"Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~" Announced! A Star-Studded Lineup of Speakers from Public and Private Sectors to Gather Again This Year!
The "Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026," co-hosted by the Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures and the Startup City Promotion Council, will be held in Tokyo on May 29, 2026. Themed "Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions," the event aims to foster collaboration between urban and rural areas, featuring a keynote speech from the Minister for Regional Revitalization and numerous sessions with leaders from government, business, and startups. This summit marks the beginning of the next decade of regional revitalization, focusing on partnership and co-creation.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 19:52 (6h 20m after Collected)
Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~
The "Regional Revitalization Venture Summit," held annually and co-hosted by the "Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures (Representative Director: Shinichiro Shironaga)" and the "Startup City Promotion Council (Chairman: Soichiro Takashima, Mayor of Fukuoka)," is happening again this year. Titled "Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~," the event will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at POTLUCK YAESU (Tokyo Midtown Yaesu).
The day will feature a planned keynote speech by the Minister in charge of Regional Revitalization, as well as talk sessions with distinguished guests, booths from local governments and sponsors, and opportunities for exchange and networking. Pre-registration is required to participate. Please apply through the website below.
*Please note that the list of speakers is current as of now and is subject to change.
Special page here: https://netsui.or.jp/summit2026/
Participation application here: https://netsui2026.peatix.com/
List of Speakers for Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026
■ What is the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit?
The theme of "Regional Revitalization" was introduced by the second Abe Cabinet, which was formed in September 2014.
To further accelerate the momentum of regional revitalization, the "Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures*¹" and the "Startup City Promotion Council*²" have been holding the "Regional Revitalization Venture Summit" annually. This event allows for the sharing of the current status and challenges of regional revitalization from the perspectives of the national government, local municipalities, and private businesses, as well as for disseminating new case studies and fostering exchange for future endeavors. The 10th summit in 2025 brought together a magnificent array of guests, including the Prime Minister, and attracted over 600 attendees from both the public and private sectors.
Photos from the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2025
Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 Special Page: https://netsui.or.jp/summit2026/
■ About the Concept: "Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions"
More than 10 years have passed since the initiatives for regional revitalization began, and we are now clearly stepping into the "next stage." While challenges such as population decline, urban concentration, and changes in industrial structure persist, movements of collaboration that transcend differences in position and scale—between regions and cities, public and private sectors, large corporations and startups, municipalities and citizens—are emerging nationwide.
The past decade was an era where regional challengers lit the flame, and diverse models such as public-private partnerships, startup support, related populations, digital garden cities, and well-being began to sprout. The next decade will see the full-scale beginning of the "era of co-creation," expanding these individual "points" into a comprehensive "plane" that moves society as a whole.
At the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026, diverse players will join hands to break down the "invisible walls" between regions and cities, exploring new value created by combining their respective strengths. Our keyword is the "Co-creation Engine." The power of cities for regional challenges, the on-the-ground experience of regions for urban wisdom. By connecting the public and private sectors, large corporations and startups, and municipalities and citizens, a propulsive force to move society forward is born.
Let's activate the co-creation engine now with the power of partnership. Let's transform the boundaries between regions and cities, and the collaborations between municipalities and ventures, into a "field of co-creation." The "next 10 years" of regional revitalization start here.
Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~
■ Event Overview
Name: Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~
Organizers: (General Incorporated Association) Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures, Startup City Promotion Council
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026, 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM (tentative)
Venue: POTLUCK YAESU (Tokyo Midtown Yaesu 4F, 5F, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Participation: In-person only (No online streaming)
① General (5,000 yen/person)
Early bird tickets available for 3,000 yen if you apply by April 30, 2026.
② Students (2,000 yen/person)
Please bring a valid student ID or proof of enrollment on the day of the event.
③ Individual Sponsor (30,000 yen/person)
You will be guided to front-row seats and the networking event, regardless of membership status.
④ Member companies of the Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures (Free)
Companies that are members as of May 1, 2026 (https://netsui.or.jp/member/), and have no overdue membership fees. (No limit on the number of participants per company.)
⑤ National and Local Government Employees (Free)
Please bring proof of employment as a national or local government official on the day of the event.
