
The Future of Community and Mobility Week
