Ishikawa Prefecture's Future Media Contest Finalists Announced as Startups Shine

Innovative Startups Emerge from Iwate for Future Press Release Contest

In a significant push for enhancing information dissemination capabilities among businesses and communities in Iwate Prefecture, the PR TIMES company, a leader in press release distribution, alongside volunteer "Press Release Evangelists," has initiated a project aimed at improving local information dissemination skills. This initiative, known as the Chaguchagu Iwate PR Project 2026, has unveiled the ten finalists for the Future Press Release Contest.

This unique competition invites startups to envision their business's future by crafting press releases that depict their desired state in 2036. Selected from a diverse range of sectors, these ten finalists symbolize the rich potential of Iwate’s entrepreneurial landscape, comprising businesses in healthcare, agriculture, theater, construction, tourism, education, and beauty.

Meet the Finalists

The finalists chosen for the competition demonstrate a wealth of innovation:

1. Ishikawa Health Support Office (Morioka City) - Supporting health management services.
2. 1684 Co. Ltd (Shiwa-gun) - Planning and sales of skincare products. Website
3. Ovenus Co. Ltd (Minato-ku, Tokyo) - Women's healthcare services. Website
4. Kizuki Co. Ltd (Kurihara City, Miyagi) - Specializes in training and technology dissemination for construction 3D printing. Website
5. COCOHARETE Co. Ltd (Morioka City) - Consulting services for tourism and management. Website
6. Tohoku Medical Engineering Co. Ltd (Morioka City) - Development and sale of medical devices. Website
7. Plows Co. Ltd (Oshu City) - Agriculture and leather product manufacturing and sales. Website
8. WAKU (Minamisoma City, Fukushima) - Development and provision of next-generation agricultural materials utilizing glutathione. Website
9. hug.kumu (Ichinoseki City) - Communication training using theater methods.
10. YumePro/iTeen (Kitakami City) - Programming education. Website

The finalists will present their ideas in a final pitch event scheduled for May 31, 2026, at the Kioxia Aina in Morioka City. In addition to the pitches, attendees can look forward to a talk session featuring Miho Takagi, a gold medalist in speed skating at the Olympics.

Judging Criteria and Panel

The judging process will assess the startups on three core criteria: Social Impact, Feasibility, and PR Persuasiveness. The jury includes professionals from major media outlets and startup support organizations, alongside notable figures in the venture capital landscape, like Hidetaka Fukudome from Sparkle Corporation. Additionally, Shizuka Ono from Heralbony will join as a special judge, contributing her insights from the world of successful startups.

Awards and Recognitions

Selected among the ten finalists, startups will vie for several prestigious awards, including:

- Ihatov Award, celebrating the startup that merges idealism with practical implementation.
- Visionary Award, honoring the startup showcasing the most significant social impact.
- Roadmap Award, for the startup demonstrating the clearest path to feasibility.
- Next Unicorn Award, aimed at the startup showing the most promise for future success.
- Chaguchagu Award, a special recognition acknowledging outstanding contributions from Iwate-based startups.

Time Capsule Project

In a symbolic gesture representing resilience and growth akin to the Sakura stone, all ten finalists' press releases will eventually be enclosed in a specially designed time capsule produced by Sakadshima Seikan. This capsule will not only serve as a record of their visions but will also be shared with these companies ten years later in 2036, encapsulating their growth journey.

Looking Forward

The Future Press Release from IWATE contest represents an exciting leap forward for startups in Iwate Prefecture, aiming to bridge the information dissemination gap seen through previous studies. Providing much-needed support and autonomy for startups, the Chaguchagu Iwate PR Project hopes to catalyze a movement towards a more informed and empowered business environment in the region, aiming toward the goal of zero information disparity.

For those interested in attending the final event, registration is free. Join us in supporting the innovators of tomorrow!

Event Details

- Date: May 31, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM (event runs from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
- Location: Kioxia Aina 7th Floor Aina Hall, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Don’t miss this chance to witness the future of Iwate’s entrepreneurial spirit!