Over 150 Small Business Owners Gather for Foval's Special Lecture in Osaka

On June 22, 2026, Foval Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, organized a special seminar and networking event in Osaka targeted at small business owners from the Kansai region. The event, titled "Can We Survive? Conditions for Small Enterprises to Thrive by 2030 & Business Networking Session," featured a keynote speech by Foval's Chairman, Hideo Okubo, who also serves as a special advisor at the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His presentation focused on the importance of sustainable growth for businesses in an ever-changing economic environment.

Raising Employee Energy: Key for Small Businesses

In his address, Okubo articulated that the essence of a company lies in the collective energy of its employees. He emphasized that the driving force behind corporate growth is the motivation and initiative of each individual employee. It is crucial, he noted, for the management philosophy and vision to be shared across the organization, ensuring a unified direction among employees. He posited that leaders must act as educators, passionately imparting their beliefs and ideals to cultivate a strong organization.

With the advancements in AI making information gathering and analysis more manageable, Okubo stressed that the differentiating factor in a company's competitive edge will be its "human capital". He elaborated on three essential attributes for future business differentiation: "creativity", essential for generating new value; "hospitality", to ensure empathy towards others; and "management", vital for nurturing and leading organizations. He also identified challenges for 2030, such as enhancing productivity through DX (digital transformation), appropriate pricing strategies, and increasing employee engagement. Establishing an environment where employees resonate with the company’s philosophy and feel inclined to stay is central to managing human capital and a crucial theme for the sustainable growth of small businesses.

Networking Opportunities for Kansai Entrepreneurs

Following the keynote speech, attendees participated in a business networking session to foster connections among companies in the Kansai region. Business leaders and executives exchanged ideas and information, creating new business opportunities across various industries and company sizes. Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the event: "This was a precious opportunity to rethink the essence of management," and, "I was reminded of the importance of managing human capital. Engaging with fellow entrepreneurs facing similar challenges was invigorating."

Notable attendees included Akira Fujita, Chairman of the Osaka Restoration Association's Policy Research Council, and Buntake Fujita, Co-Leader of the Japan Restoration Party, who delivered video messages.

In his message, Fujita reflected on his early learning experiences at Okubo's management school, where he was taught principles such as "considering your approach before the method" and "prioritizing social impact, uniqueness, and economic viability in business planning". He noted that these teachings have profoundly influenced his current political endeavors. He acknowledged the challenges small businesses face in an era marked by population decline, labor shortages, and rapid digitalization, and stressed the importance of collaboration and innovative approaches among business leaders.

Persistent Growth Through Networking and Collaboration

Takuy Yamawaki, Senior Executive Officer of Foval’s Kansai Company, expressed gratitude for the participation of numerous business leaders from the Kansai region. Yamawaki remarked on the insightful discussions from Okubo and Fujita regarding essential perspectives for future small business management and the future of the Kansai economy. The expressions of enthusiasm and the eagerness of attendees to engage during the event spoke volumes about their commitment to evolving their management practices.

He highlighted that participants actively exchanged insights during the networking session, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and enthusiasm. Acknowledging the potential and energy of Kansai’s small businesses, Yamawaki affirmed Foval's commitment to tackling management challenges faced by these companies through initiatives such as DX, GX, and visible management practices. The organization aims to continuously create valuable learning and networking opportunities for local enterprises.

Foval Company continues to support small and medium-sized enterprises by providing infrastructure for impactful consultations and grasping their unique operational challenges. The company remains dedicated to fostering growth through vital partnerships with municipalities, private companies, educational institutions, and financial entities under its rural revitalization strategy, often referred to as the F-Japan Initiatives.

For detailed inquiries about future events, please visit Foval's official homepage.

Company Overview:
Name: Foval Co., Ltd.
CEO: Masanori Nakashima
Established: September 18, 1980
Location: 14th floor, Aoyama Oval Building, 5-52-2 Jinguumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
(Note: For more information, please refer to the company website.)