#Japan #Tokyo #National Conference #James Skinner #Takeda Tsunetaka

The 144th National Business Owners Conference

From July 8 to 10, 2026, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo will play host to the 144th National Business Owners Conference, organized by the Japan Management Development Association and the Kansai Management Association. This significant event highlights the theme "Challenging Times and Japan’s Path Forward" and gathers around 400 small business owners from across the nation for impactful discussions on international affairs, politics, economics, and management trends.

A Hybrid Event to Foster Connection

This year, the conference will be held in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate in person or online, ensuring that everyone can engage regardless of their location. In addition to traditional lectures on pressing business issues, the conference will include recordings of sessions available for six days after the event, catering to various preferences and schedules.

Overcoming Uncertainty: A Call to Action

The central theme draws attention to the rapidly shifting global landscape—featuring unpredictable policies, geopolitical risks from Ukraine and the Middle East, and the transformative impact of AI and innovation on industry structures. Business owners will explore how to navigate these challenges, tapping into the insights from a diverse array of leading experts.

Notable Speakers

The conference has a noteworthy lineup of distinguished speakers, including:

• - Tsunetaka Takeda, author and entrepreneur, presenting his insights on strengthening Japan.
• - James Skinner, a renowned management consultant and best-selling author, who will share strategies for succeeding in the AI era.
• - Shunichi Abe, honorable chairman of Yoshinoya Holdings, who will discuss overcoming crisis through lessons learned from his company’s experiences.
• - Joseph Kraft, a political and economic analyst, will provide his forecasts on American midterm elections.
• - Takahiro Takahashi, president and CEO of Resinach Holdings, focusing on the shift in management practices and how to implement targeted reforms.
• - Hiroshi Aoyama, a representative from Japan's House of Representatives, discussing current social movements.

Tailored Learning Opportunities

The conference also includes specialized breakout sessions on days two and three, where attendees can choose themes closely tied to their business challenges, such as:

• - Innovative HR strategies for growing small enterprises
• - Creating high-performance teams and communication techniques
• - Implementing AI revolution at small businesses
• - Learning from extraordinary work cultures exemplified by German productivity
• - Understanding the current realities faced by China under Xi Jinping
• - Economic forecasts and stock market insights

Networking and Collaboration

To foster collaboration, there will be an evening networking party featuring opportunities for attendees to exchange business cards and connect further with the speakers. The event will also host exhibition spaces for participants to promote their companies and explore new market avenues. For those seeking personalized guidance, extensive consulting services will be available throughout the three days.

Summary of Conference Details

• - Dates: July 8-10, 2026
• - Location: Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Attendance: Open to small business owners and executives from across Japan
• - Format: Hybrid; in-person attendance and online participation with recorded sessions
• - Capacity: In-person attendance limited to 300; online participation will be available once capacity is reached.
• - Organizers: Japan Management Development Association & Kansai Management Association

Register Now!

Participants can register via the dedicated website or by phone. For further details on the program, speakers, and registration fees, check the official site: National Conference Special Site.

About the Organizing Associations

The Japan Management Development Association and Kansai Management Association have been leading the management sector in Japan for 70 years. The National Business Owners Conference has been a cornerstone event, addressing the evolving challenges faced by business leaders and equipping them with valuable knowledge and strategies for success.

Should you have any inquiries, please contact:
Masuoka
e-mail: [email protected]
TEL: 06-6312-0691.