Tohoku Economic Federation’s Activities

Tohoku Economic Federation conducts research on various issues related to Japan’s industries and economy. By consolidating the views of the Tohoku and Niigata business communities and working toward their realization, Tohoku Economic Federation aims to contribute to Japan’s economic and social progress through comprehensive regional development and economic promotion in Tohoku and Niigata.

Currently, our initiatives are driven by two committees—Regional Policy and Industrial Economy—which undertake policy proposals and project implementation.

Tohoku Economic Federation supports the enhancement of local companies’ competitiveness and the creation of innovation. From a medium- to long-term perspective, we also drive science and technology projects as one of Tohoku and Niigata’s key strengths.

Specifically, through the activities of the Tokeiren Business Center, we assist manufacturers’ marketing and digital/DX initiatives, facilitate entry into new fields (e.g., the accelerator and automotive sectors), and encourage collaboration between startups and local companies. In addition, we coordinate with organizations such as the Tohoku ILC Promotion Council and the Photon Science Innovation Center (Hikari Kagaku Innovation Center) to support the realization of the International Linear Collider (ILC) and the stable operation of NanoTerasu.

o revitalize the regional economy, Tohoku Economic Federation aims to spur expanded regional tourism spending, using ports for international cruise ships as a springboard, and to support increased sales for local companies by expanding exports of local products. Tohoku Economic Federation also highlights the importance of social infrastructure development as the foundation for these efforts, emphasizing its necessity from a stock effect perspective. We strongly encourage collaboration among local governments, community groups, and businesses with international cruise ships at regional ports of call as a springboard, supporting the creation of a central command that enhances tourism attractions. On the export front, we coordinate with the prefectures of Tohoku and Niigata to conduct overseas market research and cultivate sales channels more effectively and efficiently.

Carbon neutrality (CN)

With a view toward achieving carbon neutrality (CN) by 2050 in tandem with economic growth—and recognizing the need to consider the global ecosystem as a whole—Tohoku Economic Federation supports companies and organizations in Tohoku and Niigata actively promoting CN. Under this perspective, we have rolled out CN-promotion activities.

Tohoku Economic Federation also studies important issues related to local economic development, compiling specific policies and identifying challenges. It then articulates policy proposals and requests and actively lobbies the national government and related institutions to strongly advocate for the interests of the Tohoku and Niigata region.

For local companies, we share our sense of urgency regarding population decline and encourage measures to combat workforce shortages by building a foundation to attract diverse talent and promoting decarbonization efforts.

Policy proposals

In parallel, we promote Dual Life Tohoku & Niigata, which enables professionals in the Tokyo metropolitan area to work in two locations—city and countryside—while communicating the value of working locally to young people in the region through school outreach programs and corporate showcases. Our aim is to foster the circulation and retention of talent.