#Japan #Tokyo #Atotsugi Koshien #Japan Biotech #Kumamoto Pharmaceuticals

The 6th 'Atotsugi Koshien' Kyushu-Okinawa Regional Tournament Results

The 6th edition of the 'Atotsugi Koshien', a pitch event aimed at successors of small and medium enterprises, recently held its Kyushu-Okinawa regional tournament on January 13th. The competition showcased several innovative business ideas that leverage existing management resources to foster new initiatives. Three finalists were selected to advance to the exciting grand finals scheduled for February 27th.

Winners Announcement

The winners were recognized for their outstanding proposals, showcasing unique business models with potential for growth. The honorary awards were divided among three participants:

• - Kyushu Economic Industry Bureau Director's Prize / Okinawa General Bureau Director's Prize: Tsubaki Hokama from Japan Biotech Co., Ltd. located in Okinawa. His pitch was themed “Green Caviar: Beauty and the Future of the Earth from Okinawa to Paris.”

• - Excellence Award: Yosuke Taniyama from Amagasaki Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. in Kumamoto. His theme revolved around “Restoring Water Environments with Sustainable Natural Minerals by Tackling Invasive Aquatic Plants.”

• - Excellence Award: Reki Ueno from Ueno Gardening Co., Ltd. based in Fukuoka, presenting “Kaketoko: An Agricultural Chemical Information Search Site for Farmers.”

Special Awards

Additionally, several accolades were given to other notable competitors:

• - Fukuoka Financial Group Prize: Eriko Tomizawa from Date Brewing in Kagoshima, focusing on enhancing community engagement through a “Tsubo Owner Business” to prevent rural depopulation.

• - Free Prize: Again awarded to Reki Ueno for “Kaketoko.”

Grand Finals Overview

The finalists will be competing in the grand finals, which brings together 18 promising successors from six different regions across Japan, including Hokkaido-Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku-Shikoku, and Kyushu-Okinawa. This year’s final will take place at the prestigious Otemachi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo, where the champions will be crowned. The event will feature distinguished judges from various industries who will evaluate the pitches based on creativity, feasibility, and impact.

Event Format

During the competition, each participant will have four minutes to present their ideas, followed by a six-minute Q&A session with the judges. The event aims not only to highlight innovative business ideas but also to offer mentorship and support to the next generation of business leaders in Japan.

Invitations and Participation

Both physical attendance and online viewing options are available for the grand finals. Those interested in attending should register ahead of time via the official website, with a deadline for applications set for 23:59 on the day prior to the event. Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.

About Atotsugi Koshien

Atotsugi Koshien serves as a unique platform for successors to pitch their ideas and demonstrate their potential to breathe new life into traditional businesses. The initiative is supported by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency's project for FY2026, under the management of Deloitte Tohmatsu LLC and the Japan Association for Venture-type Business Succession.

Conclusion

As successors gear up for the grand finals, the momentum from the Kyushu-Okinawa regional tournament heralds a bright future for innovation in small and medium enterprises across Japan. The Atotsugi Koshien continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs while celebrating the rich legacies of existing businesses.