Japan's Largest Wellness Pitch Contest 'Wellness Leaders Award 2026' Appoints Kiyokazu Sakakibara as Special Judge! Businesses Creating Japan's Future to be Selected at Tokyo Big Sight
Kiyokazu Sakakibara, Representative of EMOLVA, appointed as a special judge for the Wellness Pitch Contest.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 17:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 31, 2026 at 09:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 10:01 (384h 59m after Collected)
EMOLVA Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Kiyokazu Sakakibara) is pleased to announce that our Representative Director, Kiyokazu Sakakibara, will serve as a special judge for the 'Wellness Leaders Award 2026,' Japan's No. 1 wellness business competition.
This award is Japan's largest wellness pitch contest, featuring a final competition held at a special venue within 'SPORTEC' (approximately 50,000 visitors), the world's largest comprehensive exhibition for the sports and health industries, following regional competitions in 12 cities nationwide.
■ Background of the 'Wellness Leaders Award 2026'
Currently, Japan's national healthcare costs are on a continuous rise, projected to reach 80 trillion yen by 2040. In response to this serious social issue, this event aims to support and discover businesses with the 'passion and ambition' to lead Japan to become a leading wellness nation, guided by the principle that '1 trillion yen in wellness investment can reduce medical expenses by approximately 6 trillion yen.'
At this competition, a distinguished panel of judges active at the forefront of business, politics, and entertainment will gather to bring the contestants' passion to life.
【Special Judges】
Mr. Kiyokazu Sakakibara (Representative Director, EMOLVA Inc. / Reiwa no Tora)
Mr. Yasutoki Aoki (Representative Director, REALVALUE Inc. / Nontitle)
Mr. Fumitake Fujita (Secretary-General, Japan Innovation Party)
The judges, who have evaluated numerous entrepreneurs at the forefront of business, will select the next generation of leaders driving Japan's wellness industry.
■ Comment from Kiyokazu Sakakibara
'Considering Japan's future, the development of the wellness domain is indispensable. While I have observed many businesses and challengers, this time I am focusing not just on the merits of business models, but on the intense 'passion and ambition' that can move society. I look forward to encountering innovative ideas that will make Japan healthier and richer on the best stage, Tokyo Big Sight.'
■ Event Overview
Event Name: Wellness Leaders Award 2026
Final Venue: Special venue at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) (within 'SPORTEC')
FAQ
What is the Wellness Leaders Award 2026?
The Wellness Leaders Award 2026 is Japan's largest wellness pitch contest, aiming to discover and support businesses that contribute to making Japan a leading wellness nation. The final competition will be held at Tokyo Big Sight as part of the SPORTEC exhibition.
Who is Kiyokazu Sakakibara?
Kiyokazu Sakakibara is the Representative Director of EMOLVA Inc. and is also known as 'Reiwa no Tora.' He will be serving as a special judge for the Wellness Leaders Award 2026.
What is the background for holding this award?
The award is being held to address the rising national healthcare costs in Japan. The aim is to support businesses in the wellness sector, based on the principle that wellness investment can significantly reduce medical expenses and lead Japan to become a wellness-advanced country.
Where will the final competition be held?
The final competition will be held at a special venue within 'SPORTEC,' the world's largest comprehensive exhibition for the sports and health industries, located at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center).