In Sakata, Yamagata, a gathering was held under the theme of advancing social business "of Yamagata, by Yamagata, for Yamagata" through collaboration and co-creation. An executive committee including Yunus Japan ran it with dormant deposit funds, and about 250 people deepened their understanding of ways to sustain their region.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, opened with a video message saying change begins with one person who wishes to create a different world. In the opening session, Yunus Japan's representative director urged everyone to set aside titles and silos and take on the problem in front of them, starting today.
Eleven sessions followed, mainly with people from companies and organizations active in Yamagata and beyond. Topics included old-house cafes and trial migration drawing on satoyama culture, discussions of snow as a regional asset, and efforts to grow the number of people with ties to the area.
Key points
- A community-born conference using dormant deposit funds, attended by about 250
- A video message from Dr. Yunus and a call for collaboration beyond titles
- Eleven sessions sharing Yamagata's own practices on satoyama, snow and community ties
Why this news deserves attention
Social enterprise can sound like an urban topic, but this gathering shows, in the words of local practitioners, that even a small town can build a circle of allies around empathy.
It is also interesting that an internationally known social business idea is linked to community development in Japan, offering hints on how local and international cooperation connect.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“What stayed with me is the practitioners' view that even a small town can grow a circle of allies around empathy. Yamagata's own angles, from old-house cafes to snow, make it fun to read.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“I agree that an empathy-based circle of allies matters, Aoba. It echoes Dr. Yunus's words that change starts with one person, and it feels like an encouragement for small challenges.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“Hearing you both, I find it reassuring to see people join hands beyond titles and silos. It gives me hope that a globally known idea is taking root in everyday community life.”
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“The phrase that treats local problems as seeds for challenge stayed with me.
Why not take a small first step with your neighbors in your own community?”