Event Report: From Kumamoto to the World: Survival Strategies for Regional SMEs in the AI Era

Toshiyuki Sugai of Resorz Inc. (HQ: Shinjuku, Tokyo), operator of Japan's largest overseas business support platform 'Digima~Izushima~,' delivered a presentation at the 'KUMAMOTO STANDARD' international business forum. The event, hosted by the Japan Junior Chamber's Kumamoto Block Council, was held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto.

In his 90-minute lecture, Sugai drew on insights from the company's annual 'Overseas Expansion White Paper,' which is based on 4,218 annual consultations. He outlined a practical path for regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop inbound tourism strategies and pursue global expansion in the age of AI.

**■ About 'KUMAMOTO STANDARD'**
The 'KUMAMOTO STANDARD' is an international business forum aimed at helping the next generation of business leaders in Kumamoto and Kyushu adopt a global perspective and spearhead international business, under the slogan 'Let's become a chosen city, Kumamoto!'

**■ Lecture Background: The Misconception of 'Overseas is for Big Business'**
While many assume overseas expansion is limited to large corporations, data from 'Digima~Izushima~' shows that approximately 57% of companies expanding abroad are SMEs with 50 or fewer employees. Meanwhile, only 17.1% of companies are strategically targeting the inbound market. With a record 42.68 million foreign visitors in 2025 and a government target of 60 million by 2030, now is a prime opportunity to gain a first-mover advantage. The lecture was planned to convey this reality to Kumamoto businesses, which are gaining international attention due to the new TSMC plant.

**■ Lecture Summary**
1. **Reliable Data Foundation**: Emphasized that the analysis is based on the 'Overseas Expansion White Paper,' which draws from over 4,200 real-world business consultations annually.
2. **Inbound as the 'First Step'**: With about 60% of expanding companies being SMEs, inbound tourism response is the most effective, lowest-risk first step. As only 17.1% are strategically engaged, it's a timely opportunity.
3. **Nationwide Success Stories**: Introduced low-cost success cases, such as a Hokkaido restaurant that became fully booked for months by producing its own social media videos. He noted that 90.7% of leading companies prepare multilingual products and websites.
4. **5-Year Survival Strategy in the AI Era**: Argued that with AI breaking down language barriers, true competitive advantage lies in what AI cannot copy: 'human networks and relationships built on the ground' and 'heartfelt hospitality.'
5. **Kumamoto's Potential**: Pointed out Kumamoto's immense potential, citing the 'once-in-a-century tailwind' from the TSMC plant, global IP like Kumamon, and unique assets like Aso and Kumamoto Castle. He urged attendees to 'turn the real experiential value that AI can never copy into profit.'

**■ Attendee Reactions**
A post-event survey with 67 valid responses showed high satisfaction. Comments included, 'I realized business opportunities exist despite language barriers,' and 'As a restaurant owner, I want to work on multilingual support.'

**■ Speaker Profile**
Toshiyuki Sugai
General Manager, Overseas Business EXPO, Resorz Inc. An expert in supporting regional companies' global expansion, he oversees one of Japan's largest overseas business expos.