Innovative Panel Discussion on Circular Economy to Address Local Challenges in Japan

Addressing Local Challenges Through Circular Economy Commerce

In a bid to tackle regional issues through innovative solutions, CLAS Inc., a company aimed at creating a circular ecosystem for furniture and appliances, is set to participate in a pivotal event organized by the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The event is titled "Possibilities for Collaboration with CE Commerce from a Local Government Perspective," and will take place on February 27, 2026, at 3×3LabFuture in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

CLAS’s CEO, Hirotake Kubo, will be joining a panel discussion focused on the collaboration between local governments and CE commerce businesses to resolve local challenges. This forum will gather experts in Circular Economy, enthusiastic local government representatives, and CE commerce entrepreneurs to discuss successful case studies and share valuable insights.

Overview of the Event

The panel discussion aims to explore how local governments can effectively utilize CE commerce to enhance resource circulation in their communities. The concept of CE commerce refers to various business models that facilitate the reuse, sharing, and repair of products to maximize their lifecycle and reduce waste.

Event Details:

- Title: Possibilities for Collaboration with CE Commerce from a Local Government Perspective
- Date & Time: February 27, 2026 (Friday), 14:00 - 17:00 (Doors open at 13:30)
- Location: 3×3LabFuture, Otemon Tower ENEOS Building, 1-1-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
- Organizer: Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
- Target Audience: Local governments, CE commerce businesses
- Admission Fee: Free
- Capacity: 50 participants for in-person attendance / Pre-registration required for online attendance

For more details, attendees can access the METI website here.

Program Schedule

1. 14:00 Opening Remarks from Masahiro Tanaka, Power Development Coordination Officer, Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry
2. 14:05 Keynote Speech: “The Value and Potential of CE Commerce for Local Regions” by Yu Kato, CEO of Harch Inc.
3. 14:45 Talk: “Promoting Resource Circulation through Utilization of CE Commerce in Local Governments” by Daiki Hagiwara, Section Chief of the Environmental and Resource Circulation Economy Division, Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry.
4. 15:15 Panel Discussion: “Direction for Collaboration with CE Commerce Businesses to Solve Local Issues” facilitated by Yu Kato, featuring Hirotake Kubo (CLAS), Osamu Ono (Nasu-Shiobara City), and Takemi Imamura (Yokohama City).
5. 16:00 Networking Meetup: Available for on-site participants only.

About CLAS Inc.

Founded in 2018, CLAS Inc. operates a circular platform for durable consumer goods, offering a subscription service for furniture and appliances to both individuals and businesses. Their vision, “Live freely and lightly,” encourages sustainable living by providing options such as renting, purchasing, returning, or exchanging items, which reduces initial costs and effort in creating optimal living spaces.

CLAS has developed a unique mechanism for repairing and cleaning returned products, preventing waste from prematurely discarded items that do not reach their full lifecycle potential. Their efforts have shown a significant reduction in waste generation by 38% and carbon dioxide emissions by 36%, compared to traditional sales models. Through these initiatives, CLAS aims to contribute to a circular economy while fostering a society where everyone can live authentically.

More information about CLAS’s services and contributions can be found on their website.

With the increasing importance of sustainability and resource circulation, this event serves as a critical platform for exchanging ideas and moving towards a more sustainable future.