#Japan #Tokyo #recycling #Student Contest #Japan Seam

Japan's First Student Business Pitch Contest

On September 19, 2026,位於東京的TODA HALL & CONFERENCE, Japan Seam Co., a leading manufacturer of recycling equipment, will hold the inaugural循環MIRAI学生ピッチ2026 (Circular Future Student Pitch Contest). This event aims to encourage high school and university students to contribute innovative ideas for a sustainable society, with a total prize fund of 500,000 yen.

Contest Overview

The event will kick off at 2:00 PM and conclude with a networking session until 6:30 PM. It welcomes students from high schools, universities, and vocational schools across Japan, regardless of age, as long as they are enrolled. The entry deadline is set for August 17, 2026, and participation is entirely free. To support those traveling from outside the Kanto region, a travel expense reimbursement of up to 30,000 yen will be provided.

Why a Recycling Machine Manufacturer?

Japan Seam has been in the recycling equipment business for nearly 50 years and understands the urgency surrounding issues such as climate change and plastic pollution. "The solutions to these challenges lie in the creativity and action of our youth," states Tatsuya Kiguchi, CEO of Japan Seam. The contest serves as a platform for young individuals to realize their potential to change society. The hope is that the five minutes spent presenting their ideas could ultimately lead to actions that transform the future of our planet.

Prizes and Judging Criteria

A total prize fund of 500,000 yen will be awarded as follows:

• - Grand Prize: 300,000 yen
• - Japan Seam Award: 50,000 yen (two winners)
• - Nikkei Industrial Newspaper Award: 5,000 yen
• - Audience Award: 5,000 yen

Judging will prioritize passion, originality, perspective, presentation skills, and economic feasibility over a flawless business plan. Among the judges are Tatsuya Kiguchi, environmental expert Takashi Matsuki, and environmental counselor Megumi Sasaki.

Special Keynote Address

The contest will feature a special keynote address titled "Leaders in the Environmental Industry Discuss the Future." This session will offer insights into the current state and future outlook of the environmental business sector, presented by prominent leaders in the field. Further details will be disclosed on the official website in due course.

Contest Timeline

• - June 10, 2026: Open for entries
• - August 17, 2026: Entry deadline
• - August 21, 2026: Announcement of participants
• - September 7, 2026: Slide material submission
• - September 19, 2026: Contest day

About Japan Seam Co.

Established in 1979 and headquartered in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, Japan Seam specializes in the development and manufacturing of recycling equipment for plastic waste. The company covers all process stages from crushing and washing to sorting, drying, and pelletizing, ensuring in-house innovation and production. In 2024, Japan Seam plans to create an SDGs division and has hosted upcycling events for plastic bottle caps, attracting around 2,000 participants. Tatsuya Kiguchi's book, "Where Do the Plastic Bottles I Use Go?" is set to launch in April 2026, further promising to spotlight the significance of recycling. For inquiries, please contact the Circular MIRAI Student Pitch Office (within Japan Seam Co.) at 048-298-7700 or [email protected].