FY2026 Regional Power New Business Creation Support Project: Strengthening the 'Earning Power' of SMEs and Small Businesses through 6 New Initiatives

The Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Yoshihisa Mori) is pleased to announce the launch of six initiatives under the 'FY2026 Regional Power New Business Creation Support Project,' designed to support the expansion of domestic and international sales channels for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses.

Amidst a challenging environment characterized by high raw material and energy prices, rising logistics costs, and wage increases, it is essential for businesses to proactively enhance their own 'earning power' to overcome these obstacles. By providing hands-on support through the nationwide network of Societies of Commerce and Industry, we aim to steadily promote business growth and the sustainable development of local regions.

1. Overseas Sales Channel Startup Support: 'All Japan Specialties Gala 2026 & FOODEX 2027'
On Wednesday, October 7, we will host the 'All Japan Specialties Gala 2026' at the Tokyo Prince Hotel, inviting ambassadors and diplomats to showcase regional specialties from across Japan. This is the third year of the event, which typically attracts over 300 participants from approximately 100 foreign diplomatic missions, with about 100 exhibitors expected.
This year, to further strengthen the export of Japanese food products, we plan to collaborate with the '52nd International Food and Beverage Exhibition FOODEX JAPAN 2027.'

2. Inbound Tourism Promotion Utilizing Management Resources
With the number of foreign visitors to Japan reaching a record high of 42.68 million in 2025, but with about 70% concentrated in the three major metropolitan areas, we are launching a new initiative to direct inbound tourists to regional areas to address overtourism.
We will support the creation of experience-based menus using local resources and listing them on overseas OTA sites.

3. Large-scale Exhibition and Sales Event: 'Nippon National Products Exhibition 2026'
From November 20 to 22, approximately 200 businesses from all 47 prefectures will gather at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro to showcase regional products directly to consumers. This event, which started in 1987, marks its 18th iteration this year. The popular food court area will feature over 1,000 seats, one of the largest in Japan, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine.

4. Specialty Evaluation Committee: 'buyer’s one' and 'buyer’s room'
We will deploy two main pillars: 'buyer’s one,' which provides end-to-end support from product improvement to sales channel development, and 'buyer’s room,' a business matching project featuring evaluation sessions. These initiatives have already generated over 230 million yen in total economic ripple effects.

5. Pop-up Store Project: 'Japan Terroir' Project
In collaboration with four leading retailers in Tokyo (Shinano-ya, Food Craft, Shizen Shokuhin F&F, and Nippon Hyakkaten), we will convey the traditions, techniques, and 'terroir' of Japan to consumers. In FY2025, 40 businesses and 50 products were selected, recording total sales of approximately 13 million yen.

6. EC Utilization Support Project
For businesses struggling with online sales, we will conduct online workshops via the 'CANVAS' platform. Led by expert Masaya Fukaji, the program covers basic operations for beginners and advanced marketing strategies for businesses with monthly EC sales over 300,000 yen.