Over 900 Gather in Kobe for the 2026 National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives
Key facts
- Over 900 Gather in Kobe for the 2026 National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives
- The Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association will host the "29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives" at Kobe Portopia Hotel on June 4-5, 2026. In the milestone year marking Japan's first female prime minister and 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, over 1,050 executives from across the country will gather. Under the theme "To the future through transformation and co-creation," the event features an unprecedented format where all speakers and facilitators are women, fostering candid discussions on management experiences and overcoming challenges.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 19, 2026
Direct answer
The Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association will host the "29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives" at Kobe Portopia Hotel on June 4-5, 2026. In the milestone year marking Japan's first female prime minister and 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, over 1,050 executives from across the country will gather. Under the theme "To the future through transformation and co-creation," the event features an unprecedented format where all speakers and facilitators are women, fostering candid discussions on management experiences and overcoming challenges.
- Citation
- Over 900 Gather in Kobe for the 2026 National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives (May 19, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 19, 2026
The Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association will host the "29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives" at Kobe Portopia Hotel on June 4-5, 2026. In the milestone year marking Japan's first female prime minister and 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, over 1,050 executives from across the country will gather. Under the theme "To the future through transformation and co-creation," the event features an unprecedented format where all speakers and facilitators are women, fostering candid discussions on management experiences and overcoming challenges.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 03:10
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 18:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 21:42 (3h 10m after Collected)
Over 900 Gather in Kobe in 2026, the Year of Japan's First Female Prime Minister
COVID Crisis, Business Succession, Turning Points in Life - Female Executives Share "Candid Management Experiences"
29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives Held for the First Time in Hyogo on June 4 and 5
The Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association will host the "29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives" over two days on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Kobe Portopia Hotel (Chuo-ku, Kobe).
This will be the first time the event is held in Hyogo Prefecture. Currently, there are over 1,050 registered participants from across the country, with more than 400 being members of the Hyogo association. The gender ratio of participants is 55% female and 45% male. Executives from all over the country will gather in Kobe.
2026 is also the year Japan saw its first female prime minister.
In this milestone year, under the theme "To the future through transformation and co-creation," female executives from across the country will gather in Kobe.
Furthermore, it marks 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
In Kobe, a city that has achieved recovery through the power of "connections," discussions will be held on small and medium enterprise management to pioneer through these uncertain times.
■ 9 Female Executives from Across the Country Share "Candid Management Experiences"
On the first day of the exchange meeting, nine nationwide sub-committees will be held.
Female executives will speak candidly about their own management experiences, conflicts, and challenges.
For example:
- A former Gekidan Shiki dancer who transitioned to a business owner, challenging the balance between cultural arts and management.
- An Okinawan sweets manufacturer executive who overcame a crisis where sales plummeted to one-tenth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and one-third of the employees resigned.
- An executive who took over the company following the sudden passing of her husband and addresses regional issues through a "monitoring bento" (lunch box delivery with wellness checks) business.
- A stuffed toy hospital business born from customer feedback.
Stories of struggles, decisions, and comebacks as individuals, going beyond mere management theory, will be shared.
■ A National Convention Where Women Serve as All Speakers, Room Managers, Chairs, and Group Leaders
At this exchange meeting:
In addition to all the speakers for the:
- 9 sub-committees
- Keynote speeches
Women will also serve as room managers and chairs for the sub-committees, as well as "group leaders" facilitating group discussions (8-10 people) among participants.
On the scale of a national convention, it is extremely rare for proceedings to be led primarily by women to this extent, making it a place where the practices and challenges of female executives converge.
■ Information Regarding Press Coverage on the Day
On Thursday, June 4, you are welcome to cover the interactions among executives gathered from across the country during the sub-committees, group discussions, and reception.
On the day, there are diverse points for coverage, such as:
- The excitement of the venue gathering over 900 people nationwide
- Sub-committee operations led by women
- Candid discussions among executives
- The context of "connections" and recovery unique to hosting in Hyogo
Additionally, individual interviews are possible with:
- Sub-committee reporters
- Keynote speakers
- Participating executives from across the country
We would greatly appreciate it if you could cover the events of the day.
*If you wish to cover the event, please contact the following in advance.
