ZESDA, a non-profit organization specializing in 'glocal business production' that connects Japan's superior technology, culture, and regional resources to global markets (Representative Director: Daisuke Sakuraba; Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo), has established a new 'Supporting Membership Scheme' to increase the sustainability of its activities and amplify social impact.

This scheme seeks partners (corporations and individuals) who empathize with ZESDA's philosophy and wish to support its challenge to overcome Japan's 'inward-looking' orientation. Members will receive benefits leveraging ZESDA's domestic and international network cultivated over 14 years of operations.

The Future We Aim For Since its establishment in 2012, ZESDA has promoted projects under the themes of 'From Inward to Outward (Global Expansion)' and 'From Vertical to Horizontal (Cross-disciplinary Integration),' producing numerous regional revitalization initiatives. These activities are sustained by the passion of individuals in parallel careers. However, there is a critical shortage of 'producers' capable of driving innovation.

Why a Membership Scheme Now? The core of Japan's challenges, such as 'regional decline' and 'industrial hollowing,' lies in the lack of human resources (producers) who can connect the dots. ZESDA is a parallel-career NPO where members from diverse backgrounds—including bureaucrats, business professionals, and researchers—gather. To transform individual projects into sustainable regional businesses and expand them nationwide, stabilizing the organizational foundation is essential.

Membership fees will be used as investment in infrastructure for solving social issues through business.

Membership Types and Annual Fees - Corporate Supporting Member: 100,000 JPY per unit/year - Individual Supporting Member: 50,000 JPY per unit/year *Subject to recommendation by ZESDA personnel and a formal review.

Example Membership Benefits 1. Business Consultation: Expert advice and information provision utilizing ZESDA's network. 2. Priority Access: Advance notice of event information, new projects, and collaboration opportunities. 3. Exclusive Events: Invitations to closed-door events featuring experts, government officials, and collaborators.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News