*Please be aware that we may conduct baggage checks upon entry. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
■ Program (Tentative)
10:00–10:10 Opening
10:10–10:30 Keynote Speech: "Regional Revitalization and Regional Future Strategy"
10:30–11:30 Main Session 1: "Regional Revitalization × Inter-City Collaboration"
11:40–12:30 Session 2: "Regional Revitalization × Inter-Regional Collaboration"
12:30–13:30 Lunch & Free Talk: Sponsor & Local Government Booth Exhibition
13:30–14:20 Session 3: "Regional Revitalization × Sports & Entertainment"
14:30–15:20 Session 4: "Regional Revitalization × AI"
15:30–16:20 Session 5: "Regional Revitalization × Food & Agriculture"
16:30–17:20 Session 6: "Regional Revitalization × Education"
17:30–18:20 Session 7: "Regional Revitalization × Co-creation (Business Development & Human Resource Activation)"
18:20–18:30 Closing
18:30–19:30 Networking & Exchange (Light food and drinks provided)
*This is an event where you can enter and exit freely.
*Participation in the networking event may be restricted, for example, to "Member Companies, Local Governments, and Sponsors only."
■ Keynote Speech (Video Message) "Regional Revitalization and Regional Future Strategy"
With 10 years having passed since the start of regional revitalization efforts, the government, based on the philosophy of "Regional Revitalization 2.0," is promoting the formulation of a new "Regional Future Strategy" for the sustainable growth of regions. The next stage is beginning, aiming to realize a society where both urban and rural areas can live with peace of mind and take on new challenges.
At the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026, Mr. Hitoshi Kikkawada, Minister of State for Special Missions (Regional Revitalization, Regional Future Strategy), will speak on the theme of "Regional Revitalization and Regional Future Strategy," discussing the future direction of community building.
Keynote speech by Mr. Hitoshi Kikkawada, Minister of State for Special Missions (Regional Revitalization, Regional Future Strategy).
■ Sessions & Speakers (Titles omitted, in alphabetical order except for moderators)
■ Main Session 1 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-City Collaboration" (10:30-11:30)
Breaking down the "invisible walls" between cities and regions. A new model of regional revitalization born from cross-border collaboration.
~"City-Region Collaboration 2.0" that combines mutual strengths~
Cities possess capital, human resources, and technology, while regions have on-the-ground sites, resources, and fields for demonstration. However, an "invisible wall" of differences in systems, culture, and speed exists between them. In this session, heads of local governments who have practiced city-region collaboration will take the stage to discuss the keys to success, how to overcome these walls, and the "design of cross-border collaboration" needed for the next 10 years.
■ Speakers
Soichiro Takashima (Mayor of Fukuoka City, Fukuoka / Chairman of the Startup City Promotion Council)
Kyoko Morisawa (Mayor of Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo)
Shinichiro Shironaga (Representative Director, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures): Moderator
Main Session 1 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-City Collaboration"
■ Session 2 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-Regional Collaboration" (11:40-12:30)
Towards an era where regions support regions. A new form of regional revitalization created by "horizontal collaboration."
~From competition to co-creation. An update on inter-municipal collaboration~
Until now, regional revitalization has often been framed as "region vs. city." However, a movement is spreading where regions learn from each other, complement one another, and create value together. In this session, practitioners of inter-municipal collaboration, wide-area partnerships, and inter-regional co-creation projects will take the stage to explore the possibilities of new regional revitalization born from "horizontal collaboration."
■ Speakers
Tomoya Ogawa (Mayor of Hatoyama Town, Saitama)
Yu Kuwahara (Mayor of Tsunan Town, Niigata)
Takushi Kozono (Mayor of Miyota Town, Nagano / Vice Chairman of the National Association of Young Town and Village Mayors)
Yuto Yoshida (Chairman, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures / Former Mayor of Yokosuka): Moderator
Session 2 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-Regional Collaboration"
■ Session 3 "Regional Revitalization × Sports & Entertainment" (13:30-14:20)
Regional transformation starting from stadiums and arenas. The future of towns moved by sports and entertainment.
