This article introduces a collection of corporate case studies published by the Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, "New FOCUS [New Perspectives from the Region] Vol.1," which showcases the initiatives of four local zebra companies that operate with an eye not only on profitability but also on the future of their regions.
Key Points
Renewed Corporate Case Study Collection
- Rebranded from the previous "Kansai Interesting Corporate Case Studies [KIZASHI]" to "New FOCUS [New Perspectives from the Region]"
- The inaugural Vol.1 theme is "Looking to the Future of Regions - Walking Together with Local Zebra Companies"
- Newly launched electronic edition (note) published on the Small and Medium Enterprise Policy Research Division page of the Kansai Bureau
- First case study of Ueda Honsha Co., Ltd. published on July 4, 2025
Four Featured Companies and Organizations
- Ueda Honsha Co., Ltd. (Kyoto City, Kyoto): Transformed from office equipment wholesale to a "comprehensive trading company for working environments," continuously questioning the nature of workplaces
- Release General Incorporated Association (Kyoto City, Kyoto): Working to pass on a beautiful economy welcomed by the future to coming generations (scheduled for release on July 8)
- Machikara Co., Ltd. (Takahama Town, Fukui): Promoting sustainable town development that will last 100 years through local business (scheduled for release on July 11)
- Social Enterprise Certification Organization General Incorporated Association (Kyoto City, Kyoto): Working toward a warm regional society nurtured by circles of empathy and mutual assistance (scheduled for release on July 15)
Focus on Local Zebra Companies
- Focusing on initiatives that consider not only profitability but also the future of regions
- Detailed coverage of the background and history of each company's initiatives
- Presenting perspectives that resonate with businesses in the Kansai region, which boasts cultural and natural capital
- Depicting companies that walk together with their regions and aim for sustainable growth
The article highlights how the Kansai Bureau is focusing on local zebra companies as a new corporate model for sustainable regional economic development, presenting ways for companies to coexist with their communities through advanced case studies in the Kansai region.