#Japan #Tokyo #Sankei Shimbun #Regional Revitalization #Concession System

Concession Forum 2025: A Look into Regional Revitalization

On May 26th, 2025, at 14:30 (JST), the Sankei Shimbun, led by President Tetsuji Kondo, will host the Concession Forum 2025, an online event dedicated to exploring the successes and future of Japan’s regional revitalization initiatives through the concession system. This forum is an exceptional opportunity for anyone interested in public administration, regional growth, and privatization. Participation is free, with a limit of 500 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.

The background of this forum traces back to the significant amendments made to the PFI (Private Finance Initiative) Act in 2011, which introduced the concession system for operating public facilities. Since then, this system has been successfully applied in various sectors, including airports, waterworks, toll roads, and cultural facilities such as museums and arenas. The initiative has exceeded 40 projects undertaken by both national and local governments, demonstrating notable achievements thanks to the commitment of private enterprises involved in these public works.

Despite these successes, challenges persist, especially among local governments that have yet to fully utilize the concession system. The forum will bring together key figures who have been instrumental in advancing this system, including leaders from government, local authorities, and concessionaires, to reflect on their experiences and discuss the outcomes and ongoing challenges faced in the implementation of the scheme.

Highlights of the Forum

• - Video Message: The event will feature a special video message from Yoshihide Suga, a member of the House of Representatives, former Prime Minister, and Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party.
• - Keynote Presentation: The keynote will be delivered by Hiroyuki Inoue, the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, who will discuss the achievements and ongoing issues regarding the concession system from the perspective of the Cabinet Office.

Presentations on Advanced Cases

Leading examples of the system's application will be shared by:
1. Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka
2. Takeshi Kimura, Governor of Kumamoto
3. Yoshihiro Murai, Governor of Miyagi
4. Kazuhito Kanji, President of Aichi International Arena Co., Ltd.

Topics on Challenges

Yoshiyuki Yamatani, CEO of Kansai Airport Co., Ltd., will address the challenges faced by the concession system and propose potential solutions.

Panel Discussion: The Past and Future of Concession

Participants in the panel discussion include:

• - Yasuto Suzuki, Governor of Shizuoka
• - Issei Kibe, President and CEO of Infronia Holdings Inc.
• - Toshiaki Takazawa, Executive Officer of Japan Policy Investment Bank

The discussion will be facilitated by Takashi Hirose, an Executive Officer at Accenture, who will guide the conversation towards overcoming barriers and enhancing the impact of the concession system on regional revitalization.

Event Details:

• - Date & Time: May 26, 2025, from 14:30 to 18:00 (JST)
• - Format: Online streaming, accessible only to registered attendees
• - Registration Deadline: May 26, 2025, at 14:30 (JST)

For more information and to register, please visit Sankei Shimbun Seminar Registration.

This event is proudly presented by the Sankei Shimbun, supported by the Cabinet Office, and sponsored by several organizations, including Accenture, Infronia Holdings, Japan Policy Investment Bank, and Kansai Airport Co., Ltd.**. For any inquiries, please contact the Sankei Shimbun DX Seminar Office via email at ml.digitalsales@sankei.co.jp.