Change in Director-General of Kanto Headquarters
SME Support, Japan Kanto Headquarters announces the appointment of Junichi Akatsuka as the new Director-General.
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- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 20:00
SME Support, Japan (Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN) Kanto Headquarters announces a change in its Director-General due to personnel reassignment effective April 1, Reiwa 8 (2026), as detailed below.
[Appointment] (Effective April 1)
Akatsuka Junichi (あかつか じゅんいち)
Director-General, Kanto Headquarters, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN
Biography:
April 1989: Joined Small and Medium Enterprise Agency.
April 2012: Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN, Kanto Headquarters, Sanjo Campus, SME University - Manager, Human Resources Support Division (concurrently Manager, Operations Management Support Division).
April 2016: Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN, Kanto Headquarters, Business Support Department - Manager, Business Support Division.
April 2019: Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN, Human Resources Support Department - Manager, Human Resources Support Planning Division.
April 2021: Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN, Planning Department - Manager, Planning Division.
April 2024: Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN, Business Support Department - Director, Business Support Department.
April 2026: Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN, Kanto Headquarters - Director-General (current position).
[Retirement] (Effective March 31)
Shinbo Akira (しんぼ あきら)
Former Director-General, Kanto Headquarters, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN
SME Support, Japan is a policy implementation organization whose purpose is to contribute to the development of Japan's economy by promoting innovation and regional economic revitalization for small and medium-sized enterprises, micro-businesses, and startups aiming for autonomous development and continuation of their businesses. To solve management challenges for SMEs seeking sustainable growth in response to changes in the business environment, we provide direct hands-on support, human resource development, operation of mutual aid systems, various financial support, and business opportunities, while also cooperating to improve the support capabilities of related SME support organizations.
FAQ
What is the background of the new Director-General, Junichi Akatsuka?
After joining the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency in April 1989, he held key positions in business support and human resources at SME Support, Japan, before becoming Director-General of the Kanto Headquarters in April 2026.
When will this personnel change take effect?
The new Director-General's appointment is effective April 1, 2026, and the former Director-General's retirement is effective March 31, 2026.
What is the main role of SME Support, Japan Kanto Headquarters?
It promotes regional economic revitalization by providing business support, human resource development, and financial assistance to SMEs, micro-businesses, and startups in the Kanto region.