Engaging Local Communities: The Baton Yokoku Conference 2025

The Baton Yokoku Conference 2025: Engage with Local Challenges

The upcoming Baton Yokoku Conference 2025, scheduled for October 31 in Shinagawa, is set to be a vibrant gathering of community stakeholders including local government officials, private businesses, students, and experts. This year's theme, "Great Exhibition on Regional Challenges: Insights and Hints for Local Issues", aims to spotlight innovative approaches and settings, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants.

Organized by Smileys Inc. and Kokuyo Corporation, the conference will feature a dynamic lineup of sessions and exhibitions. The day will commence with an opening address from Japan's Ministry of the Environment, highlighting the importance of a "regional circulation symbiosis".

This event will be significant for those interested in local development, as it will showcase successful initiatives from various regions. Participants can also join interactive workshops, including the "Kadaiyet" session, focused on real-world problem-solving related to community issues. Over the course of the day, attendees will experience seven different sessions featuring 11 expert practitioners sharing their insights.

What to Expect at the Conference:

- Keynote Speech: "One Festival, One Fukui: Learning from the One Park Festival for New Ways of Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors". This talk will delve into the economic impact and community engagement strategies employed by the renowned ONE PARK FESTIVAL, which has generated over 1.32 billion yen in economic activity since its inception.
- Innovative Case Studies: Expect talks from notable figures such as Tomoko Uetake, who promotes regional sustainability, Yuki Hotta, manager of the pioneering Michi no Eki Pia21 Shihoro, and Rena Kuribayashi, a recognized figure in local supermarket innovation.
- Networking Opportunities: A key part of the conference will include a networking session for participants to connect and share ideas.

Conference Details:

- Date and Time: October 31, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM (Doors open at 10:00 AM)
- Venue: The Kokuyo Corporation Shinagawa Office, "THE CAMPUS"
- Registration Fee: General Admission ¥5,000 (Early Bird ¥3,500 until September 30), Students ¥300, and free entry for local government officials and representatives.
- Link to Register: Baton Yokoku Conference 2025 Registration

Don't miss this chance to engage with fellow community leaders and innovators, as we explore and tackle local challenges together through creative insights and collective action. The Baton Yokoku Conference 2025 promises an enriching experience, outstanding networking opportunities, and fruitful discussions.

At the previous conference, participants expressed how pleasantly surprised they were by the upbeat atmosphere and the focus on genuine engagement with local issues. Attendees left feeling invigorated and inspired to contribute to their communities. Feedback emphasized the significance of learning from each other’s experiences, highlighting an enriching environment where ideas flourished.

In addition to the sessions, there will be various exhibitions including the "Pin and Hint Exhibition", which will showcase unique solutions to local issues across Japan, emphasizing the importance of effective problem setting (hint) and the creative perspectives (pin) needed to tackle these challenges.

Furthermore, the "Imaginary Travel Agency" and "Business Card Exchange" will act as platforms for sharing local insights, allowing attendees to forge new connections.

Companies Behind the Conference:

Smileys Inc., based in Meguro, Tokyo, specializes in a diverse range of businesses while emphasizing community engagement through their various platforms. They aim to illuminate and share regional cultural values and significance. Meanwhile, Kokuyo Corporation, founded in 1905, is recognized for its commitment to creating value in work and life environments, transforming the way we approach everyday activities and challenges.

For more information on the conference and to stay updated on related activities, visit the official website of Smileys Inc. and Kokuyo Corporation.

Join us at the Baton Yokoku Conference 2025 as we collectively seek solutions to our region's most pressing issues, equipped with creativity and community spirit.