Shizenkan’s Center for Impact Economy regularly holds Impact Nights, which are semi-closed events where impact business founders, government and financial leaders, and anyone interested in creating social impact, gather to discuss and share knowledge in an informal atmosphere.

Ryo Ishida (CEO of NEWLOCAL Inc.)

The third Impact Night, recently held at the Shizenkan campus, welcomed Mr. Ryo Ishida (CEO of NEWLOCAL Inc.) and Ms. Tomoko Ina (Director of Startup and New Business Promotion Division, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). The participants discussed issues faced by companies trying to find solutions to the problems of local communities and new ways to overcome them. Mr. Ishida shared his life story that led him to his vision and creation of NEWLOCAL, which works with local communities to improve the attractiveness of the land and overcome difficulties such as declining population.

Tomoko Ina (Director of Startup and New Business Promotion Division, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)

The second guest of the evening, Ms. Tomoko Ina, took the podium to outline basic ideas for building an ecosystem that enables the creation and development of local zebra companies that prioritize values such as sustainability, social responsibility and community. Local zebra companies are leaders in solving local social issues through business, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and creating social impact. 

The keynote speeches were followed by a lively discussion among all participants and a networking session.