#Japan #Tokyo #Autonomous Driving #Regional Revitalization #Four In

Seminar on Autonomous Driving and Regional Development

Date: June 4, 2026 (Thursday) 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Kioi Forum, 1F New Otani Garden Court, 4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Delivery Options:

• - On-site participation
• - Live streaming via Zoom Webinar
• - Archived viewing for two weeks

Overview

The seminar titled "The Frontlines of Autonomous Driving, Regional Vitalization, and Business Creation" will be led by Mr. Takayasu Maeda, the Vice President of Four In Inc. This event arises from growing concerns regarding the economic decline in rural areas due to aging populations and youth migration towards urban zones, particularly in the Tokyo region.

Since around 2015, various initiatives focusing on community revitalization have emerged nationwide but have struggled to generate substantial results in preventing youth from leaving rural areas or in the creation of new local industries. This seminar aims to showcase the success story of Sakai Town in Ibaraki Prefecture, recognized for its innovative approaches toward regional revitalization through autonomous transport solutions.

Key Highlights of the Seminar

1. Financial Recovery Initiatives in Sakai Town
- Transformation of Hometown Tax Revenues: The town's hometown tax contributions grew from less than 100,000 yen annually to an impressive 6 billion yen in five years.
- Investment Recovery: Insights on how strategic facility investments with minimal town burden and rental income led to impressive returns.
- Community Development through Autonomous Bus Services: An exploration of how autonomous bus initiatives have catalyzed community attraction and growth.

2. Showcasing Advanced Technologies in Sakai Town
- Economic Impact of Autonomous Bus Operations: How the first-ever regular road operations of autonomous buses in Japan have influenced the local economy.
- Drone Development Center: The establishment of a domestic drone development hub in Sakai, attracting nationwide attention.
- Advancements in Perovskite Solar Cells: Development efforts towards establishing a manufacturing base for perovskite solar cells slated for practical application.

3. Creating Business Opportunities through Regional Revitalization
- Investing Beyond Profitability: Understanding the importance of investments that yield ripple effects, rather than focusing solely on individual business revenues.
- Harnessing Local Characteristics for New Ventures: Generating new business ideas that leverage the unique features of the locality for synergistic growth.
- Vision-led Leadership: The significance of building a relatable, inspiring vision for the future and engaging stakeholders.

4. Q&A and Networking
The seminar will provide ample opportunity for participants to engage in a question-and-answer session and network through business card exchanges, fostering connections among innovative minds in the field.

For further inquiries and registration details, please contact SSK (Shin Shakai System Comprehensive Research Institute) at:

• - Address: 2-6-2 Nishi-Shimbashi, 4F Zaimax Nishi-Shimbashi Building, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone: 03-5532-8850
• - Fax: 03-5532-8851
• - Website: SSK Official Site

About SSK

Founded on December 6, 1996, the Shin Shakai System Comprehensive Research Institute (SSK) has spent over 28 years providing business seminars for corporate clients, hosting approximately 500 events annually. SSK is dedicated to delivering high-level strategic, marketing, and technology insights that rapidly contribute to creating business opportunities across a diverse and evolving business landscape.