#Japan #Tokyo #Small Business #Business Innovation #Atotsugi Koshien

The 6th Atotsugi Koshien Pitch Event

The Atotsugi Koshien is set to launch its 6th competition, inviting successors of small and medium-sized enterprises to showcase their innovative business ideas that leverage existing management resources. This event, which serves as a pitch competition, aims to foster creativity and find new business solutions for the evolving market.

Key Features of the Event

Starting August 1, 2025, the Atotsugi Koshien will accept entries from successors across six geographic blocks in Japan, including Hokkaido-Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku-Shikoku, and Kyushu-Okinawa. Selected regional finalists will then compete in a final tournament to be held in Tokyo. The upcoming event has introduced a new award, the "Innovation and Environmental Director's Award," which will honor individuals demonstrating exceptional technological superiority and creativity in their business proposals.

Moreover, a distinguished panel of judges has been assembled for the final contest, featuring prominent experts like Hidenobu Kuroda, President of Kokuyo Co., and Hiroaki Sugita, Professor at Waseda University's Graduate School of Business Administration. Their insights and experience will guide the selection process based on originality, sustainability, social impact, business resource utilization, and passion for entrepreneurship.

The Introduction of Local Ambassadors

To promote the 6th Atotsugi Koshien and encourage more energetic participation, the event has appointed "Atotsugi Koshien Regional Ambassadors." These ambassadors, mainly comprising past winners and finalists, are responsible for spreading the appeal of the event amongst potential entrants and organizing seminars and discussion sessions related to succession and entrepreneurship.

The oath-taking ceremony for the ambassadors took place on July 30, 2025, with Ryuichi Yamashita, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, presenting the appointment certificates. This initiative acknowledges the unique network of successors across regions while addressing the increasing need to create platforms for collaboration and engagement among them.

Overview of the Atotsugi Koshien

The Atotsugi Koshien is a pitch event aimed at successors of small and medium-sized enterprises. The presentation rounds consist of a 4-minute pitch followed by 6 minutes of Q&A from judges across various fields. During the regional selection rounds, three participants from each block (for a total of 18 finalists) will be chosen to advance to the finals.

Judging Criteria

Judging will focus on five key areas:
1. Originality - Are the products or services innovative and unique?
2. Sustainability - Does the business plan show potential for long-term revenue and growth?
3. Social Relevance - Does the proposal address societal challenges or hold social significance?
4. Utilization of Corporate Resources - Is the use of tangible and intangible assets from the company being adequately leveraged?
5. Passion and Narrative - Does the successor possess a compelling backstory or enthusiasm for fulfilling this business venture?

Eligibility and Entry Process

To enter, candidates must be successors from small or medium enterprises aged 39 or under (born on or after April 1986) and hold representative authority. Those interested can find more information on the official Atotsugi Koshien website.

Key Dates

• - August 1, 2025: Entry begins
• - November 26, 2025: Entry deadline
• - November 28, 2025: Submission of application materials due
• - January 13 to February 2, 2026: Regional qualifiers
• - February 27, 2026: Final tournament

In conclusion, the Atotsugi Koshien aims to inspire innovation among the next generation of business leaders while enhancing the sustainability of local enterprises. With exciting developments in store, aspiring successors are encouraged to participate and bring their ideas to life.