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Next Leaders 2025: A New Era for Japan's Hospitality Sector

The hospitality industry in Japan faces numerous challenges, particularly regarding the retention of young talent. To address this pressing issue, the Japan Management Association (JMA) has developed the "Next Leaders" program, aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in tourism, accommodation, and dining sectors. The culmination of this initiative will be the nationwide Final Stage event held on February 20, 2026, at the Tokyo Big Sight, as part of the HCJ2026 exhibition.

A Platform for Innovation

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the high turnover rates among young workers in the hospitality industry. The lack of opportunities to discuss industry future prospects among peers has further complicated these challenges. To bridge this gap, the JMA has created the Next Leaders program to provide a platform where young professionals can openly share their thoughts and collaboratively envision the future of the industry.

In 2025, 200 participants from four key regions—Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo—will engage in rigorous discussions on strategies to position the hospitality sector as a cornerstone of Japan's economy in the next five to ten years. Teams formed from these regions will collaborate to develop actionable proposals that tackle critical issues and demonstrate practical solutions at the exhibition.

Engaging Young Innovators

The Next Leaders program will unfold over several rounds in each participating region, ultimately leading to the selection of the top teams. Each team's proposals will be presented at the HCJ2026 exhibition, where a diverse audience of stakeholders from the hospitality sector is expected to attend.

Participating Teams and Themes

The themes chosen by the finalist teams encompass crucial aspects of the hospitality industry's evolution:

• - Osaka Representative - IDYN: Focused on exporting the Japanese style of hospitality overseas.
• - Sapporo Representative - Kepare!: Concentrating on maximizing potential within the industry.
• - Fukuoka Representative - Mararutan: Aiming to coexist with overtourism challenges.
• - Tokyo Representative: To be determined at the Tokyo round scheduled for February 18.

This year marks the second iteration of the program, with JMA committed to fostering a space for young talents to network and engage meaningfully with industry issues.

Previous Success

In the inaugural edition, the team representing Fukuoka emerged victorious, showcasing the innovative potential of Japan's youth in addressing industry concerns. An interview with the champion team can be found here.

Future Directions

As the hospitality sector evolves, the government is implementing various initiatives to elevate tourism as a key industry. However, the high turnover rates among young professionals underscore the need for fresh, innovative perspectives. The Next Leaders program aims to challenge conventional thinking and stimulate innovative ideas essential for the sector's revitalization.

Event Details

• - Event Date: February 20, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• - Location: HCJ2026, West 4 Hall, "Trend Seminar & Stage"
• - Registration: Pre-registration is required for attendance at JMA's registration site.

Engagement in this program not only provides a learning experience for young professionals but contributes significantly to the discourse on the future of Japan's hospitality industry, facilitating the development of practical management skills across generations.

For inquiries related to the Next Leaders initiative, please contact the JMA Next Leaders Office at 03-3434-1377 (available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding weekends and holidays).
Keep an eye on the official Next Leaders website for further updates and registration details as the event draws closer.