#Japan #Shinagawa #FC Imabari #Baton Yokoku #Smiles Inc.

Baton Yokoku Conference 2026: Bridging Community Challenges

The Baton Yokoku Conference 2026, held on September 16-17 in Shinagawa, will spotlight prominent figures like Masafumi Yano and Takayuki Tobita from FC Imabari. This two-day event, co-hosted by Smiles Inc. and Kokuyo Co., aims to delve into pressing regional issues with innovative perspectives.

Overview of the Conference

The conference will kick off with Yano, representative director of Imabari Dream Sports, and his colleague Tobita discussing how FC Imabari is not just a professional soccer team but also a dynamic community hub based around the Asics Satoyama Stadium. This venue is designed to strengthen local ties by providing accessible spaces for community activities, such as cafes and dog parks, fostering a collaborative environment.

The conference features a diverse lineup of workshops, including the popular “Kadaiet,” which engages participants in resolving real-world challenges faced by local governments. This year's topics include:

• - Child-Rearing and Living in Imabari
• - Community Development and Civic Pride in Shibayama, Chiba
• - Co-Creation and Space Design in Saitama

Unique Offerings

One of the highlights of this year's event is the Handbook of Local Issues, which will compile 100 unique case studies showcasing innovative solutions addressing regional problems. This valuable resource will be distributed to attendees, highlighting effective strategies and best practices employed across Japan. Alongside the handbook, attendees can also participate in discussions and sessions that explore community resilience and sustainable practices.

Conference Schedule

On the first day (September 16), the event will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring exhibitions of localized initiatives. Day two (September 17) will commence at 9:45 AM, culminating in a series of talks and networking opportunities until 7:00 PM. Below is a snapshot of special session topics:

• - Opening Session: "FC Imabari's Approach to Community Co-Creation" led by Yano and Tobita.
• - Session on Regional Transformation: Dialogue among local leaders, including Daisuke Yamanaka from SHONAI and Kazuki Mori from Hibiki Research Institute, discussing effective community practices in Nagasaki.

Join Us!

This conference serves as a platform for local and regional stakeholders to engage in fruitful dialogue about community involvement and support for collective resilience. Participants will gain insights into implementing effective strategies for challenging community issues.

To register and participate in this enriching experience, visit the official conference website at Baton Yokoku Conference. Whether you're a local government representative, an eager citizen looking to make a difference, or simply interested in innovative community development practices, this conference is not to be missed!