#Japan #Relay #Setagaya #Business Succession

Setagaya's Future Connection Campaign

In a collaborative effort between Relay, a business succession initiative, and the Setagaya Ward of Tokyo, a new campaign has been launched to gather information about beloved local businesses that deserve to be passed down to future generations. This marks the second year of the campaign, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and culinary traditions within the community.

Setagaya is the largest municipality in Tokyo, housing approximately 920,000 residents. Renowned for its blend of urban proximity and natural beauty, it has become a desirable area for families and young residents alike. However, recent surveys reveal a concerning trend: the majority of business owners are aged 60 or older, with 24.6% indicating a lack of suitable successors. The repercussions of failing to find successors include increased business closures, which could severely impact local economic stability.

As the aging population of business owners approaches retirement, the challenge of ensuring continuity of these enterprises has become urgent. The current climate demands immediate action to secure employment and maintain the valuable knowledge and technologies held by small businesses in the area. This campaign seeks to address the critical issue of succession directly.

The 'Future Connection Campaign' encourages residents to submit nominations for businesses they believe should carry on into the future. This initiative aims to celebrate the unique charm of local favorites while fostering community pride and engagement. Last year's campaign saw over 220 submissions, demonstrating the collective desire to safeguard Setagaya’s heritage.

How to Participate

Residents are invited to participate by submitting their suggestions through the campaign’s official page from July 15, 2025, to September 30, 2025. To incentivize participation, 100 participants will be randomly selected to receive a ¥500 Amazon gift card. The selection process will conclude with notifications sent out by the end of October.

Eligibility Criteria:

• - Entries can be submitted multiple times, although each individual may only win once.
• - Personal information collected during submissions will be solely used for contest-related purposes.
• - Participants must be of legal age, or consent from a legal guardian is required.
• - Submissions that violate public order or infringe on third-party rights will lead to disqualification.

Relay's Role in Business Succession

Relay operates with the premise of transparency in business succession processes, allowing business owners to tell their stories and attract passionate successors through a platform that promotes connection and understanding. Since its establishment in January 2020, Relay has matched approximately 130 succession cases, earning recognition as the leading platform for business matchmaking in Japan.

The collaboration with Setagaya Ward is a crucial step in promoting the importance of preserving local businesses for future generations. By actively engaging the community, this campaign not only highlights the significance of business succession but also strengthens the socioeconomic fabric of Setagaya.

Why It Matters

As traditions and local flavors face the risk of fading into obscurity, campaigns like this provide a voice for businesses and their stories. They hold the potential to inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs to embrace these values and carry them forward, ensuring that Setagaya’s vibrant atmosphere continues to thrive. Through community participation and acknowledgment, the essence of the neighborhood can be maintained, benefitting both current and future residents.

In conclusion, the 'Future Connection Campaign' is an essential endeavor for Setagaya—one that calls upon the community to play an active role in shaping its future. Local businesses are the heartbeat of neighborhoods; their preservation is not just an act of nostalgia, but a foundational investment in the community's long-term vitality. As we look ahead, we invite everyone to think about which local businesses should be recognized and celebrated. Share your stories, support continuity, and help build a legacy for generations to come.

For more detailed information on the Relay program and to participate in the campaign, please visit the official website.