Shonai Business Concept Project Research (4th Term) Project Researcher Recruitment Begins. ~Conceiving New Businesses Contributing to Solving Issues in the Shonai Region~

Sentan Kyoiku Gakuen, Project Design Graduate University (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Risa Tanaka) will implement the "Shonai Business Concept Project Research (4th Term)" co-hosted by its affiliated research institution, the Institute of Project Design, Sakata City, and Sumitomo Corporation. Recruitment for project researchers has begun for the program scheduled to commence in June 2026.

Conceiving New Businesses with the Theme of Solving Regional Issues in the Shonai Area

The Shonai region, the stage for this research group, is one of Japan's leading granaries, with a vast and fertile plain surrounded by mountains and the sea. Many rivers flow through it, including the Mogami River, which flows into the Sea of Japan, the Akagawa River, which originates in the Dewa Mountains to the east, and the Hinata River and Gekko River, which originate in Mt. Chokai to the north.

It is a naturally rich area blessed with seasonal mountain and sea delicacies, forming its unique food culture. Furthermore, since ancient times, Mt. Chokai and the Dewa Sanzan have flourished as sacred sites for mountain worship, and the region boasts Yunohama Onsen, Atsumi Onsen, and Yudagawa Onsen, which have been open for over 1,000 years. In the Edo period, with the development of the Mogami River shipping route, goods from inland areas were transported from Sakata to Kamigata and Edo via the "Western Sea Route," and Shonai/Sakata prospered as a hub for economy and cultural exchange.

The "Shonai Business Concept Project Research" is a research group that aims to maximize the charm and potential of the Shonai region, which possesses such abundant local resources, and to conceive new businesses that connect to the future.

＜Sharing and Exploring Knowledge with Companies and Partners from Different Industries＞

Thinking about Practical New Businesses with the Project Design Graduate University's Specialized Program

In the "Shonai Business Concept Project Research," participants' business concept research is supported by a program that utilizes elements of the Project Design Graduate University's master's curriculum and guidance from the university's faculty members.

✔ This is a research group that conceives new businesses contributing to solving regional issues and promoting human resource development in the Shonai area.

✔ The "Shonai Business Concept Project Research" started in 2023, and this is its 4th term.

✔ Participants will generate ideas from the very foundation of a business and build an ideal business concept.

✔ It enables the sharing and exploration of knowledge with companies and partners from different industries, and the creation of businesses through collaboration.

✔ Through a 10-month research group (June 2026 - March 2027, total 20 sessions), participants will cultivate the ability to notice small signs, ask questions, and develop human resources capable of creating new businesses and values.

Shonai Business Concept Project Research (3rd Term) Opening Ceremony

Scene from the research group

"Shonai Business Concept Project Research (4th Term)" Recruitment Overview

▷ Project Period: June 2026 - March 2027

▷ Venue: Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, and online

※In principle, applicants who can attend in person will be selected.

▷ Number of Recruits: 10 people

※If the number of applications exceeds the capacity, a selection process will be conducted.

※The results of the selection will be communicated regardless of participation status.

※Please refrain from withdrawing your application after selection.

▷ Eligible Participants: Individuals aiming to develop new businesses that contribute to solving regional issues in the Shonai area, utilizing their company's management resources or their own skills.

※Industry and company size do not matter. Sole proprietorships are also welcome.

▷ Participation Fee: 100,000 yen per person (tax included)

※For corporate dispatches, it may be eligible for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Human Resources Development Subsidy for Investment in People Promotion Course." (Conditions apply)

※Transportation and accommodation expenses to the venue are the responsibility of the participant.

※Please bring your own PC (tablet also acceptable) to each session.

▷ Instructor: Junichi Harajiri, Visiting Professor, Institute of Project Design

▷ Co-hosts: Sakata City, Sumitomo Corporation, Sentan Kyoiku Gakuen Project Design Graduate University Institute of Project Design

▷ Application Deadline: April 20, 2026 (Monday) Application documents must arrive by this date.

For details on information sessions, applications, etc., please check the website.

https://www.mpd.ac.jp/events/shonaipj4

About Sentan Kyoiku Gakuen Project Design Graduate University

Opened in April 2012 in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, this graduate school for working professionals focuses on constructing and implementing business concepts and design plans. It offers a diverse curriculum aimed at generating ideas from the fundamental principles of business, conceiving ideal business concepts, weaving together ideas for realization, and constructing design plans. Through discussions with faculty and students active in various industries, students submit a business concept plan after two years and are awarded a professional degree, "Master of Project Design" (MPD). With five campuses in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sendai, a total of 967 students have graduated, leading to numerous innovative new businesses. Furthermore, the university's affiliated research institution, the "Institute of Project Design," actively conducts project-based research for companies and businesses, with over 4,500 individuals having completed its courses. It also publishes monthly magazines such as 'Business Concept' and research books. For more details, please visit the university's website (https://www.mpd.ac.jp/). *Accredited as "Conformant" by the Japan University Accreditation Association (specialized field-specific/institutional accreditation). *Designated for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Education and Training Benefit (Specialized Practical Education and Training) (up to 1.28 million yen provided by the government).

Project Design Graduate University Sendai Campus (Directly connected to JR Sendai Station, inside JR Sendai East Gate Building)