【Event Report】SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Partner Event "The Forefront of Impact Investment Pioneered by Regional Financial Institutions" Held

The Japan Network for Public Interest Activities (JANPIA), located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, with Masaya Ninomiya as its President, held the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Partner Event "The Forefront of Impact Investment Pioneered by Regional Financial Institutions" in Hibiya, Tokyo, on April 27, 2026.

Approximately 80 participants, mainly from regional financial institutions and venture capital firms, attended. They deepened discussions on solving regional issues and the role of finance through a keynote speech by the Financial Services Agency and the sharing of case studies by regional financial institutions.

At the outset, JANPIA's Executive Director, Okada, delivered opening remarks, mentioning the progress of investment projects under the dormant deposit utilization system and the importance of collaboration with regional financial institutions. It was recognized that building sustainable mechanisms through the collaboration of diverse stakeholders is indispensable for solving regional issues.

■ Keynote Speech

In the keynote speech, Mr. Fuminori Takaoka, Director of the Sustainable Finance Promotion Office (and Chief Sustainable Finance Officer) in the Policy and Markets Bureau of the Financial Services Agency, spoke on the theme of "Prospects and Expectations for Impact Finance in Regional Finance."

Mr. Fuminori Takaoka

The lecture explained sustainable finance as a concept that incorporates externalities, such as environmental and social impacts, into financial decision-making. Specifically, it introduced ongoing efforts to reflect externalities in pricing and risk assessment, and to build systems for institutional integration.

Impact investment was positioned as an investment method aiming to achieve both social problem-solving and improved corporate value, and the Financial Services Agency explained its promotion through consortium operations.

Furthermore, regarding the relationship between impact creation and profitability, it was stated that it is important to consider it in conjunction with business competitiveness and marketability. The visualization of impact connects a company's management philosophy with its actual business activities, potentially leading to more sophisticated business evaluations. Regional financial institutions were encouraged to leverage their comprehensive perspective of the region, not just to support individual companies, but to design financial flows that contribute to solving regional issues as a whole, in collaboration with local governments and related organizations.

■ Case Study Session

The case study session, themed "Regional Banks' Challenge: Practice and Results of Impact Investment," introduced specific initiatives by organizations selected for investment projects.

Mr. Kagamiyama of Gunma Regional Co-creation Partners Inc. explained fund management aimed at balancing regional problem-solving and economic viability. Examples of revitalizing unused assets in tourist destinations and creating businesses in collaboration with regional operators were shared. It was also highlighted that by not merely investing but also being involved in planning, business development, and operation, they contribute to sustainable value creation in the region, emphasizing the importance of regional financial institutions taking the lead in comprehensive problem-solving.

Mr. Nishida of QR Investment Inc. introduced an investment model connecting startups and local governments. He explained initiatives that simultaneously achieve business growth and problem-solving by linking social issues faced by local governments with the technologies and services of startups, creating demonstration opportunities (PoC).

He also mentioned their aim for continuous impact creation through hands-on support from the initial stages, and their policy to invest nationwide without limiting to specific regions.

Hideo Kagamiyama, Tomonori Nishida

In a discussion joined by Mr. Nishi of the Financial Services Agency, the ideal state of capital supply in regions and challenges in promoting impact investment were discussed. The importance of designing based on regional specific capital flows and relationships, and the potential for new possibilities through collaboration among diverse stakeholders, were shared.

From left: Hideo Kagamiyama, Tomonori Nishida, Kotaro Nishi, Aiko Kozaki

JANPIA will continue to support the creation of sustainable initiatives for social problem-solving by promoting collaboration with regional financial institutions and diverse stakeholders through the dormant deposit utilization system.

【Event Outline】

Event Name: The Forefront of Impact Investment Pioneered by Regional Financial Institutions *SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Partner Event

Date: Monday, April 27, 2026, 17:00-19:00

Organizer: Japan Network for Public Interest Activities (JANPIA)

Sponsors: Financial Services Agency, Cabinet Office

【Program】

〇 Opening Remarks by JANPIA Executive Director Okada

〇 Keynote Speech "Prospects and Expectations for Impact Finance in Regional Finance" by Mr. Fuminori Takaoka, Financial Services Agency