[6.12 Shinmai Media Garden] Launch Seminar & Marche for "Session Shinshu 2026", a Product Development Program for SMEs

Are you feeling the need to develop new products or brands, or to pivot your business from a new perspective, but aren't sure where to start? Have you created a new product only to find it doesn't sell, or that you don't know how to sell it?

We are holding "Session Shinshu," a seminar and training program designed for such businesses. The instructor is Tsutomu Kanaya, Representative Director and Creative Director of Cement Produce Design. Kanaya is well-known for his product development projects with local industries across Japan and has been featured on various media platforms, including TV Tokyo's "Cambria Kyuden" and "Gaia no Yoake." He will discuss steps and specific examples of product development that he has been working on with SMEs across Japan.

[Date] June 12, 2026 (Friday)
[Venue] Shinmai Media Garden 1F Hall (2-20-2 Chuo, Matsumoto City) *Live online streaming is also planned
[Target] SMEs in Nagano Prefecture considering new product development
[Program]
13:30 Doors open
14:00–16:30 Kickoff Seminar: "Product Development to Access New Markets"
Instructor: Mr. Tsutomu Kanaya (Representative Director/Creative Director, Cement Produce Design Inc.)
[Kickoff Seminar Registration] *Participation fee: Free, Capacity: 100 people, Deadline: June 9 (Tuesday)
Please apply via this URL: https://forms.office.com/r/H8vBNDa6U6

Practical Product Development Program with Promotion and Sales Channel Support
Following the kickoff seminar, we offer a total of five courses via an entry-based system. After conducting thorough analyses—including the company's own resources and strengths, and competitors' efforts—participants will engage in product planning and development through a practical program that considers product image and direction. Depending on the business scale and capabilities, participants will complete their own product plans by considering sales channels, sales methods, and what they can, want to, and should make.
Products developed through this project will receive various support depending on the product, including promotion activities such as events by the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun or pop-up sales at Shinmai Media Garden (Matsumoto City), press advertisements, and support for exhibiting at business meetings and trade fairs, as well as market expansion support. We do not stop at classroom learning; we support the process until the product is "shaped" and "conveyed."

What is "Session Shinshu"?
This is a product development program for SME owners designed to support the development of in-house products and market expansion, which serve as new business pillars for local manufacturing SMEs. While the program was hosted by Nagano Prefecture until last year, the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun has taken over as the host starting this year. The instructor remains Tsutomu Kanaya, who is also a lecturer at Kyoto Seika University and Kinki University. By leveraging the reporting and promotional capabilities of Shinmai and its own facilities, the program aims to contribute to new product development and brand enhancement for local businesses. The program holds about five practical courses a year for new product and new business development for local companies and provides hands-on support until market expansion after product completion.

Concurrent Event: "Session Shinshu Marche 2026 in Shinmai Media Garden" (13:30–17:00)
This event introduces "new products" created by local businesses, including those who have graduated from Session Shinshu, by refining their materials and skills. We will deliver surprises and discoveries along with the makers' passionate thoughts.

[Organizer] The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun (Secretariat: Business Development Bureau)
[Supervisor] Cement Produce Design Inc.
[Co-organizers] Shiojiri Chamber of Commerce, Matsumoto Chamber of Commerce, Omachi Chamber of Commerce, Suwa Chamber of Commerce
[Cooperation] Nagano Prefecture
[Support] Nagano Prefecture Management Association, Nagano Prefecture Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry, Nagano Prefecture Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nagano Prefecture Federation of Societies of Commerce
[Costs]
- Kickoff Seminar: Free (Capacity: 100 people)
- Practical Program: Analysis phase: 50,000 yen (excluding tax), Planning phase: 200,000 yen (excluding tax)
[Inquiries]
The Shinano Mainichi Shimbun, Business Development Bureau
Phone: 026-236-3339 Email: newbiz@shinmai.co.jp