~The potential of "Regional Culture Infrastructure" that creates culture, economy, and exchange~
Sports team home bases, music festival venues, art event stages, and "culture hubs" like stadiums, arenas, theaters, and cultural facilities. These sports and entertainment venues are becoming not just places for amusement, but "hubs of co-creation" that foster regional pride, generate related populations, and reconfigure urban functions. In this session, practitioners who have transformed regions through stadium/arena development and entertainment will discuss the social impact of sports and entertainment and their new roles in the region.
■ Speakers
Fumiaki Koizumi (President, Mercari, Inc. / President & CEO, Kashima Antlers F.C. Co., Ltd.)
Kantaro Kanda (CEO, Anomaly Inc. / COO, D.LEAGUE INC.)
Takehiko Shimura (President & CEO, Sendai 89ERS, Inc.)
Tomohisa Yamano (Representative Executive Officer CEO, asoview!, inc.): Moderator
Session 3 "Regional Revitalization × Sports & Entertainment"
■ Session 4 "Regional Revitalization × AI" (14:30-15:20)
AI changes regions. The forefront of updating administration, industry, and life.
~The future of regions brought by generative AI, data utilization, and automation~
Generative AI, data linkage, administrative DX, automation of regional industries. AI is fundamentally changing the way regional challenges are solved and value is created. In this session, heads of local governments, startups, companies that have implemented AI in regions, and a member of the House of Representatives promoting policy will engage in a multi-faceted discussion on "What will AI bring to regional revitalization?" and "Where should we start?"
■ Speakers
Takusui Usui (CEO, Michikusa Inc. / Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Digital Hollywood University)
Kana Kiguchi (SoftBank Corp.)
Akihisa Shiozaki (Member of the House of Representatives / Secretary-General, LDP's AI and web3 Subcommittee)
Tatsuo Igarashi (Mayor of Tsukuba City, Ibaraki): Moderator
Session 4 "Regional Revitalization × AI"
■ Session 5 "Regional Revitalization × Food & Agriculture" (15:30-16:20)
Food and agriculture strengthen regions. New industries and related populations born from local food.
~The forefront of agricultural DX, 6th industry development, and food branding~
Food and agriculture are the culture, industry, and tourism resources of a region. In recent years, regional revitalization centered on "food and agriculture," such as agricultural DX, smart farming, 6th industry development, and food branding, has been progressing nationwide. In this session, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, a local government head, and a food venture will discuss the potential of regional food and the industrial models for the next 10 years.
■ Speakers
Aya Osanai (Food Culture Researcher / Co-manager, Fermentctes Co., Ltd.)
Kenwa Suzuki (Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Hirotoshi Wako (Mayor of Tomiya City, Miyagi)
Anju Ishiyama (Representative Director, Sharing Economy Association of Japan): Moderator
Session 5 "Regional Revitalization × Food & Agriculture"
■ Session 6 "Regional Revitalization × Education" (16:30-17:20)
Regions nurture people, and people nurture regions. The future of regional revitalization created by education.
~A "learning ecosystem" connecting schools, companies, and communities~
Education is the future of the region itself. Initiatives in "education × region," such as inquiry-based learning, career education, regional study abroad, cross-boundary learning, and collaboration with companies, are spreading nationwide. In this session, representatives from the educational field, local governments, and support organizations will discuss how mechanisms for "learning in the region" and "growing up in the region" contribute to regional revitalization.
■ Speakers
Kumi Imamura (Representative Director, Certified NPO Katariba)
Kaiyu Murayama-Zamit (Creative Director, Kamiyama Marugoto College of Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship)
Akishi Yamashita (Mayor of Mitoyo City, Kagawa)
Takashi Doi (Director, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures / Representative of Minecraft Cup): Moderator
Session 6 "Regional Revitalization × Education"
■ Session 7 "Regional Revitalization × Co-creation (Business Development & Human Resource Activation)" (17:30-18:20)
Activate the co-creation engine. A new partnership between the public and private sectors to build the next 10 years.
~Moving the future of regional revitalization through cross-border collaboration, cooperation, and implementation~
This final session summarizes the theme of this year's summit, "Co-creation Engine." As a conclusion to the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit, leaders from diverse fields such as public-private, city-region, large corporation-startup, education, agriculture, AI, and sports will gather to discuss the vision for the next 10 years of regional revitalization. We will present a "design of co-creation" that will move the future of regional revitalization, addressing "who, what, and how to create."
