Decision Made: "Niigata Future Summit ~8 People Creating a Niigata Where People Gather~" to be Held! Self/Other Nominations for "Niigata Future Creation Award" Also Begin Simultaneously

Hasegawa Electric Works Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture) will hold the regional co-creation event "Niigata Future Summit ~8 People Creating a Niigata Where People Gather~" on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Niigata City, commemorating its 80th anniversary. This public event, with "SDGs Niigata" and "Niigata University" participating in the executive committee, aims to honor individuals and organizations contributing to the future of Niigata in diverse fields such as environment, education, culture, and industry, and to widely disseminate the region's potential.

[Purpose of the Event]

During the Meiji era, Niigata boasted one of the largest populations in Japan, with its development largely based on agriculture. This agricultural foundation expanded into food, manufacturing, tourism, and culture, forming the current appeal of Niigata.

However, in modern times, challenges such as population decline and a shortage of successors have become apparent, making "how to create a region where people gather and continue to be involved" a crucial theme.

Against this backdrop, this event aims to visualize initiatives that embody "a Niigata where people gather" and create a forum for sharing hints for the future.

[Features of this Event]

① A new award project with the theme "people gather"
We will honor individuals and organizations that attract people, connect them, and foster relationships in the region as "the 8 people creating a Niigata where people gather."

② Multi-field cross-sectional talk sessions
Across areas related to Niigata's future, such as environment, education, culture, and industry, we will invite guests for talk sessions on themes like well-being, decarbonization, and regional co-creation.

③ Opening up small regional initiatives to society
The event will feature not only activities that have already achieved significant results, but also less-known activities and people who have been invigorating the town with a specific theme for many years, thereby broadly promoting Niigata's diverse appeal.

[Event Outline]

Name: Niigata Future Summit ~8 People Creating a Niigata Where People Gather~
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 14:00-16:30
Venue: Hotel Nikko Niigata, Toki no Ma
Content:
- Guest talk sessions
- "Niigata Future Creation Award" presentation ceremony
etc.
How to participate: Please register via the application form. (Participation is free)
https://forms.gle/hwBWKKo4UhyKHg2fA

[Niigata Future Creation Award Outline]

Award Application Method:
We welcome nominations for activities that contribute to creating "a Niigata where people gather." Self-nominations and other nominations are welcome. We would be grateful if you could enter your thoughts such as "I'm glad this activity exists!" or "I'm glad this person exists!" using the form below.
https://forms.gle/5pESQjZ4YQwVKb7f6

Application Period: May 1 to June 7, 2026

Eligibility:
Individuals or organizations that meet any of the following:
- Whose main activity base is within Niigata Prefecture
- Engaged in activities related to Niigata
- Field and scale are not restricted (individuals, organizations, or companies are all eligible)
*Priority will be given to those who have not received any awards in the past.

Award Content:
- Certified as one of the 8 people creating a Niigata where people gather
- Presentation and introduction at the event
- Dissemination through media and public relations
- Provision of activity support funds (30,000 yen x 1 group, 10,000 yen x 7 groups)

URL: https://www.hei.co.jp/news/643/

[Talk Guests: Ayano Yamada, Toshio Murayama]

For the talk sessions at this event, Ayano Yamada (left in photo) and Associate Professor Toshio Murayama of Niigata University (right in photo) will appear as speakers, providing a platform to think about "regions where people gather" from both practitioner and researcher perspectives, active in Niigata.

Ms. Yamada, based in Niigata, is engaged in creating "places to belong" and community formation through the operation of NPOs and children's cafeterias. As a practitioner who has created safe spaces for children and local people to gather and connect, beyond just meals and learning support, she has garnered much attention.

On the other hand, Mr. Murayama has conducted research on regional society and communities at Niigata University, accumulating knowledge on regional sustainability and human connections. He analyzes the flow of people and the formation of relationships in the region from a theoretical and structural perspective.

In this session, themes such as:
- Why do people gather in that place?
- What is necessary for a region where people "continue to be involved"?
- The ideal state of "places to belong" and communities from the perspectives of practice and research
- The potential for well-being in Niigata
will be explored in a dialogue format under the theme of "Niigata where people gather."

[Organizer's Comment]

Hasegawa Electric Works Co., Ltd. has always upheld the philosophy of "a company where people gather," and with the region...