The 100th Anniversary Ceremony of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) was held at the Tokyo International Forum
On September 16, 2022, the "100th Anniversary Ceremony of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry" was held at the Tokyo International Forum with the presence of His Majesty the Emperor. It was attended by approximately 1,100 people, including numerous dignitaries from various fields and 515 representatives from chambers of commerce across Japan. During the ceremony, His Majesty the Emperor delivered a message, and congratulatory remarks were given by Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio, among others, including NAKASONE Hirofumi, member of the House of Councillors.
Congrès Inc. managed the venue set-up and overall operations of the ceremony.
(Photo courtesy of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
The first chamber of commerce and industry in Japan was the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce (later known as the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry), founded by Eiichi Shibusawa in March 1878. Chambers of commerce were also established in Osaka and Kobe that same year, and subsequently in a succession of other major cities throughout Japan.
The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) was founded in June 1922 at the initiative of the chambers of commerce and industry established nationwide by that time as a federative organization to pursue activities focusing on the Japanese economy as a whole. With its missions being to boost the vitality of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to revitalize local economies, the JCCI has since taken part in a wide range of activities while working closely with chambers of commerce and industry across the country.
(Source: Official Website of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI))
(Photo courtesy of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
In his address, Honorary Chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MIMURA Akio reflected on the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry's efforts to leverage its nationwide network to revitalize regional economies through various challenges, including post-war reconstruction, the oil crisis, the collapse of the bubble economy, and the Great East Japan Earthquake. He affirmed, "On the occasion of this significant 100th anniversary, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with local chambers across the country, will unite to support small and medium-sized enterprises that are boldly pursuing self-transformation under the principle of 'Creating the Future with the Community,' and contribute to the growth and development of the regional and national economy."
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of a "Declaration" commemorating the 100th anniversary.