EO and METI Hold First Exchange Event

On March 10, 2026, the first official exchange event between the global entrepreneur organization EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) was held at 'Betsunana,' an event space on the 7th floor of the METI Annex. This event was implemented as a new initiative to bring together the entrepreneur community, which creates and drives business growth, and the administrative body responsible for Japan's industrial policy, aiming for mutual understanding and co-creation.

EO is an international economic organization with approximately 20,000 entrepreneurs across 220 chapters in about 70 countries worldwide, and 18 chapters with approximately 1,500 executives in Japan. EO is a practical economic organization that aims to create value not only for corporate growth but also for regional economies and society as a whole, by sharing learning and challenges based on real experiences among executives.

On the day of the event, Jun Tarikino, Representative Director of Value Management Co., Ltd. and EO Japan Regional Chair, gave a presentation introducing the origins and philosophy of EO, and its role as an entrepreneur community. In response, Shohei Sakoda, Director of the Digital Human Resources Policy Office, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau, METI, shared the administration's initiatives and challenges for the sustainable growth of the Japanese economy.

This event, co-hosted by two organizations with different positions, serves as a 'bridge' connecting policy and practice, systems and implementation. By bringing together the policy vision envisioned by the administration and the real-world knowledge cultivated by entrepreneurs on the ground, it became a venue with the potential to develop beyond mere opinion exchange into future actions and collaborations.

In the latter half of the panel discussion, entrepreneurs and administrators engaged in frank dialogue, deepening mutual understanding and actively discussing the future of Japan's industry, human resources, and innovation. This event marked a first step for entrepreneurs and the administration to collaborate as equal partners in co-creating Japan's future.

[About EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization)]
EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization) is a global network of entrepreneurs and executives operating under the purpose of 'Unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs and moving the world forward.' It targets executives with annual sales of 100 million yen or more, strong growth aspirations, and an entrepreneurial spirit, including not only founders but also successor executives responsible for business succession.

The sales scale of member companies ranges widely from 100 million yen to 100 billion yen annually, and industries are diverse, including manufacturing, IT, medical, education, and service industries. Over 10% of members are executives of listed companies, and many companies achieve significant growth after joining EO.

Currently, EO operates in over 70 countries, with approximately 220 chapters and about 20,000 members. In Japan, 18 chapters and approximately 1,500 executives are affiliated, promoting the growth and collaboration of next-generation entrepreneurs under the slogan 'Leading EO Global and opening up the future of the Japanese economy!'

[About the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)]
METI, as a core institution responsible for Japan's industrial and economic policy, is committed to the sustainable development of the Japanese economy under its newly formulated Mission, Vision, and Value in 2024.

Its MISSION is 'To create a Japan that can be proud of its future,' aiming not merely for economic growth but for the realization of a society and industry that can be passed on to the next generation. Its VISION is 'To continue evolving with connections as strength,' demonstrating its stance to adapt to a constantly changing society through public-private partnerships and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Furthermore, its VALUES are 'Challenging essential issues,' 'Freely exercising individual capabilities,' and 'Combining diverse strengths,' emphasizing that each employee acts with initiative and creativity. These Mission, Vision, and Value are displayed in 'Betsunana,' an exhibition space on the 1st floor of the METI Annex, and are freely accessible to the public.