On October 2, 2025, the second "Osaka Eeyan Business Owners Meeting" took place at WeWork LINKS UMEDA, attracting over 100 participants eager to connect and enhance local community initiatives. Organized by Fulfil Corporation and Direct Human Marketing, this event was especially notable for its collaboration with Sakai City.
This enriching gathering aimed to promote collaboration among business leaders in the Kansai region, showcasing the unique qualities of Sakai City, which includes the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Osaka, the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, along with information about the local tax incentive system known as "Furusato Nozei." This emphasis on local heritage and initiatives was not just informational; it stirred creativity as business leaders brainstormed ways to align their companies with regional efforts for revitalization.
Event Highlights
The evening kicked off with a welcoming address (6:00 PM - 6:05 PM) from the organizers, who outlined the purpose of the event and the history of collaboration with Sakai City. It was underscored that this gathering was a platform for Osaka's entrepreneurs to connect and explore opportunities for regional revitalization.
Following this, representatives from Sakai City took the stage (6:05 PM - 6:30 PM) to present a detailed overview of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group and to discuss tourism strategies linked to the heritage site, alongside explanations of both corporate and individual versions of Furusato Nozei. The Q&A session which followed was dynamic, sparking lively discussions about connecting regional needs with business interests.
From 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM, selected entrepreneurs presented their companies and proposed collaborations with Sakai City. City officials served as judges, evaluating the unique approaches presented by each business. This setup not only encouraged innovation but also highlighted various methods businesses could adopt to align with Sakai’s strengths and initiatives.
Once the pitches concluded, attendees enjoyed a relaxed exchange over drinks (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM). This time was utilized for informal networking, allowing participants to engage in direct dialogues with City representatives and fellow entrepreneurs while taking memorable photos together. The atmosphere was vibrant, demonstrating a shared commitment to bridging the gap between local government and business sectors.
Participant Feedback
The response to the event was overwhelmingly positive, with a staggering satisfaction score of 4.46 out of 5 based on the participant feedback survey. Attendees particularly praised the presentations made by Sakai City’s officials. The insights shared about the Kofun site, innovative gas balloon projects, and the Furusato Nozei program captivated the audience.
Many participants expressed their excitement about Sakai's offerings, with comments like, "I loved learning more about Sakai's attractions. I want to ride in a hot air balloon!" Others were impressed by the projects presented, saying, "The talk by the Sakai City employees was very memorable. I'm fascinated by the gas balloon initiative."
Looking Ahead
As the Osaka Eeyan Business Owners Meeting continues to grow, the goal is to expand collaborations between municipalities and companies, thereby forming a strong network of business leaders that can inspire change across Japan. By fostering this network, the event aims to create new business opportunities and explore the potential for regional revitalization.
With future events planned to dive into specific regional challenges and opportunities, including discussions around startups, community discussions, and issues like smart city development and space utilization, the stakeholders are excited about the new directions their work can take.
Overall, the second meeting not only strengthened bonds among business leaders but also set the stage for continued collaboration between Sakai City and the entrepreneurial community, ultimately aiming for significant contributions to local growth and sustainability.
Event Overview
Event: Second Osaka Eeyan Business Owners Meeting (Sakai City Collaboration)
Date: October 2, 2025 (Thursday) 18:00 - 20:00
Location: WeWork LINKS UMEDA (Osaka Umeda)
Organizers: Fulfil Corporation and Direct Human Marketing
Collaboration: Sakai City
Capacity: 50 - 70 participants (first-come-first-served basis)
Participation Fee: Free (includes access to unlimited drinks)
For updates and more information, visit
WeWork's official website.