#Japan #Yamagata #Atsugi Koshien #Takagi Manufacturing #MotoTate

The 6th Atsugi Koshien Hokkaido and Tohoku Block Tournament Concludes

On February 2, 2026, the Hokkaido and Tohoku block tournament of the 6th Atsugi Koshien was held, showcasing the innovative business ideas of successors from small and medium-sized enterprises. The event concluded with the announcement of three finalists who advanced to the grand finals, set to take place on February 27, 2026, at the Otemachi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo. The competition allows successors to pitch their new business ideas while leveraging existing management resources.

Finalists Announced

The winners who stood out in the Hokkaido and Tohoku block tournament include:

• - Hokkaido Economic and Industry Bureau Director's Award / Tohoku Economic and Industry Bureau Director's Award:

- Naoto Takagi from Takagi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Yamagata Prefecture)
- Theme: “SoZo Station – Reviving Japan's Manufacturing.”

• - Excellence Award:

- Kento Togashi from MotoTate Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Yamagata Prefecture)
- Theme: “Creating a 100-year Business through Craft and Systems.”
- Fukuo Doi from Uzenya Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Hokkaido)
- Theme: “Aiming to be a beloved and proud confectionery store from my hometown.”

These three finalists were chosen from 15 aspiring successors who competed for their chance at the finals by presenting their ideas through a pitch lasting four minutes, followed by a six-minute Q&A session with the judges.

The Journey to the Finals

A total of 18 successors will compete in the final event, with three emerging from each of the six block tournaments held across the regions of Hokkaido and Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku and Shikoku, and Kyushu and Okinawa. Each event is rigorously judged by experts in various fields, adding a competitive edge to the proceedings.

The grand finals will see an array of awards presented, including:

• - 1 Economic Minister's Award
• - 1 Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Administrator's Award
• - 1 Innovation and Environment Bureau Director's Award, among others.

Special Mentions

Two special awards were also given during this event:

• - Choi-Digi Prize: Awarded to Kento Togashi from MotoTate Co., Ltd. for the theme “Creating a 100-year Business through Craft and Systems.”
• - Air Water Forest Award: Given to Fumiyoshi Hinata from Moere Industries (Hokkaido) for the theme “End of Waste: Demolition Companies take on the Challenge.”

About the Atsugi Koshien

The Atsugi Koshien provides a platform for successors of small and medium-sized enterprises to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas, drawing on established resources of their respective companies. Each pitch is a culmination of hard work and a vision to create something sustainable and impactful for the future.

The event aims not just to foster individual talent but also to shine a light on the importance of business succession in Japan. It represents a collective effort to sustain and enhance the landscape of local businesses, encouraging fresh ideas while honoring traditional practices.

Upcoming Final Event

The grand finals promise a showcase of the best pithes from across Japan. The event will be open for both in-person and online viewing, with prior registration required.
The application deadline for attendees is set for the day before the finals at 23:59.

For more details and registration, please visit the official Atsugi Koshien website.

Organizing bodies of the event include the Limited Liability Audit Corporation, Tohmatsu, and the General Incorporated Association Venture-type Business Succession, ensuring a professional and well-structured competition.