Akita Keizai Kenkyujo (Akita Economic Research Institute), the think tank of Akita Bank, led by President Akihiro Araya, selected three companies for the 2024 SME Promotion Awards, which recognizes outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises and organizations in Akita Prefecture. The award ceremony was held on June 11.
The awards in the “General Category” were presented to the following companies:
• Akihou Netrise (Akita City), a transportation company
• Takaya (Kazuno City), which operates optical retail shops and restaurants
• Tomioka Shoten (Semboku City), a manufacturer and seller of kaba-zaiku (cherry bark craftwork)
President Araya stated, “We hope these companies will continue to contribute to the promotion of local industries through their uniquely creative business management.” Each recipient was presented with an award certificate and a grant of one million yen.
No recipient was selected this year for the “New Business Encouragement Award,” which is presented to companies that have improved performance through pioneering efforts in new business fields.
Since 1979, Akita Keizai Kenkyujo has been annually recognizing SMEs and organizations that have contributed to regional economic revitalization or achieved notable results through distinctive business practices.
The following are the initiatives of the three award-winning companies:
Guiding Safety on Snowy Roads
Akihou Netrise (Akita City) – Chairman Kuniyoshi Konno
Founded in 1971, Akihou Netrise handles the transportation of automobiles and food products. It has approximately 90 employees. In an effort to make snowy roads safer and more environmentally friendly, the company developed a solar-powered road guidance light called Michi Hotaru, which was patented in 2020.
Michi Hotaru captures light reflected off surrounding snow and converts it into energy. It also has a heat-emitting function to melt snow. The product has been delivered not only within Akita Prefecture but also to Hokkaido and other parts of the Tohoku region.
Chairman Kuniyoshi Konno (84) commented, “The shortage of truck drivers is a serious issue, and we needed to explore new business avenues. I want to continue thinking about how we can contribute to solving social issues.”
Diversified Chain Store Management
Takaya (Kazuno City) – President Hidekazu Takaya
Established in 1933, Takaya initially focused on optical retail. In 1994, the company began handling NTT Docomo mobile phones. Since 2006, it has pursued diversification by operating major chain stores such as Baskin Robbins, Komeda Coffee, and Châteraisé. Today, it operates 25 outlets across five Tohoku prefectures, excluding Fukushima.
With about 370 employees, the company has expanded its business area to counter the shrinking local market due to population decline. It also actively promotes women's participation in the workforce and strives to create a comfortable work environment.
President Hidekazu Takaya (52) stated, “This award is a great encouragement. We will continue to move forward together as a team toward our 100th anniversary in eight years.”
Taking Kaba-zaiku to Global Markets
Tomioka Shoten (Semboku City) – President Koki Tomioka
Founded in 1970, Tomioka Shoten specializes in the manufacturing and sale of kaba-zaiku (traditional Japanese wild cherry bark art craft). With eight employees, the company has actively expanded its sales channels in Europe and is promoting the appeal of kaba-zaiku globally.
Since its first participation in an international trade fair in Germany in 2012, its products have been adopted by prominent global brands and have received high praise. The company is also committed to utilizing underused materials from wild cherry bark, which are typically not used in such crafts.
President Koki Tomioka (62) remarked, “We have been thinking about how to realize our corporate philosophy of sharing our craft with the world. Through kaba-zaiku, we aim to be a company that contributes to family bonds and can be used for generations to come.”