Participating in the 'Noto Region High School Entrepreneurship Education Business Plan Presentation'
Astena Holdings participates in a business plan presentation for high school students in the Noto region as part of an entrepreneurship education program.
Astena Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Satoshi Setoguchi) participated in the 'Noto Region High School Entrepreneurship Education Business Plan Presentation,' held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Rapia Kashima (Nakanoto-cho, Kashima-gun, Ishikawa Prefecture), as part of the 'Entrepreneurship Education Promotion Project in Collaboration with Companies' promoted by the Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education.
Since fiscal year 2021, our company has been engaged in entrepreneurship education for high school students in the Noto region. This project aims to support students in fostering problem-solving skills and civic pride by challenging them to create business plans that address local issues, ultimately empowering them to proactively choose to live and work in the Noto region in the future. At this presentation, students from seven high schools in the Noto region presented their business plans aimed at solving local challenges.
■ Overview of Fiscal Year 2025 Initiatives
Continuing from the previous year, seven high schools in the Noto region (Iida, Noto, Anamizu, Wajima, Monzen, Shika, and Rokusei High Schools) participated in fiscal year 2025, with representative teams selected from each school working on their business plans.
While previous years involved a one-week intensive in-person program, the 2025 fiscal year shifted to a year-round format centered on online activities. Despite the communication challenges inherent in an online environment, the extended duration allowed for multiple fieldworks, resulting in more persuasive business plans from some schools.
At the presentation, the representative teams from each school shared the results of their six months of activities. The audience showed great interest in the business ideas, which were refined through the unique perspectives and free-thinking approach of high school students as they delved deep into regional issues.
■ Event Highlights
《Judges》
Keitaro Iwaki (Director, Astena Holdings Co., Ltd.)
Toru Kawaba (General Manager, Investment Division, QR Investment Co., Ltd.)
Mikiko Nagai (Representative Director, Hokuriku Mirai Fund)
Akihiro Nomura (Professor, Institute of Liberal Arts and Science / Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kanazawa University Hospital)
Tadateru Mitani (President and Representative Director, Mitani Sangyo Co., Ltd.)
《Award Results》
| Award | Theme | School Name |
| Grand Prize | Solving food loss by turning wasted ingredients into curry | Shika High School (Sun Place) |
| Excellence Award | Creating a space where students can drop by and spend their time | Iida High School (Yorimichi Cafe) |
| Excellence Award | Health through sports | Wajima High School (Orgene Sports) |
| Judges' Special Award | Opening a karaoke cafe in Anamizu Town | Anamizu High School (Noto Next) |
| Judges' Special Award | Recovery and reconstruction of Monzen-machi and Sojiji-dori shopping street | Monzen High School (Emo-Kara/Gora-Dora Team) |
| Fighting Spirit Award | 'Totoneru' (Refining) the future of Noto | Noto High School (Notonou) |
| Fighting Spirit Award | Creating a tour plan to help people learn more about Noto | Rokusei High School (K! MASSH!) |
Astena Holdings Co., Ltd. Company Overview
Company Name: Astena Holdings Co., Ltd.
Address: 4-8-2 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Satoshi Setoguchi, President and Representative Director
Founded: July 10, 1914
Established: September 20, 1941
URL: https://www.astena-hd.com/
Business: Management of group companies, etc.