In a significant milestone for business development in Kumamoto, Forval Co., Ltd., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has signed a location agreement with Kumamoto City. The agreement was formalized on March 26, 2026, under the witness of the Kumamoto Prefectural Government. The main objective of this partnership, centered around the theme "Creating a New World with 'New Normal'", aims to significantly enhance support for local industries, particularly focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
The Context of the Agreement
In recent years, Kumamoto has witnessed a surge in new industrial concentrations, particularly in the semiconductor industry, elevating demands for supportive frameworks that encourage the growth and evolution of local businesses. To meet these needs, Forval has been actively engaged in Kumamoto City’s "DX Acceleration Program for SMEs" since 2023. This initiative includes hands-on consultations, hosting workshops and seminars, and facilitating talent development events for local enterprises.
Additionally, Forval is tasked with managing the Kumamoto City DX Portal, contributing to disseminating best practices and providing consultation services aimed at bolstering regional digital transformation (DX) efforts. The new location agreement serves to deepen these initiatives by establishing a physical base in the city, enabling more localized support for businesses.
Details of the Agreement
The new office will be located in the Nishi Ward of Kumamoto City, specifically in the Kasuga area. This facility will focus on leveraging internet-based services to support corporate endeavors aimed at enhancing digital transformation. Forval plans to implement a continuous framework of visible, hands-on support, encompassing ESG management assistance, operational improvements, and workforce training.
This approach not only aims to bolster the management capabilities of enterprises in the area but also supports sustainable growth through a committed partnership with local businesses. Forval will prioritize procurement from regional suppliers and enhance collaboration with related companies while focusing on local hiring.
Kumamoto City's Executive Director of Economic and Tourism, Yoshinobu Kuroki, commented on the agreement, expressing optimism that the establishment of the “Kumamoto Corporate Clinic Lab” would substantially contribute to the promotion of GX (Green Transformation) and DX among local SMEs. He emphasized the transformative power of continuous support and diverse solutions this partnership would provide, enhancing the attractiveness of job opportunities for the city's youth.
Forval’s Executive Officer, Katsunori Hirobat, echoed these sentiments, regarding the clinic's opening as a foundational step towards nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for corporate doctors in Kumamoto. He reaffirmed Forval’s commitment to applying their extensive consulting expertise to address the challenges faced by local firms effectively. This new base will act as a hub for initiatives focused on fostering self-sustaining economic development in Kumamoto, transcending the scope of a traditional location agreement.
About Forval Co., Ltd.
Founded in September 1980, Forval specializes in visible support for ESG management and functions as a collective of “corporate doctors” aimed at strengthening small and medium enterprises through consulting services in five key areas: communication, international expansion, environmental responsibility, education and workforce development, and business continuity and succession. The company operates with a vision aligned with national strategies that aim to nurture local economies through digital transformation, green initiatives, and responsible workforce management, thus promoting a sustainable future across Japan.
This collaboration with Kumamoto City symbolizes a concerted effort to establish a resilient economic environment that can adapt and thrive through innovative practices. Through this partnership, Forval and Kumamoto City are paving the way for a brighter future for local businesses and the community as a whole.