#Japan #Tokyo #startups #Tokyo Chamber #Courageous Award

The 22nd Courageous Management Award: A Call for Entries

The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), led by President Ken Kobayashi, has officially opened the applications for the 22nd Courageous Management Award as of today. This prestigious award has been held annually since 2003, aimed at honoring small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have pursued daring challenges, broken through conventional beliefs, and confronted high barriers, all in the pursuit of lofty ideals. The initiative intends to inspire other businesses to follow suit, ultimately revitalizing the regional economy.

In a significant expansion, the award is introducing a dedicated category for startups. This new division recognizes companies that have been in operation for less than ten years with the purpose of enhancing awareness and support for startups in Tokyo. The award aims not only to celebrate their success but also to provide further growth support. Accordingly, this year, additional prizes will be introduced within the startup category to further promote achievement among emerging enterprises.

Enhanced Awards for Startups

The following new awards have been introduced to the startup category:

• - Outstanding Award in the Startup Division
• - Special Award in the Startup Division
• - Member Company Award in the Startup Division (awarded to the company with the most votes from TCCI member companies via online polling).

During the previous ceremony, attendees articulated the significance of being recognized externally, noting the boost to their confidence and the contributions to their company branding and external appeal.

Prize Details for Participants

General Category:

• - Grand Prize: Certificate of commendation, trophy, and a monetary award of ¥2,000,000.

Startup Category:

• - Grand Prize in Startup Division: Certificate of commendation, trophy, and a monetary award of ¥1,000,000.

Eligibility Criteria

Common Criteria:

To qualify for either the general or startup categories, companies or corporate groups must meet the following criteria (self-nomination or third-party nomination is accepted):
1. Must be a non-public company that complies with the Small and Medium Enterprise Basic Act.
2. Must have a business base located in Tokyo, including branches, factories, sales offices, etc.

Note: Only companies with head offices in Tokyo or the surrounding eight prefectures (Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka) are eligible. Membership in the TCCI is not a requirement.

Additional Criteria for Startup Category:

In addition to the common criteria, companies must be within the first ten years of operation as of March 31, 2026.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via a designated web form with the required information entered online, along with necessary attachments (such as corporate brochures and product catalogs). For detailed instructions and eligibility information, please refer to the official website: TCCI Official Site.

Submission Deadline

The application deadline is February 20, 2026 (Friday) for both categories.

Voices from Previous Winners

Previous recipients of the award expressed that their efforts had been validated and recognized externally, significantly contributing to their confidence and company branding. They also pointed out the benefits of increased appeal to other companies.

Read More

For insights into the experiences of past awardees, visit our interview publication page: Winner Interviews.

The Courageous Management Award stands not only as a beacon of recognition for aspiring enterprises but also serves as a vital catalyst for innovation and economic growth in the region.