FORVAL and Kosasa Town Form Comprehensive Partnership to Promote ESG Initiatives

FORVAL and Kosasa Town Collaboration in ESG Initiatives

In a significant move aimed at sustainable community development, FORVAL, a company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has entered into a comprehensive partnership with Kosasa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. This agreement, signed on January 16, 2026, is focused on promoting ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) initiatives to combat the pressing issues of youth out-migration and demographic changes in the region.

Context and Objectives of the Partnership

Kosasa Town is currently facing challenges posed by an aging population and declining birth rates, leading to an outflow of young residents after they complete their middle school education. Recognizing the urgent need for a community where children aspire to study, work, and live, both FORVAL and the town have committed to creating an environment that fosters continuous learning and engagement.

Moreover, with rapid changes in social and economic landscapes, integrating ESG perspectives into local governance is becoming essential for municipalities. This partnership aims to develop ESG talent, particularly among high school students in the area, while addressing local issues through initiatives grounded in ESG principles. This agreement is especially notable as it marks one of the few instances nationwide where a local government and a private enterprise have formalized a partnership focused on ESG.

Key Areas of Collaboration

Through this partnership, FORVAL and Kosasa Town will collaborate on various fronts, including:
1. Promotion of ESG-Based Education: Implementing educational programs that enhance understanding and engagement with ESG principles among students.
2. Support for ESG Management in SMEs: Providing assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises in the region to adopt effective ESG practices.
3. Community Revitalization Initiatives: Engaging in projects that contribute to the overall revitalization of Kosasa Town, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future.

Voices from Leadership

The Mayor of Kosasa, Takashi Kai, expressed his honor in entering into this comprehensive agreement with FORVAL, underlining the importance of trust and collaboration. He emphasized the need for a concerted effort that addresses community challenges while aligning education, industry, and local development efforts.

Similarly, FORVAL's President, Masanori Nakashima, articulated the company's commitment to tackling the varied management challenges faced by local SMEs. He highlighted the significance of workshops, seminars, and enhanced collaboration with academic and financial institutions to create tangible and impactful outcomes for the region.

About FORVAL

FORVAL is renowned for its unique approach to supporting ESG management through visual and accompany-oriented consulting services. Established in 1980 with a capital of 4.1 billion yen, the company specializes in assisting small to medium-sized enterprises in five key areas: information communication, international business, environmental management, human resources and education, along with entrepreneurship and business succession.

With a vision aligned with Japan's governmental policies to foster green initiatives, digital transformation, and regional revitalization, FORVAL's F-Japan initiative aims to cultivate DX/GX human resources, fostering a cycle of economic vitality that benefits local communities.

Through this new collaboration, FORVAL and Kosasa Town aspire to create a pioneering model of sustainable community development and empowerment, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation. As they move forward, the commitment to education, industry support, and community engagement will be the pillars of their partnership, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country.

For more information about FORVAL and their innovative ESG initiatives, please visit their official website.