#Japan #Osaka #Economic Forum #FORVAL #Kansai Leaders

Economic Strategies Shared at the Kansai Local Government Leaders Forum

On August 19, 2025, a special business event titled "Kansai Local Government Leaders Reveal Economic Strategies & Networking Forum" took place at TKP Garden City Osaka Yodoyabashi. Co-hosted by Forval, a consulting company specializing in ESG management, and Ichini Co., Ltd., this forum aimed to stimulate the regional economy by providing invaluable insights from prominent local leaders for business owners in the Kansai region.

Event Overview

The event was a culmination of efforts to bridge the gap between local governments and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With over 100 attendees, the forum provided a platform for networking and sharing ideas among business leaders and local government officials. The two-part program included a panel discussion and networking session designed to foster collaboration.

Panel Discussion

Under the moderation of free announcer Kenji Shimizu, the first part of the event featured discussions among three district mayors from Kansai. They engaged in a thorough analysis of the current economic landscape, providing crucial insights into upcoming initiatives for SMEs. The topics covered included:

• - How to Energize the Local Economy?
• - Practical Examples and Outcomes of Public-Private Partnerships
• - Companies with Which Local Governments Wish to Collaborate

The mayors shared valuable experiences, illustrating the challenges and successes within their respective municipalities. This open dialogue was aimed not only at conveying information but also at generating actionable strategies for stakeholders to take back to their organizations.

Insights from the Mayors

Mayor Hidemasa Nagatatsu of Sakai City expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit among the leaders, noting that exchanging best practices across cities can enrich the approach to local governance. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, stating, "Events like these reinforce the significance of connecting with entrepreneurs to effectively govern our regions."

Mayor Masashi Komurazaki of Ikoma City highlighted the similarities in challenges faced by different municipalities, adding that the forum served as a learning opportunity. He noted, "Learning from the experiences of other mayors reaffirms the importance of collaboration to tackle shared issues."

Mayor Toshirou Ishii of Nishinomiya remarked on the necessity of innovative solutions from SMEs to improve efficiency in governance. He mentioned the discussions around cost-reduction and technological advancements, hinting at a future styled with corporate engagement and knowledge sharing.

Networking Session

The second part of the event provided an invaluable networking opportunity for approximately 100 local business leaders. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanged business cards, and explored potential partnerships. The forum's structure allowed for discussions that could potentially lead to new business ventures, collaborations, or innovations in the region.

About Forval

Founded in 1980, Forval operates with the vision of supporting sustainable local economies through an ESG-focused methodology. The company, recognized for its initiative "F-Japan," aims to connect local governments, businesses, educational institutions, and financial services to enhance digital transformation and growth human resources. With a commitment to promoting sustainable business practices, Forval assists SMEs across various fields, including communications, international trade, and workforce development.

In a post-event summary, participants expressed a strong desire for additional forums and follow-up discussions to continue exploring collaborative avenues. The enthusiasm demonstrated at the Kansai Local Government Leaders Forum is a testament to the growing recognition of the power of cooperation in driving local economic success.

This event not only addressed the pressing issues at hand for local governments and SMEs but also served as a reminder of the potential that lies in unity and shared purpose among regional stakeholders.