Symposium on the Future of the Region: "Michinoku Reconstruction Project Symposium" Held

Two speakers took the stage for the keynote address, "What Kind of Regional Future Will Emerge from Tohoku?" Kosuke Motani, Senior Research Fellow at the Japan Research Institute, expressed optimism about the efforts of the younger generation in the disaster-affected areas, linking it to the declining birthrate and aging population progressing across Japan, including Tokyo. "More young people are creating new businesses and building communities. They are challenging themselves to create communities where people can live well even into their 80s and 90s. Some may think Japan will perish as aging advances, but new movements are definitely emerging. Young people struggling on the front lines of these regions aren't retreating to the margins; they're running toward the center, toward the true essence of society."

Daisuke Maki, CEO of Mori no Gakko Holdings, which runs relocation and entrepreneurship support projects in Nishiawakura Village, Okayama Prefecture, introduced their efforts to nurture "local ventures" starting businesses in the region. Explaining how accepting migrants since 2008 led to the creation of over a dozen companies and jobs, he stated, "By accumulating small initiatives, rural areas still have great potential. Regions hold diverse business opportunities. Ultimately, regional revitalization and recovery boil down to the accumulation of individual self-development. The key is who will build the stage for this and how." He expressed enthusiasm for future efforts to serve as a hub infrastructure.

The next presentation, "What New Possibilities Are Emerging from Tohoku?" by recovery leaders, featured Daigo Hashimoto of the General Incorporated Association Ripurasu, Takuya Hasegawa of the General Incorporated Association Fisherman Japan, and Yosuke Komatsu of the NPO Asu Henokibo. They explained initiatives related to welfare, fisheries, and community development, highlighting the importance of hub entities that transcend the boundaries of government, business, and NPOs.

Following this, moderated by ETIC. Representative Director Haruo Miyagi, a discussion on "Considering the Future Role of Companies" took place with Hideto Irikawa, Representative of Irikawa Style & Holdings; Takeshi Yamashita, General Manager of Social Contribution, CSR Management Promotion Office, Toshiba; Mr. Maki; and Mr. Komatsu. Mr. Yamashita stated, stated, "There is no future for Japan without Tohoku's recovery. Tohoku is a region facing advanced challenges. We must start from that recognition." He explained corporate roles from two perspectives: business and CSR. "From a business perspective, it holds value as a testing ground for new ventures and a place to uncover needs for solving challenges. From a CSR perspective, we want to focus on 'human resource development,'" he projected. Other topics included "collaboration"—joint planning rather than mere support—and the importance of cooperation in knowledge and human resources. Miyagi concluded, "Various future-oriented initiatives are underway on the ground. To realize this scenario, many gaps remain. We sincerely hope companies will participate in some form."