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The 7th Atotsugi Koshien Pitch Event

The highly anticipated 7th Atotsugi Koshien is set to begin accepting entries starting August 3, 2026. This pitch event is designed specifically for successors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their new business ideas that leverage existing managerial resources.

Event Overview

Similar to previous iterations, this year’s pitch event will consist of regional competitions across six blocks: Hokkaido and Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku and Shikoku, and Kyushu and Okinawa. The winners from each regional competition will then progress to the finals, which will be held in Tokyo.

As a continuation of last year’s success, we are proud to appoint regional ambassadors to foster ongoing support for successors in various communities and encourage participation in the pitch event. These ambassadors will play an active role in forming local communities and helping successors push through challenges they may face.

Additionally, to stimulate entries for the pitch event and facilitate learning among successors and support organizations, the "Atotsugi Summer Camp" will take place from August 31 to September 1, 2026, in Tokyo. This gathering aims to provide opportunities for networking and learning among successors while exchanging experiences with senior business leaders and support institutions.

About the Atotsugi Koshien

Event Details

The Atotsugi Koshien is a pitch competition where successors of SMEs present innovative business ideas powered by their inherited managerial resources. Here are key features of the event:

• - Participants will deliver a four-minute presentation, followed by a six-minute Q&A session with judges.
• - Judges will include experts from various fields, evaluating the pitches.
• - Each regional competition will select three representatives to advance to the finals, culminating in a total of 18 finalists.

Awards & Recognition

At the finals, several awards will be presented, including:

• - Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
• - Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Commissioner Award
• - Director-General of the Innovation and Environment Bureau Award

Important Dates

• - August 3, 2026: Entry begins
• - November 25, 2026: Entry closes
• - November 27, 2026: Submission deadline for application documents
• - January 19, 2027 to February 8, 2027: Regional competitions
• - February 26, 2027: Finals event

Criteria for Participation

Eligible participants must be under 39 years of age and plan to succeed an SME or small business. They can hold leadership positions in companies other than family businesses provided they are expected to continue the family heritage or utilize its resources.

Regional Ambassadors Initiative

The Atotsugi Koshien has seen significant engagement from local successors. However, to enhance participation, we’re instituting regional ambassadors, primarily from past finalists. Their roles will include sharing the event's allure and hosting seminars and networking sessions targeted at successors.

Atotsugi Summer Camp: Bridging Gaps

Recognizing the challenges successors face when returning to their family businesses, the Atotsugi Summer Camp aims to provide a supportive environment.

• - Overview: Designed for successors and support organizations, this two-day program emphasizes dialogue and collaboration among participants.
• - Day 1: Former finalists will share their personal journeys, including struggles and successes, followed by insights from support institutions.
• - Day 2: Sessions will explore the significance of taking over a family business and the commitment required from successors. These discussions aim to strengthen relationships and foster collaboration among attendees.

Who Should Attend?

This event welcomes successors, support organizations, and local governments to join the discussion and learn best practices.

For further details and registration, please visit the Atotsugi Summer Camp website. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with other successors and lay the groundwork for your future endeavors!