#Japan #Tokyo #ConnectAround #OkumaTown #FunEatMakers

The Allure of Okuma Town: A Business Perspective

On October 2, 2023, a significant event titled "Why Do Companies Gather in Okuma Town, the Site of the Nuclear Accident?" will take place, featuring president Tsukasa Asai of Connect Around, a subsidiary of Creek and River Co., Ltd. This crucial event aims to shed light on the growing interest in Okuma Town from businesses, particularly given its historical context of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster.

Since the catastrophic earthquake and subsequent nuclear meltdown in March 2011, the entire population of Okuma Town has been displaced, with residents being forced to evacuate. For around 11 years, much of the town remained inaccessible, rendering it uninhabitable. However, following the lifting of access restrictions in June 2022, a revitalization process commenced at an impressive pace. Infrastructure development surged, making way for businesses—both startups in search of testing grounds for cutting-edge technology and major corporations—looking to establish operations in Okuma.

As part of this revitalization effort, Connect Around is set to open "FUN EAT MAKERS in Okuma," a multi-functional facility focused on themes of agriculture, food, and universal work flows, on June 14, 2025. In this event, Asai will discuss the reasons behind choosing Okuma, the company's objectives, and its contributions to local recovery and revitalization.

The event will also highlight the unique environment of Okuma, including incentives available exclusively in the region, and the robust support systems for incoming companies. This information is vital for those looking to start new ventures or seek locations for factories and development hubs.

Event Details

• - Date: October 2, 2023
• - Time: 15:00 - 17:30
• - Location: Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), Marunouchi, Tokyo
• - Format: Hybrid (In-person and online)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Organized by: Business Gateway Co., Ltd.
• - Collaborative Support: Lib Consulting Co., Ltd.

The timetable for the event includes:

• - 14:30 - Registration Begins
• - 15:00 - Opening Remarks
• - 15:00 to 15:15 - Overview of the preferential treatment policies for the Hamadori region by the Fukushima Innovation Coast Promotion Organization
• - 15:15 to 15:40 - Insights on Okuma's recovery and business attraction, including discussion from Mr. Kuroda, the Innovation Manager at Okuma Incubation Center
• - 15:40 to 16:10 - Introduction of the case study by Tsukasa Asai regarding the "Fun Eat Makers" and why Okuma was chosen
• - 16:10 to 16:20 - Q&A session
• - 16:20 to 16:30 - Details on site tours in Okuma and closing remarks
• - 16:30 to 17:30 - Networking session for attendees (In-person only)

Featured Speakers

• - Atsushi Kuroda: Innovation Manager at the Okuma Incubation Center, with a background in supporting the establishment of new businesses in the area, Kuroda is involved in developing strategies for creating new industries in Okuma since 2019.

• - Tsukasa Asai: President of Connect Around, Asai has a background in agricultural chemistry and has led multiple initiatives to enhance agricultural practices using advanced technologies.

For those interested in new business launches in unique settings like Okuma, this event represents an opportunity not to be missed. For further details and to register, click here.