■ Speakers
Madoka Akagi (CEO, AgeWellJapan, Inc.)
Takaaki Kitajima (CEO, Relic Holdings, Inc. / Relic, Inc.)
Yasutomo Suzuki (Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture)
Shinichiro Shironaga (Representative Director, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures): Moderator
Session 7 "Regional Revitalization × Co-creation (Business Development & Human Resource Activation)"
■ Introduction of the Organizers
■ What is the Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures*¹?
Launched in 2015 with the aim of contributing to sustainable regional economic development by solving local issues and increasing the productivity of regional businesses through the innovative services of venture companies. Currently, about 80 venture companies are participating. Through study sessions featuring key figures in the field of regional revitalization and this summit, the alliance widely disseminates information to local governments and private businesses, working to build momentum for the realization of regional revitalization.
Official HP: https://netsui.or.jp/
■ What is the Startup City Promotion Council*²?
"Startups," such as new businesses and ventures, are essential for Japan's revival as they achieve economic growth, have a large job creation effect, and create new value in our lives. At a time when expectations for Japan's revival are growing, the council was established with the aim of having municipalities that are pioneering startup city development become role models that leverage their regional characteristics, and, in cooperation with economic organizations, transform Japan as a whole into a country where challenges are valued.
Official HP: https://startup-toshi.com/
■ Call for Sponsors, Partners, and Members
The Regional Revitalization Venture Summit is an annual festival to further accelerate the flow of regional revitalization, by sharing the current situation and challenges for regional revitalization from the respective standpoints of the national government, local governments, and private businesses, and by disseminating and exchanging information on new cases expected in the future.
We are looking for companies and organizations that agree with the purpose of the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit and would like to promote collaboration between venture companies and local governments for the further promotion of regional revitalization.
If your company or organization is interested, please contact us using the form below. A representative will get in touch with you.
HP: https://netsui.or.jp/contact/
Email: info@netsui.or.jp
■ Last Year's Event (Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2025 ~"10 Years of Regional Revitalization" A New Era Vision Presented by Reform Leaders~)
Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2025 Special Page: https://netsui.or.jp/summit2025/
■ Contact Us
(General Incorporated Association) Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures Secretariat
Shimizu-so Apt. 102, 2-10-17 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
Email: info@netsui.or.jp
The "Regional Revitalization Venture Summit," held annually and co-hosted by the "Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures (Representative Director: Shinichiro Shironaga)" and the "Startup City Promotion Council (Chairman: Soichiro Takashima, Mayor of Fukuoka)," is happening again this year. Titled "Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~," the event will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at POTLUCK YAESU (Tokyo Midtown Yaesu).
The day will feature a planned keynote speech by the Minister in charge of Regional Revitalization, as well as talk sessions with distinguished guests, booths from local governments and sponsors, and opportunities for exchange and networking. Pre-registration is required to participate. Please apply through the website below.
*Please note that the list of speakers is current as of now and is subject to change.
Special page here: https://netsui.or.jp/summit2026/
Participation application here: https://netsui2026.peatix.com/
List of Speakers for Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026
■ What is the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit?
The theme of "Regional Revitalization" was introduced by the second Abe Cabinet, which was formed in September 2014.
To further accelerate the momentum of regional revitalization, the "Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures*¹" and the "Startup City Promotion Council*²" have been holding the "Regional Revitalization Venture Summit" annually. This event allows for the sharing of the current status and challenges of regional revitalization from the perspectives of the national government, local municipalities, and private businesses, as well as for disseminating new case studies and fostering exchange for future endeavors. The 10th summit in 2025 brought together a magnificent array of guests, including the Prime Minister, and attracted over 600 attendees from both the public and private sectors.
Photos from the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2025
Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 Special Page: https://netsui.or.jp/summit2026/
■ About the Concept: "Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions"
More than 10 years have passed since the initiatives for regional revitalization began, and we are now clearly stepping into the "next stage." While challenges such as population decline, urban concentration, and changes in industrial structure persist, movements of collaboration that transcend differences in position and scale—between regions and cities, public and private sectors, large corporations and startups, municipalities and citizens—are emerging nationwide.
