Tanabe Consulting Acquires S-Adviser Qualification for Sapporo PRO Frontier Market — Empowering Mid-Sized and SMEs in Hokkaido with New Growth Opportunities

Tanabe Consulting Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo and Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President & CEO: Takahiko Wakamatsu), a pioneer in Japanese management consulting, has acquired the 'S-Adviser' qualification for the Sapporo PRO Frontier Market, which Sapporo Stock Exchange will launch on June 30, 2026.

1. About the Sapporo PRO Frontier Market

The Sapporo PRO Frontier Market is a professional investor-focused market targeting companies aiming for listing on main markets such as the Standard Market or Ambitious Market. Designed to nurture companies that will open Hokkaido’s future, it is a 'market for next-step growth' where companies can operate as listed entities even before meeting full listing requirements, enabling rapid acceleration of business and management. It provides a new listing option for ambitious companies and contributes to building a startup ecosystem in Hokkaido.

2. About the 'S-Adviser' System

The 'S-Adviser' system allows the Sapporo Stock Exchange to delegate specific duties—such as assessing whether a company meets listing or delisting criteria or listing eligibility requirements—to certified S-Advisers. S-Advisers conduct pre-listing eligibility reviews for their assigned companies, provide guidance on timely disclosures after listing, and monitor compliance with ongoing listing requirements. They also continuously support listed companies in maintaining timely disclosure practices and governance standards, playing a crucial role in upholding the credibility of PRO Market-listed companies.

3. Purpose of Acquiring the 'S-Adviser' Qualification

The Tanabe Consulting Group (TCG) primarily serves mid-sized and large enterprises, both domestic and international, with a focus on mid-sized companies. With 69 years since its founding, TCG has accumulated consulting experience with over 22,100 companies and developed proven growth methodologies. The firm has long supported corporate growth strategies and stage-ups.

Listing on the PRO Market enables mid-sized and SMEs to achieve sustainable growth through enhanced talent acquisition, strategic advantages in growth-oriented M&A, step-up listing, and governance strengthening aimed at third-party succession. As companies progress from SMEs to mid-sized and then to mid-large enterprises, they can enhance their credibility and access new business opportunities. Unlike traditional IPOs, the PRO Market allows for more flexible capital policies, making listing accessible to a broader range of mid-sized and SMEs.

Hokkaido boasts one of Japan’s strongest industrial foundations, including food, tourism, energy, and primary industries, along with abundant regional resources, making it a highly promising region for future growth. Listing on the Sapporo PRO Frontier Market will enhance local companies’ credibility and visibility, support talent acquisition, expand business partnerships, promote growth investments, and serve as a powerful pathway to the next stage of growth.

Following the acquisition of the 'J-Adviser' qualification for the TOKYO PRO Market and the 'F-Adviser' for the Fukuoka PRO Market, TCG’s new 'S-Adviser' status positions PRO Market listing as a milestone for mid-sized and SMEs nationwide to achieve sustainable growth and further stage-up. TCG will support this transformation and contribute to the sustainable development of regional economies.

4. Features and Future Outlook of TCG’s 'PRO Market Listing Support Service'

TCG’s 'PRO Market Listing Support Service' supports companies aiming for listing on the TOKYO PRO Market, Fukuoka PRO Market, and Sapporo PRO Frontier Market, as well as their post-listing growth.

(1) Listing Support Only Possible from a Tokyo Prime-Listed Consulting Firm

Alongside its 'J-Adviser,' 'F-Adviser,' and 'S-Adviser' roles, TCG deploys professional management consultants from its group companies across various specialized fields to provide comprehensive support for all aspects of listing preparation—including business planning, organizational restructuring, governance and internal control enhancement, compliance and risk management system development, timely disclosure system setup, information disclosure process design, establishment of policies and regulations, branding, and PR/public relations.

(2) Stage-Up Strategy Leveraging TCG’s Consulting Methodology for Mid-Sized and SMEs

The essential purpose of PRO Market listing is 'sustainable growth.' Viewing listing as a stepping stone, TCG leverages its consulting methodologies in growth strategy, M&A, DX, and global expansion to support mid-sized and SMEs in their stage-up journey beyond listing.

(3) Co-Creation Model: Nationwide Network of 10 Offices Supporting Regional Contribution with Management

TCG has resident management consultants in 10 major domestic locations, delivering regionally embedded consulting services nationwide. Its Hokkaido branch, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, has contributed to the development of numerous local companies.

By combining regionally knowledgeable consultants with specialized listing support teams, TCG provides end-to-end support from pre-listing preparation to post-listing growth. This co-creation model aims to realize regional contributions alongside business leaders through the stage-up of mid-sized and SMEs.

Through PRO Market listing, TCG will help mid-sized and SMEs build a path to sustainable growth and continue supporting their advancement to higher stages.

About Tanabe Consulting Group (TCG)

Founded in 1957, TCG is a pioneer in Japanese management consulting and is listed on the Tokyo Prime Market. Guided by the mission 'Supporting decisions with care, changing the world,' rooted in its philosophy of 'Loving enterprises, walking with enterprises, serving enterprise prosperity,' TCG has grown into a consulting group comprising eight companies with over 900 professional staff. It primarily serves top management of mid-sized and large enterprises, both domestic and international, and has supported over 22,100 companies since its inception.

TCG offers a unique consulting model that supports clients from upstream strategy formulation to downstream implementation and execution of operations through professional DX/AX services. This model is deployed not only across Japan with regional focus but also globally.