#Japan #Tokyo #Green Transformation #Japan Food Culture #Local Startup Association

Local Startup Association Holds Significant Event

On August 4, 2026, the Local Startup Association (LSA) gathered approximately 40 participants, including officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), entrepreneurs, and new business representatives, for a collaborative dialogue session. The gathering took place in the METI’s member-exclusive space, “Betsu Nana.” This event has been pivotal in exploring Japan's food culture industry and agricultural practices independent of fuel reliance.

Background of the Event

Japan's agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors are facing significant structural challenges. Issues such as rising fuel and fertilizer costs, a decreasing population, and a shortage of labor have intensified the need for transformation. The high fluctuations in resource prices have particularly jeopardized the operations within the primary sectors that heavily rely on fossil fuels. The shift to a green transformation (GX) is increasingly critical for fundamental change. Yet, amid these challenges, the food culture industry presents a promising opportunity, with an estimated potential market size of 200 trillion yen, largely fueled by rising inbound demand and global recognition of Japanese cuisine.

The LSA has consistently championed the vision of "cultivating the future of food and agriculture." Initiatives such as the ONE SUMMIT conferences, which have attracted about 750 participants so far, and ongoing dialogues cater to diverse stakeholders, facilitating understanding and actionable insights. In collaboration with METI’s “Betsu Nana,” an educational session was conducted in October 2025, enabling stakeholders to converge, share knowledge, and discuss the synergy required for action.

Focus of the Recent Meeting

This latest meeting was envisioned as a precursor to the upcoming “ONE SUMMIT 2026 in Tokyo,” organized for November 11, 2026. Participants included startup business leaders and practitioners from partner organizations, aiming to improve mutual understanding between policy trends and field challenges through focused discussions.

Key Highlights Discussed

• - Promotion of the Food Culture Industry: Introductions from the “PIVOT” initiative team outlined visions for enhancing the industry, which commenced in August 2025 after consultations with about 200 enterprises.
• - Startup Support Packages: The Ministry is intensifying efforts towards achieving milestones set in the five-year startup development plan, aiming to establish 100,000 new startups and generate 10 trillion yen in investment by the fiscal year 2027. Participants expressed keen interest in the specific measures and outcomes anticipated.
• - Diverse Breakout Sessions: The attendees engaged in eight focused discussions revolving around crucial topics such as local startup strategies, global deployment, energy solutions, aquaculture, and agritech implementations, with discussions also pondering innovative ways to accelerate advances in these areas.

Major Discussions Included

• - Establishing models for resource recycling that rely less on fossil fuels
• - Creating balance between food loss reduction and local product export via innovative preservation technologies
• - Lobbying efforts for phytosanitary measures to enhance Japan's agricultural exports
• - Job creation in the local economy through aquaculture techniques
• - Forming collaborative models considering the differing timelines of local SMEs and startups
• - Nurturing Japan’s inbound fanbase to further develop outgoing demand for Japanese products

Statements from LSA Leadership

Junichi Saito, the representative of the Local Startup Association, emphasized the importance of sustained dialogues. He stated, "Change doesn’t happen in just one hour. However, the connections formed between different industries hold immense value. Understanding the challenges and potentials across energy, food, and agriculture will foster redefining these sectors into new industrial structures. The pressing challenge lies in actualizing non-fuel-dependent primary industries, which is directly linked to Japan’s food security and local economy stability."

In his conclusion, Saito highlighted the significance of policy design rooted in real-world data. With the upcoming “ONE SUMMIT” event on November 11, 2026, he welcomed participants from all backgrounds to engage in collaborative innovation aimed at addressing Japan’s pressing challenges in food and agriculture.

Future Plans

The next “ONE SUMMIT” event is scheduled for November 11, 2026, in the Akasaka Intercity AIR, and is expected to foster discussions among individuals, organizations, and startups focused on creating sustainable communities and new industries. Further details regarding participant registration will be available on the LSA’s official website.

The Local Startup Association continues to pave the way for future initiatives, promising to cultivate discussions that fuel innovation and establish a sustainable agricultural future for Japan.