The past decade was an era where regional challengers lit the flame, and diverse models such as public-private partnerships, startup support, related populations, digital garden cities, and well-being began to sprout. The next decade will see the full-scale beginning of the "era of co-creation," expanding these individual "points" into a comprehensive "plane" that moves society as a whole.
At the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026, diverse players will join hands to break down the "invisible walls" between regions and cities, exploring new value created by combining their respective strengths. Our keyword is the "Co-creation Engine." The power of cities for regional challenges, the on-the-ground experience of regions for urban wisdom. By connecting the public and private sectors, large corporations and startups, and municipalities and citizens, a propulsive force to move society forward is born.
Let's activate the co-creation engine now with the power of partnership. Let's transform the boundaries between regions and cities, and the collaborations between municipalities and ventures, into a "field of co-creation." The "next 10 years" of regional revitalization start here.
Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~
■ Event Overview
Name: Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026 ~Activate the 'Co-creation Engine' of Cities and Regions~
Organizers: (General Incorporated Association) Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures, Startup City Promotion Council
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026, 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM (tentative)
Venue: POTLUCK YAESU (Tokyo Midtown Yaesu 4F, 5F, 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Participation: In-person only (No online streaming)
① General (5,000 yen/person)
Early bird tickets available for 3,000 yen if you apply by April 30, 2026.
② Students (2,000 yen/person)
Please bring a valid student ID or proof of enrollment on the day of the event.
③ Individual Sponsor (30,000 yen/person)
You will be guided to front-row seats and the networking event, regardless of membership status.
④ Member companies of the Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures (Free)
Companies that are members as of May 1, 2026 (https://netsui.or.jp/member/), and have no overdue membership fees. (No limit on the number of participants per company.)
⑤ National and Local Government Employees (Free)
Please bring proof of employment as a national or local government official on the day of the event.
*Please be aware that we may conduct baggage checks upon entry. We appreciate your understanding in advance.
■ Program (Tentative)
10:00–10:10 Opening
10:10–10:30 Keynote Speech: "Regional Revitalization and Regional Future Strategy"
10:30–11:30 Main Session 1: "Regional Revitalization × Inter-City Collaboration"
11:40–12:30 Session 2: "Regional Revitalization × Inter-Regional Collaboration"
12:30–13:30 Lunch & Free Talk: Sponsor & Local Government Booth Exhibition
13:30–14:20 Session 3: "Regional Revitalization × Sports & Entertainment"
14:30–15:20 Session 4: "Regional Revitalization × AI"
15:30–16:20 Session 5: "Regional Revitalization × Food & Agriculture"
16:30–17:20 Session 6: "Regional Revitalization × Education"
17:30–18:20 Session 7: "Regional Revitalization × Co-creation (Business Development & Human Resource Activation)"
18:20–18:30 Closing
18:30–19:30 Networking & Exchange (Light food and drinks provided)
*This is an event where you can enter and exit freely.
*Participation in the networking event may be restricted, for example, to "Member Companies, Local Governments, and Sponsors only."
■ Keynote Speech (Video Message) "Regional Revitalization and Regional Future Strategy"
With 10 years having passed since the start of regional revitalization efforts, the government, based on the philosophy of "Regional Revitalization 2.0," is promoting the formulation of a new "Regional Future Strategy" for the sustainable growth of regions. The next stage is beginning, aiming to realize a society where both urban and rural areas can live with peace of mind and take on new challenges.
At the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2026, Mr. Hitoshi Kikkawada, Minister of State for Special Missions (Regional Revitalization, Regional Future Strategy), will speak on the theme of "Regional Revitalization and Regional Future Strategy," discussing the future direction of community building.
Keynote speech by Mr. Hitoshi Kikkawada, Minister of State for Special Missions (Regional Revitalization, Regional Future Strategy).
■ Sessions & Speakers (Titles omitted, in alphabetical order except for moderators)
■ Main Session 1 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-City Collaboration" (10:30-11:30)
Breaking down the "invisible walls" between cities and regions. A new model of regional revitalization born from cross-border collaboration.
~"City-Region Collaboration 2.0" that combines mutual strengths~
Cities possess capital, human resources, and technology, while regions have on-the-ground sites, resources, and fields for demonstration. However, an "invisible wall" of differences in systems, culture, and speed exists between them. In this session, heads of local governments who have practiced city-region collaboration will take the stage to discuss the keys to success, how to overcome these walls, and the "design of cross-border collaboration" needed for the next 10 years.
