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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Japan Announces Finalists

EY Japan has announced the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Japan (EOY Japan). This prestigious award, which has been recognizing the most outstanding entrepreneurs in Japan since 2001, has entered its 26th year. The announcement was made following a rigorous selection process based on criteria that highlight the long-term value created by entrepreneurs in contributing to a better society, their growth, and their substantial impact.

During the selection period from June to August, a total of 14 entrepreneurs across 13 groups were evaluated based on their entrepreneurial spirit and contributions. This year’s nominees are divided into three categories:

1. Master & Family Business Leaders: This category represents pioneers in their respective industries who have successfully led family businesses, showcasing exceptional models for all entrepreneurs, and sustaining growth through innovative business models and practices. The four finalists in this category include:
- Akihito Takada, CEO of Japanet Holdings
- Hiroko Nakanishi, Chairperson and Minori Nakanishi, President of BorneLund
- Daisuke Hirano, President of Meister Engineering

2. Exceptional Growth: This category honors entrepreneurs who have successfully propelled their businesses, distinguishing themselves as role models for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The three nominees here have demonstrated a significant impact both nationally and internationally:
- Motoyuki Arai, CEO of Synspective
- Masahiro Ito, CEO of PowerX
- Yutaro Nakanishi, CEO of TENTIAL

3. Regional Vitalization Leaders: This section recognizes entrepreneurs who have achieved notable success in their local areas, generating unique value and contributing significantly to their communities. The seven entrepreneurs nominated in this category include:
- Kunihiro Aizawa, CEO of Gaia (Tohoku region)
- Yoshihiro Aizawa, President of Aizawa High-Pressure Concrete (Hokkaido region)
- Yasuhito Imanaka, President of Sense Trust (Kansai region)
- Katsushi Kawashima, CEO of Staff Bridge (Tokai/Hokuriku region)
- Kanji Takeuchi, President of Takeuchi Construction (Chugoku region)
- Shoichi Yano, President of Yano Special Vehicles (Kyushu region)
- Koichi Yanagisawa, President of Eijin (Koshinetsu region)

The award ceremony for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Japan will take place on December 9. During this ceremony, the 13 entrepreneur groups will be honored, and the representatives who will participate in the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2027, scheduled for late May in Monaco, will also be announced.

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EY is committed to creating new value for clients, its people, society, and the planet while establishing trust in the capital markets to build a better working world. Through collaboration across teams globally, EY utilizes data, AI, and advanced technologies to drive solutions to today's challenges, ensuring clients can confidently shape the future.

This international recognition for entrepreneurs serves as a catalyst for fostering support and inspiring the next generation of business leaders, celebrating the achievements of those who strive to make an impact in society. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program continues to reflect EY's overarching mission to celebrate and elevate the entrepreneurial spirit around the globe.