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- Winners of the FY2025 Vibrant HABATAKU Small and Medium Enterprises 300 Program Selected
Winners of the FY2025 Vibrant HABATAKU Small and Medium Enterprises 300 Program Selected
May 28, 2026
The Small and Medium Enterprise Agency (SMEA) selected the winners of the Vibrant HABATAKU Small and Medium Enterprises 300 program. The selected SMEs are role models that are expected to not only take on business changes and new businesses to meet the needs of the transforming economic and social structures but also to contribute to the growth of both regional economies and the Japanese economy. The selected SMEs have demonstrated outstanding initiatives in five key areas: Growth Strategy and Productivity Improvement, Overseas Business Development, Green Transformation (GX), Digital Transformation (DX), and Investment in Human Capital and Environment Improvement. As part of this program, on Friday, May 29, 2026, SMEA will hold a commendation ceremony to honor the winners.
1. Outline of the ceremony
- Date and time:
- Friday, May 29, 2026, 17:30 to 18:45
- Venue:
-
Auditorium, Main Building, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
(2nd Basement, Main Building, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Address: 1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo)
2. Example winning initiatives
Growth Strategy and Productivity Improvement Category
Having established a dual-axis business model in medical and food sectors through its proprietary injection molding technology, the company is evolving into a value-creating enterprise through the development of completely domestically produced swabs and aggressive investment
Leveraging its advanced plastic injection molding technology as a core strength, Koryo Chemical Industry has established a dual-axis business model focused on the medical device and food-related markets. In the medical sector, the company has achieved complete domestic production of specimen collection swabs, which previously relied heavily on imports, thereby establishing a stable supply system for times of crisis. Through industry-academia-government collaborations for innovative product development and aggressive, forward-looking capital investments in large-scale facilities with an eye on the next generation, the company is successfully transforming itself from a contract manufacturer into a value-creating manufacturer.
Overseas Business Development Category
Driving financial inclusion in emerging markets through its proprietary credit scoring system, HAKKI GROUP focuses on providing loans to gig workers and is actively expanding its footprint across Africa and India
HAKKI GROUP INC. has established a proprietary credit scoring technology that analyzes usage data from electronic money and other digital transactions. By leveraging this system, the company provides vehicle loans to taxi drivers and other gig workers who traditionally face barriers to securing bank financing. HAKKI GROUP is currently expanding its market footprint from Kenya to South Africa and India. Backed by robust funding, including impact investments from venture capital (VC) firms, the company effectively utilizes technology to bridge the wealth gap and alleviate poverty while driving income growth.
Green Transformation (GX) Category
Aims to become the world’s best phytochemical industry by harnessing the power of phytochemistry. Innovative material development is integrated with advanced ESG management, successfully achieving 100% recycling of resources and carbon neutrality
TOKIWA Phytochemical Co., Ltd. supplies evidence-based ingredients for food with function claims, powered by its advanced technology to extract and purify compounds from 500 plant species. The company practices a highly progressive decarbonized and circular business model that stands out among SMEs, as demonstrated by the installation of solar panels at its factories and the 100% recycling of extraction residues. Through aggressive R&D investments and DX initiatives, TOKIWA has established a high-quality ingredient supply system capable of competing in the global market.
Digital Transformation (DX) Category
Built an in-house plant factory management system via no-code development, delivering a 20% boost in production yield through AI growth prediction and data-driven management
By utilizing no-code applications, BUTAIFARM built an in-house cultivation planning simulation function with zero development costs. The optimization of seeding plans based on data achieved high production efficiency, leading to a 20% improvement in manufacturing yield. Furthermore, the company developed a weight and growth prediction system using AI-powered image recognition, highly advancing the application of digital technology and agricultural DX in plant factories.
Investments in Human Resources and Environmental Improvement Category
Centering on its Development Vision 2050, the company fosters PhD holders and DX talent. It creates one-of-a-kind value globally through the advanced succession of technical expertise and diverse working styles
Fujiwara Techno-Art Co., Ltd. provides end-to-end services from the design of brewing and food machinery to plant construction, commanding an 80% domestic market share. The company focuses on encouraging the acquisition of PhDs and developing digital talent and has built a technology succession system utilizing AI. Practicing a people-first management style, as evidenced by a 100% retention rate for female employees and the active employment of people with disabilities, the company has established an organizational framework in which advanced expertise and diverse talent co-create value.
The selection was strictly made by a committee of external experts led by Dr. Numagami Tsuyoshi, Director of the committee (Professor, Institute for Business and Finance, Waseda University), from among candidates respectively recommended by the following bodies: National Federation of Small Business Associations; the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (including overseas Japanese chambers of commerce and industry); Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry; Japan Finance Corporation; the Shoko Chukin Bank, Ltd.; Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN; Japan External Trade Organization; Japan International Cooperation Agency; Japan Bank for International Cooperation; National Central Society of Credit Cooperatives; the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology; Japanese embassies and consulates abroad; the National Association of Shinkin Banks; Regional Banks Association of Japan; the Second Association of Regional Banks; and Regional Bureaus of Economy, Trade and Industry.
In addition to this news release, Regional Bureaus of Economy, Trade and Industry may also release information on award winners within their respective jurisdictions. Please check their releases as well.
Related Material (in Japanese)
Related Link
Division in Charge
Business Support Division, Business Support Department, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency
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