■ Speakers
Soichiro Takashima (Mayor of Fukuoka City, Fukuoka / Chairman of the Startup City Promotion Council)
Kyoko Morisawa (Mayor of Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo)
Shinichiro Shironaga (Representative Director, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures): Moderator
Main Session 1 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-City Collaboration"
■ Session 2 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-Regional Collaboration" (11:40-12:30)
Towards an era where regions support regions. A new form of regional revitalization created by "horizontal collaboration."
~From competition to co-creation. An update on inter-municipal collaboration~
Until now, regional revitalization has often been framed as "region vs. city." However, a movement is spreading where regions learn from each other, complement one another, and create value together. In this session, practitioners of inter-municipal collaboration, wide-area partnerships, and inter-regional co-creation projects will take the stage to explore the possibilities of new regional revitalization born from "horizontal collaboration."
■ Speakers
Tomoya Ogawa (Mayor of Hatoyama Town, Saitama)
Yu Kuwahara (Mayor of Tsunan Town, Niigata)
Takushi Kozono (Mayor of Miyota Town, Nagano / Vice Chairman of the National Association of Young Town and Village Mayors)
Yuto Yoshida (Chairman, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures / Former Mayor of Yokosuka): Moderator
Session 2 "Regional Revitalization × Inter-Regional Collaboration"
■ Session 3 "Regional Revitalization × Sports & Entertainment" (13:30-14:20)
Regional transformation starting from stadiums and arenas. The future of towns moved by sports and entertainment.
~The potential of "Regional Culture Infrastructure" that creates culture, economy, and exchange~
Sports team home bases, music festival venues, art event stages, and "culture hubs" like stadiums, arenas, theaters, and cultural facilities. These sports and entertainment venues are becoming not just places for amusement, but "hubs of co-creation" that foster regional pride, generate related populations, and reconfigure urban functions. In this session, practitioners who have transformed regions through stadium/arena development and entertainment will discuss the social impact of sports and entertainment and their new roles in the region.
■ Speakers
Fumiaki Koizumi (President, Mercari, Inc. / President & CEO, Kashima Antlers F.C. Co., Ltd.)
Kantaro Kanda (CEO, Anomaly Inc. / COO, D.LEAGUE INC.)
Takehiko Shimura (President & CEO, Sendai 89ERS, Inc.)
Tomohisa Yamano (Representative Executive Officer CEO, asoview!, inc.): Moderator
Session 3 "Regional Revitalization × Sports & Entertainment"
■ Session 4 "Regional Revitalization × AI" (14:30-15:20)
AI changes regions. The forefront of updating administration, industry, and life.
~The future of regions brought by generative AI, data utilization, and automation~
Generative AI, data linkage, administrative DX, automation of regional industries. AI is fundamentally changing the way regional challenges are solved and value is created. In this session, heads of local governments, startups, companies that have implemented AI in regions, and a member of the House of Representatives promoting policy will engage in a multi-faceted discussion on "What will AI bring to regional revitalization?" and "Where should we start?"
■ Speakers
Takusui Usui (CEO, Michikusa Inc. / Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Digital Hollywood University)
Kana Kiguchi (SoftBank Corp.)
Akihisa Shiozaki (Member of the House of Representatives / Secretary-General, LDP's AI and web3 Subcommittee)
Tatsuo Igarashi (Mayor of Tsukuba City, Ibaraki): Moderator
Session 4 "Regional Revitalization × AI"
■ Session 5 "Regional Revitalization × Food & Agriculture" (15:30-16:20)
Food and agriculture strengthen regions. New industries and related populations born from local food.
~The forefront of agricultural DX, 6th industry development, and food branding~
Food and agriculture are the culture, industry, and tourism resources of a region. In recent years, regional revitalization centered on "food and agriculture," such as agricultural DX, smart farming, 6th industry development, and food branding, has been progressing nationwide. In this session, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, a local government head, and a food venture will discuss the potential of regional food and the industrial models for the next 10 years.
■ Speakers
Aya Osanai (Food Culture Researcher / Co-manager, Fermentctes Co., Ltd.)
