2025 Volume 23 Issue 4 Pages 603-
In Japan's rural areas, population decline is making it increasingly difficult to sustain local economies and social functions. This study focuses on food enterprises as key actors in regional revitalization and examines their roles. Food enterprises contribute to economic revitalization by utilizing local resources, developing products, and enhancing branding. Additionally, they function as facilitators of regional development by engaging related populations in local initiatives. This study analyzes nine cases from the Cabinet Office’s Regional Revitalization SDGs Public-Private Partnership Platform and Intermediary Support Organization Model Projects. The findings reveal that food enterprises integrate business profits, internal funds, and external funding sources such as subsidies and donations to address regional issues while ensuring business sustainability. This research suggests that food enterprises play a crucial role in regional sustainability through collaboration with local communities. Future studies should explore the applicability of these findings across different regional contexts and business models.
