FY2026 Regional Development Awards Honor Nine Groups
Overview
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) will honor nine of the 54 groups nominated from across Japan for the FY2026 Regional Development Awards. The awards recognize outstanding examples of creative and innovative regional development and have been held since 1984; this is the 43rd year. Selected through a review by experts and academics, the activities are considered leading examples that align with the Third National Spatial Strategy’s vision of “a national land that connects regional strength in a new era,” including efforts to rebuild sustainable living areas and secure and develop people who support local communities. MLIT expects the awards to spur further activity, help regions address local challenges by drawing on the examples, and advance efforts to enhance local appeal.
Key points
- Nine of the 54 groups nominated from across Japan will be honored.
- Nine outstanding cases will receive awards including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award.
- The award-winning activities are considered leading initiatives aligned with the Third National Spatial Strategy’s vision of “a national land that connects regional strength in a new era.”
Overview
MLIT has held the Regional Development Awards since 1984, jointly organized and supported by related organizations, to recognize outstanding examples of creative and innovative regional development; FY2026 marks the 43rd edition.
This year, 54 groups were nominated from across Japan. Last year, 32 groups were nominated and 10 were honored.
Impact
MLIT expects the awards to prompt further development of the activities and for regions across Japan to draw on the examples to make further progress in addressing local challenges and enhancing their appeal.
Details
Following a rigorous review by experts, academics, and others, nine outstanding cases were selected for awards. The activities are considered leading examples of key policy efforts, including rebuilding sustainable living areas and securing and developing people who support local communities.
The organizers are MLIT, the National Regional Development Council, the Public-Private Partnership Platform for Promoting Dual-Region Residency, and the National Land Planning Association. The award is supported by the Development Bank of Japan, Inc. Details of the organizations’ activities and the awards ceremony will be presented on the MLIT website and the Regional Development Awards special website.