[Pitch Event Report] National Mayors Judge 15 Finalist Companies! Ichini Inc. Holds "Business Pitch for Local Governments 2026" for the Third Consecutive Year

The final judging for "Business Pitch for Local Governments 2026," themed around solving social issues, was held on June 27th. Judges for the 15 companies that advanced through up to three rounds of screening from a total of 57 entries included governors and mayors from 35 municipalities nationwide.

Despite the event taking place amidst approaching typhoons, heavy rain, and earthquakes, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude to the mayors who led disaster response efforts on-site, and to the municipal employees who worked tirelessly day and night to ensure resident safety and recovery.

Furthermore, while over half of the mayors were unable to attend due to unavoidable disaster response duties, we are sincerely grateful to those from regions less affected, those who were able to attend after safety was secured and warnings were lifted, and to everyone who watched online (PPV).

This pitch is a new initiative launched in 2024 by Ichini Inc., a company that provides services to over 5,000 politicians. The goal is to solve social issues faced by local governments by matching companies with excellent services and products, but who struggle with recognition and approach to municipalities, with Ichini's strong network.

Mayors who served as judges provided numerous positive comments, such as, "We were able to establish connections with companies we want to learn more about," and "The excellent proposals from each company were very informative." Pitching companies also expressed a sense of accomplishment from the event.

We will continue to provide solutions that can resolve the challenges faced by both local governments and companies, not just through pitches, but in various ways to solve many social issues.

Event Overview

Name: Business Pitch for Local Governments 2026

Date: June 27, 2026 (Sat)

Participants: 35 Mayors (plus accompanying staff), 15 Pitch Companies, 2 Special Guest Speakers

Organizer: Ichini Inc.

Sponsors: Various sponsoring companies

Scenes from the Day

Each company had 6 minutes for their pitch. This was followed by "raising of hands" (fuda-age) from municipalities interested in meeting with the companies, and a Q&A session.

Many mayors raised their hands to indicate interest, and during the Q&A, constructive questions were asked regarding actual case studies and potential hurdles for implementation in municipalities, aiming for collaboration.

A reception was also held after the pitch event, which was lively with many mayors and companies, providing a space for candid and free exchange of opinions.

Voices from Participating Mayors

Over 90% of participating mayors responded "satisfied."

Participants provided the following feedback:

It was worth the trip to Tokyo.

We aim to solve social issues through co-creation between new ideas and technologies from private companies and local governments.

The proposals from dynamic ventures and startups each year are very fresh.

We feel there is potential for improved public services and regional revitalization by combining with the power, ideas, and technology of the private sector.

We hope this business pitch will continue and be held regularly. ...and more.

We will use the feedback received to help plan and operate future events.

Our company will continue to support the resolution of social issues by acting as an intermediary between municipalities and companies willing to collaborate, and by utilizing new business ideas from private companies in conjunction with administrative bodies.

▼Official Website for Business Pitch for Local Governments 2026

https://pppbusinesspitch.com/

Public-Private Partnership Community "Public Leaders Summit"

In addition to the annual "Business Pitch for Local Governments," we also operate "Public Leaders Summit" (hereinafter, PLS), which provides opportunities to connect with incumbent mayors from across the country almost every month.

PLS is a platform that holds networking events monthly in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, inviting many incumbent mayors for our member companies.

▼Public Leaders Summit

https://pppbusinesspitch.com/pppcommunity/

Organizer

Ichini Inc.

Green Fantasia Bldg. 7F, 1-11-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Takashi Takahata, Representative Director

Ichini Inc. operates "Senkyo.com," one of Japan's largest political and election portal sites, used by approximately 41 million users. We database and manage information on elections and candidates in Japan. By building platforms related to elections and politics and maintaining information transparency, we support the creation of an environment where voters can more easily participate in politics.

We also conduct study sessions for local assembly members and others, creating diverse networks through public-private-academic collaboration and promoting innovation through open discussions.

・Official Website: https://ichi-ni.jp/

・Senkyo.com: https://go2senkyo.com/

・Ichini Public-Private Partnership Business Website: https://ichi-ni.jp/ppp

・Official Website for Business Pitch for Local Governments 2026: https://pppbusinesspitch.com/

・Official note for Business Pitch for Local Governments: https://note.com/pppbusinesspitch