Symposium on Michinoku Reconstruction Projects Held to Discuss Cross-Sector Collaboration

Michinoku Reconstruction Project Partners and NPO ETIC. held the "Michinoku Reconstruction Project Symposium" at Dentsu Hall in Shiodome, Tokyo, on March 6. The Partners platform supports reconstruction leaders active in Tohoku through corporate collaboration, with six participating companies: Isuzu Motors, Kao, JCB, Toshiba, Benesse Holdings, and Dentsu Inc. This fifth symposium, themed "Building the Future of Local Communities Through Cross-Sector Collaboration," explored corporate engagement approaches with representatives from active Tohoku organizations and government officials, considering the region's current status and challenges. Approximately 200 corporate CSR personnel attended.

Part 1 featured a keynote speech by Takehiko Ogi, President of the Japan Human Resources Development Organization, titled "Regional Areas Are the New Japan." Drawing on data and his own experience, Mr. Ogi—who is dedicated to introducing executive talent from major cities to regional companies—highlighted the high potential of regional economies, the appeal of working in the regions, and the pioneering spirit found there. He identified the key elements needed for Tohoku's recovery as the "last mile": "cross-sector collaboration," "hub functions," and "regional headquarters functions: a perspective of managing the region."

In Part 2, Koji Yamauchi, Director and Business Director at ETIC., took the stage first, explaining the current state of cross-sector collaboration underway in Tohoku. Following this, as practical examples, presentations were given by Mr. Shigenari Ishii, Director of the Kamaishi City Open City Promotion Office; Mr. Yosuke Komatsu, Representative Director of the NPO Asu e no Kibō; and Mr. Gota Matsumura, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association ISHINOMAKI2.0. Each shared their initiatives from the perspectives of "tourism" leveraging the Rugby World Cup, "preventive healthcare" through public-private partnerships, and "human resource development" supporting those taking on challenges in the region.

In Part 3, representatives from organizations participating in the "Business Brush-Up Program" promoted by Michinoku Reconstruction Business Partners introduced the outcomes of the six-month program, which included expert mentoring. During the panel discussion, Mr. Ishii from Kamaishi City, Mr. Komatsu from Asu Henokibou, Mr. Daigo Hashimoto, Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association Ripurasu (providing integrated rehabilitation services in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture), and Ms. Miwa Takauchi, General Manager of the Social Contribution Department, Corporate Communications Division at Kao Corporation (a partner organization), shared their past initiatives and future prospects. Finally, ETIC. Representative Director Haruo Miyagi, who moderated the session, stated, "The goal of the Michinoku Reconstruction Business Partners is to create as many connections as possible, and business collaborations are also beginning to take root. If a company's roots lie in the community, engaging in Tohoku's recovery can be an opportunity to revisit those very roots of the company and its management. When considering the future of your organization and business, I urge you to rethink how you engage with Tohoku."