Central Japan Economic Federation

Refining Our Strengths and Creating New Ones
I assumed the position of Chairman of the Central Japan Economic Federation in October 2026. Building on the foundations laid by my predecessors, I am committed to fulfilling this important responsibility and advancing the further development of the Central Japan region.

From a “ Prosperous Central Japan” to a “Challenging and Ambitious Central Japan”
Central Japan has remarkable strengths.
The region is home to world-class industries, including automobiles, aerospace, and machine tools. Manufacturing shipments from the five prefectures of Central Japan account for approximately 30% of Japan’s total, making the region a powerful engine of the national economy. It is also an excellent place to live. With convenient transportation networks-roads, railways, and airports-alongside comfortable living environments, manageable commuting times, and rich natural surroundings, the region offers a high quality of life.
This combination of “a great place to work” and “a great place to live” is one of Central Japan’s greatest strengths.
However, precisely because we have been blessed with such strengths, we must not become complacent. Today, the business environment is undergoing profound change, driven by population decline, digital transformation (DX), artificial intelligence (AI), green transformation (GX), and growing geopolitical risks. We stand at a critical crossroads that will decide whether Central Japan can achieve further growth and transformation.

From Defense to Challenge, From Savings to Investment
For many years following the collapse of Japan’s economic bubble, companies prioritized caution preserving assets rather than investing boldly or raising wages. Today, however, the tide is shifting. The government is promoting growth-oriented investment in strategic fields, creating new opportunities for innovation and long-term expansion.
Central Japan must seize this momentum. By sharpening our manufacturing strengths through DX and AI, and by cultivating emerging sectors such as next-generation mobility, semiconductors, aerospace, robotics, GX, and startups, we can build new engines of growth. Through collaboration among industry, academia, government, and financial institutions, we will generate new technologies and businesses and accelerate their implementation in society.

Above All, Investing in People
People are not a cost-they are the greatest asset for shaping the future of companies and communities.
As DX, AI, and robotics enhance productivity, people will take on more creative and higher value-added roles. We will promote the development of digital and AI talent, reskilling, wage growth, and flexible working styles. Our aim is to build a region that attracts and empowers diverse talent-young people, women, seniors, and international residents-enabling everyone to fully realize their potential.

Uniting the Strengths of the Five Prefectures
The Central Japan Economic Federation views the five prefectures as one integrated economic area. By bringing together the unique strengths of each, we will build a stronger and more competitive region capable of succeeding on the global stage.
We will continue to convey the voices of our members and communities through policy recommendations to the national government. As a platform connecting industry, academia, government, and finance, we will support new challenges, innovation, and the social implementation of new ideas.

Koei Tsuge, Chairman　     
Central Japan Economic Federation