Forval Launches Employment-Based Regional Revitalization Project in Satsuma Town, Kagoshima

Forval Corporation's New Initiative in Satsuma Town

In a significant move aimed at revitalizing local economies, Forval Corporation, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has received an official mandate to be involved with the regional revitalization cooperation team in Satsuma Town, Kagoshima Prefecture. This project marks a novel approach where corporate doctors, acting as next-generation management consultants, will work directly in the community to address business challenges.

The project is set to enhance the local economic landscape by addressing various issues faced by small and medium-sized enterprises as well as agricultural businesses in the town. Through this initiative, Forval aims to identify challenges, propose solutions, and provide ongoing support until these problems are fully resolved. The company is also looking to collaborate with local financial institutions and educational bodies to create a model for regional revitalization that can be replicated across similar communities.

On August 3, 2023, a ceremony was held to officially appoint Hiroki Matsuzono from Forval as a member of the cooperation team. During the event, Satsuma Town's mayor, Toshikazu Ueno, expressed his gratitude, encouraging Matsuzono to contribute significantly to initiatives that aim to boost local small businesses.

Sustainable Business Improvement Initiative

The Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team project, which started in the fiscal year 2009 under the jurisdiction of Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, typically entails a one to three-year commitment for team members who relocate from urban areas to rural regions suffering from depopulation. This is the first time Forval has participated in this initiative by dispatching its staff.

Matsuzono's primary mission during his three-year tenure, from August 2023 to July 2029, will focus on improving the management of local companies and establishing a sustainable economic foundation for Satsuma Town. He plans to engage actively with organizations such as the Satsuma Town Revitalization GDX Center to support local enterprises and spearhead initiatives that address regional challenges.

In his speech at the appointment ceremony, Matsuzono stated, “I intend to leverage all that I possess for the benefit of Satsuma Town and contribute effectively to achieve the vision the mayor has set, focusing on technology and sustainability.”

Building a Bridge Between Forval and the Community

The establishment of the Satsuma Town Revitalization GDX Center, which is a collaborative effort involving the town of Satsuma, Forval, Kagoshima International University, and Kagoshima Bank, will play a pivotal role in this project. The Center, formed in 2025, aims to nurture talent skilled in digital green transformation (GDX) through seminars and local employment opportunities, striving to counteract youth outmigration and attract newcomers to the area. This initiative seeks to address declining population numbers and foster vibrant community life.

With Forval’s partnership now in its fifth year, local enterprises have started benefitting significantly from support initiatives. The mayor underscored the importance of collaboration with other regional cooperation teams as well, hoping for comprehensive community revitalization efforts.

Forval Corporation: Pioneering Sustainable Growth

Forval Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Standard: 8275) and is dedicated to providing consulting services primarily aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises. Its core competencies span five key areas: information and communication technology, international business, environmental concerns, human resources and education, as well as business continuity and succession planning. Through its unique 'corporate doctor' model, Forval visualizes management issues and provides holistic support for improvements, enhancing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management and driving digital transformation (DX).

As part of its F-Japan Concept for regional revitalization, Forval is committed to fostering collaborative models between local governments, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial entities, laying the groundwork for sustainable communal development.

For more information, visit the Forval Corporation website.