Kenwa Suzuki (Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries)
Hirotoshi Wako (Mayor of Tomiya City, Miyagi)
Anju Ishiyama (Representative Director, Sharing Economy Association of Japan): Moderator
Session 5 "Regional Revitalization × Food & Agriculture"
■ Session 6 "Regional Revitalization × Education" (16:30-17:20)
Regions nurture people, and people nurture regions. The future of regional revitalization created by education.
~A "learning ecosystem" connecting schools, companies, and communities~
Education is the future of the region itself. Initiatives in "education × region," such as inquiry-based learning, career education, regional study abroad, cross-boundary learning, and collaboration with companies, are spreading nationwide. In this session, representatives from the educational field, local governments, and support organizations will discuss how mechanisms for "learning in the region" and "growing up in the region" contribute to regional revitalization.
■ Speakers
Kumi Imamura (Representative Director, Certified NPO Katariba)
Kaiyu Murayama-Zamit (Creative Director, Kamiyama Marugoto College of Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship)
Akishi Yamashita (Mayor of Mitoyo City, Kagawa)
Takashi Doi (Director, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures / Representative of Minecraft Cup): Moderator
Session 6 "Regional Revitalization × Education"
■ Session 7 "Regional Revitalization × Co-creation (Business Development & Human Resource Activation)" (17:30-18:20)
Activate the co-creation engine. A new partnership between the public and private sectors to build the next 10 years.
~Moving the future of regional revitalization through cross-border collaboration, cooperation, and implementation~
This final session summarizes the theme of this year's summit, "Co-creation Engine." As a conclusion to the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit, leaders from diverse fields such as public-private, city-region, large corporation-startup, education, agriculture, AI, and sports will gather to discuss the vision for the next 10 years of regional revitalization. We will present a "design of co-creation" that will move the future of regional revitalization, addressing "who, what, and how to create."
■ Speakers
Madoka Akagi (CEO, AgeWellJapan, Inc.)
Takaaki Kitajima (CEO, Relic Holdings, Inc. / Relic, Inc.)
Yasutomo Suzuki (Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture)
Shinichiro Shironaga (Representative Director, Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures): Moderator
Session 7 "Regional Revitalization × Co-creation (Business Development & Human Resource Activation)"
■ Introduction of the Organizers
■ What is the Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures*¹?
Launched in 2015 with the aim of contributing to sustainable regional economic development by solving local issues and increasing the productivity of regional businesses through the innovative services of venture companies. Currently, about 80 venture companies are participating. Through study sessions featuring key figures in the field of regional revitalization and this summit, the alliance widely disseminates information to local governments and private businesses, working to build momentum for the realization of regional revitalization.
Official HP: https://netsui.or.jp/
■ What is the Startup City Promotion Council*²?
"Startups," such as new businesses and ventures, are essential for Japan's revival as they achieve economic growth, have a large job creation effect, and create new value in our lives. At a time when expectations for Japan's revival are growing, the council was established with the aim of having municipalities that are pioneering startup city development become role models that leverage their regional characteristics, and, in cooperation with economic organizations, transform Japan as a whole into a country where challenges are valued.
Official HP: https://startup-toshi.com/
■ Call for Sponsors, Partners, and Members
The Regional Revitalization Venture Summit is an annual festival to further accelerate the flow of regional revitalization, by sharing the current situation and challenges for regional revitalization from the respective standpoints of the national government, local governments, and private businesses, and by disseminating and exchanging information on new cases expected in the future.
We are looking for companies and organizations that agree with the purpose of the Regional Revitalization Venture Summit and would like to promote collaboration between venture companies and local governments for the further promotion of regional revitalization.
If your company or organization is interested, please contact us using the form below. A representative will get in touch with you.
HP: https://netsui.or.jp/contact/
Email: info@netsui.or.jp
■ Last Year's Event (Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2025 ~"10 Years of Regional Revitalization" A New Era Vision Presented by Reform Leaders~)
Regional Revitalization Venture Summit 2025 Special Page: https://netsui.or.jp/summit2025/
■ Contact Us
(General Incorporated Association) Alliance of Passionate Regional Revitalization Ventures Secretariat
Shimizu-so Apt. 102, 2-10-17 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
Email: info@netsui.or.jp