Kobe's Local Enterprises Facing Population Decline and Market Shifts to Become '10 Billion Yen Companies': Funai Soken Co-hosts 'Kobe NEXT STAGE Forum 2026' with Kobe City

Funai Soken Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Tokyo; President and CEO: Daisuke Magai; hereinafter 'Funai Soken'), a management consulting firm specializing in mid-sized and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with dedicated consultants, will co-host the 'Kobe NEXT STAGE Forum 2026' with Kobe City on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Targeting executives and management leaders of mid-sized and SMEs in Kobe aiming for their next stage of growth, the forum will present advanced case studies and support initiatives that have implemented the '10 Billion Yen Declaration※,' showcasing growth strategies for becoming enterprises continuously needed by the local community. Through this forum, Funai Soken aims to provide local businesses in Kobe's regional economy—facing population decline and market changes—with the impetus to initiate transformation, contributing to sustainable development and the creation of high-quality employment.

※A system promoted by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency and the Japan Organization for Small and Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (J-START), in which SMEs publicly declare (declare) their commitment to set and achieve the ambitious goal of ¥10 billion in sales through concrete initiatives.

Kobe City's Initiatives for Supporting Local Industry Growth

Kobe City has established its Second Basic Plan (until the end of fiscal year 2028) under the 'Regional Future Investment Promotion Act' by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Under this plan, businesses that develop business plans meeting eligibility criteria—such as leveraging regional characteristics—and receive approval from the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture are eligible for comprehensive national support. This support targets projects expected to achieve significant economic effects, such as over 5% sales growth and over 2% employment growth. The city collaborates with national and prefectural entities in growth sectors such as advanced medical care and robotics to further scale up companies that serve as pillars of the regional economy.

Funai Soken, in agreement with Kobe City's initiatives, has planned and will co-host this forum.

Overview of the Forum

The forum will feature a talk session with Daisuke Magai, President and CEO of Funai Soken, a firm with extensive experience supporting numerous companies in achieving ¥10 billion in revenue, and Takashi Wada, President and CEO of Asahikodenki Co., Ltd., a manufacturer that transformed its business model from 100% subcontracting to proactively developing and providing products and services by capturing market needs through DX and IoT solutions.

・Name: Kobe NEXT STAGE Forum 2026

・Date and Time: Monday, July 6, 2026, 13:00–15:30

・Venue: Room 901, Kobe City Industrial Promotion Center (1-8-4 Higashikawasakicho, Chuo Ward, Kobe)

・Target Audience: Executives and management leaders of mid-sized and SMEs in Kobe aiming for further growth, support organizations, etc.

・Capacity: 100 participants

・Participation Fee: Free

・Co-hosts: Funai Soken Co., Ltd., City of Kobe

・Supporting Organizations: Public Interest Foundation Kobe Industry and Employment Support Foundation, Osaka Small and Medium Enterprise Investment and Development Co., Ltd.

・Details and Registration: Please register via the website.

https://seminar-app.com/cer-0000000211

〈Program Outline〉

・Date and Time: Monday, July 6, 2026, 13:00–15:30

【1】13:00–13:15 Opening Remarks

Shota Sugimori, Director, Economic Affairs and Tourism Bureau, City of Kobe

【2】13:15–13:45 Keynote Speech

"Why 10 Billion Yen Now? – The Next Challenge from Kobe –"

Daisuke Magai, President and CEO, Funai Soken Co., Ltd.

【3】13:45–14:25 Talk Session (Case Study)

"Aiming for a 10 Billion Yen Company from Kobe! The Reality and Challenges of Growth"

Guest: Takashi Wada, President and CEO, Asahikodenki Co., Ltd.

Panelist: Daisuke Magai, President and CEO, Funai Soken Co., Ltd.

【4】14:25–14:45 Break and Business Card Exchange

【5】14:45–15:15 Methodology Explanation

"Roadmap to Becoming a '10 Billion Yen Company' for Sustainable Growth"

Keisuke Suzuki, Managing Director, Funai Soken Co., Ltd.

【6】15:15–15:30 Closing Summary

About Funai Soken Co., Ltd.

Funai Soken is one of Japan’s largest management consulting firms, specializing in mid-sized and SMEs with dedicated consultants. It employs a unique support model, conducting both 'monthly support' and 'management study groups' by industry and theme, aiming to create numerous socially valuable sustainable growth companies through 'growth execution support,' 'recruitment and human capital management support,' 'corporate value enhancement support,' and 'DX (Digital Transformation) support.' Its practical consulting activities, closely aligned with on-site operations and tailored to executives, have received high praise from business leaders across various industries.

＜Official Website of Funai Soken Co., Ltd.＞

https://www.funaisoken.co.jp/

Media Inquiries Regarding This Announcement

Corporate Communication Department, Public Relations Contact: Kuninobe, Nishizawa Funai Soken Co., Ltd.

TEL: 0120-958-270 (9:45–17:30)

Email: press@funaisoken.co.jp

https://www.funaisoken.co.jp/form/press