■ Event Overview
[Event Name]
29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives
[Date and Time]
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 13:00~
Friday, June 5, 2026, 12:00
[Venue]
Kobe Portopia Hotel (6-10-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture)
[Expected Attendance]
Over 1,000 people
[Theme]
To the future through transformation and co-creation
[Slogan]
Go beyond! Connections create the future
[Organizer]
National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise Entrepreneurs
[Setup]
Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association
[Contact for Press Inquiries]
Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association
TEL: 078-241-1230
https://www.hyogo.doyu.jp/jyozenkou/
COVID Crisis, Business Succession, Turning Points in Life - Female Executives Share "Candid Management Experiences"
29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives Held for the First Time in Hyogo on June 4 and 5
The Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association will host the "29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives" over two days on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Kobe Portopia Hotel (Chuo-ku, Kobe).
This will be the first time the event is held in Hyogo Prefecture. Currently, there are over 1,050 registered participants from across the country, with more than 400 being members of the Hyogo association. The gender ratio of participants is 55% female and 45% male. Executives from all over the country will gather in Kobe.
2026 is also the year Japan saw its first female prime minister.
In this milestone year, under the theme "To the future through transformation and co-creation," female executives from across the country will gather in Kobe.
Furthermore, it marks 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
In Kobe, a city that has achieved recovery through the power of "connections," discussions will be held on small and medium enterprise management to pioneer through these uncertain times.
■ 9 Female Executives from Across the Country Share "Candid Management Experiences"
On the first day of the exchange meeting, nine nationwide sub-committees will be held.
Female executives will speak candidly about their own management experiences, conflicts, and challenges.
For example:
- A former Gekidan Shiki dancer who transitioned to a business owner, challenging the balance between cultural arts and management.
- An Okinawan sweets manufacturer executive who overcame a crisis where sales plummeted to one-tenth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and one-third of the employees resigned.
- An executive who took over the company following the sudden passing of her husband and addresses regional issues through a "monitoring bento" (lunch box delivery with wellness checks) business.
- A stuffed toy hospital business born from customer feedback.
Stories of struggles, decisions, and comebacks as individuals, going beyond mere management theory, will be shared.
■ A National Convention Where Women Serve as All Speakers, Room Managers, Chairs, and Group Leaders
At this exchange meeting:
In addition to all the speakers for the:
- 9 sub-committees
- Keynote speeches
Women will also serve as room managers and chairs for the sub-committees, as well as "group leaders" facilitating group discussions (8-10 people) among participants.
On the scale of a national convention, it is extremely rare for proceedings to be led primarily by women to this extent, making it a place where the practices and challenges of female executives converge.
■ Information Regarding Press Coverage on the Day
On Thursday, June 4, you are welcome to cover the interactions among executives gathered from across the country during the sub-committees, group discussions, and reception.
On the day, there are diverse points for coverage, such as:
- The excitement of the venue gathering over 900 people nationwide
- Sub-committee operations led by women
- Candid discussions among executives
- The context of "connections" and recovery unique to hosting in Hyogo
Additionally, individual interviews are possible with:
- Sub-committee reporters
- Keynote speakers
- Participating executives from across the country
We would greatly appreciate it if you could cover the events of the day.
*If you wish to cover the event, please contact the following in advance.
■ Event Overview
[Event Name]
29th National Exchange Meeting of Women Executives
[Date and Time]
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 13:00~
Friday, June 5, 2026, 12:00
[Venue]
Kobe Portopia Hotel (6-10-1 Minatojima Nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture)
[Expected Attendance]
Over 1,000 people
[Theme]
To the future through transformation and co-creation
[Slogan]
Go beyond! Connections create the future
[Organizer]
National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise Entrepreneurs
[Setup]
Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association
[Contact for Press Inquiries]
Hyogo Prefecture Small and Medium Enterprise Association
TEL: 078-241-1230
https://www.hyogo.doyu.jp/jyozenkou/
FAQ
How can I apply for the event?
You can likely apply through the official website, but please contact the organizers for exact details.
Can men attend?
Yes. The gender ratio of participants is 55% female and 45% male, meaning many male executives also attend.
Is media coverage allowed?
Yes, media coverage is possible on June 4th for sub-committees and the reception. Prior contact is required.