Change of Director-General at Chugoku Regional Headquarters

The Chugoku Regional Headquarters of the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SME Support, Japan) announces a change in its Director-General, effective April 1, Reiwa 8 (2026), due to personnel reassignment, as detailed below. [Appointment] (Effective April 1) Kuwana Kiyomi (桑名 清美) appointed as Director-General, Chugoku Regional Headquarters, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. Brief Biography: April 1991: Joined Regional Development Public Corporation. April 2014: Section Chief, Business Support Division, Shikoku Regional Headquarters, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. April 2017: Counselor, Business Support Department, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. April 2019: Section Chief, Business Support Planning Division, Business Support Department, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. April 2021: Section Chief, Startup and Venture Support Division, Startup and Venture Support Department, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. April 2022: Section Chief, Startup and Venture Support Planning Division, Startup and Venture Support Department, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. April 2024: Councilor for Planning and Coordination, Kyushu Regional Headquarters, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. April 2026: Director-General, Chugoku Regional Headquarters, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (Current position). [Retirement] (Effective March 31) Nishi Yukio (西 祐喜雄) retired as Director-General, Chugoku Regional Headquarters, Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation. 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 SMEs, micro-businesses, and startups aiming for autonomous development and continuity of their businesses. To solve management challenges for SMEs seeking sustainable growth in response to changes in the business environment, the organization provides 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.