Seminar Information

The environment surrounding the automotive industry is undergoing rapid changes, driven by factors such as GX (Green Transformation), DX (Digital Transformation), and shifting tariff policies. In this session, an overview will be provided on how the Japanese government intends to support and advance the industry amidst these evolving conditions.

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  Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
  

  Naoki Takagi　

This session introduces the current landscape and challenges surrounding last-mile delivery. Furthermore, it will present the recommendations from the "Study Group on Enhancing Efficiency of Last-Mile Delivery," which were compiled in November 2025.

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  Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
  

  Daidou Uchida　

As part of the efforts to tackle labor shortages in the automobile maintenance and body repair industries, the government and industry partners?including auto dealers and related companies?have collaborated to host the "Junior Mechanic" program which was held in Sendai in last September. This session will discuss the objectives and outcomes of this public-private initiative aimed at securing a future workforce.

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  Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
  

  Hiroaki Tamaya　

The industry faces two critical challenges: "Adapting to New Technologies" and "Securing Human Resources." This session introduces the initiatives led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). These include advancing maintenance techniques for autonomous driving, ADAS, and electric vehicles, as well as measures to attract young talent, improve working environments, and enhance labor conditions.

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  Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
  

  Takumi Kubo　

Under the social mission of "contributing to the realization of a safe and environmentally friendly transportation society," the National Association for Automobile Safety and Inspection (NALTEC) conducts operations such as vehicle compliance inspections, recall technical verifications, and research for standard development, in close cooperation with the government. In particular, to keep pace with the recent advancement of automotive technology, electronic inspections utilizing On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) commenced in October 2024, and were expanded to include imported vehicles in October 2025. In this presentation, we will introduce the latest status of our operations and our future initiatives.

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  National Agency for Automobile and Land Transport Technology
  

  Fumiya Takizawa　

This session will focus on the practical importance of workplace risk assessments and the implementation of risk reduction measures for target chemical substances, specifically for businesses handling automobiles, such as those in vehicle maintenance and repair.

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  Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
  

  Tomoki Natsui　

As the environment surrounding auto insurance evolves, this session will identify current challenges in vehicle repairs?a critical concern for car users. Furthermore, the speaker will discuss the ideal state of both insurance and repair services for the future.

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  Hachinohe Gakuin Regional Collaboration Research Center
  

  Yasuo Fukuda　

With the increasing necessity for legal compliance, there is a rising number of cases where automotive aftermarket businesses are being required to take corrective actions due to violations or suspected violations of the "Antimonopoly Act" and the "Subcontracting Act" (Act on the Optimization of Subcontracting Transactions with Small and Medium-sized Subcontractors). In this session, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) will provide information on the overview of violation and warning cases across sectors?including auto parts, vehicle sales, maintenance/repair, accessories, and insurance?as well as recurrence prevention and proactive measures to prevent legal violations.

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  Japan Fair Trade Commission
  

  Takashi Kodama　

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  Tomoya Kon　

With the rapid spread of EVs in China, infrastructure for charger and battery swapping is being developed at a remarkable pace. Despite challenges such as standardization between urban and rural areas and managing power grid loads, EVs are becoming a core part of the social infrastructure. This is being driven by the integration of EVs into commercial and logistics sectors, alongside coordination with renewable energy. This session will discuss these trends, including the essential development of specialized EV maintenance technicians.

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  Beifang Automotive Education Group
  

  CAO LINGLING　

In this program, Thatcham Research?the UK’s renowned motor insurance automotive research center?will explain the current state of vehicle repair in the United Kingdom, highlighting and analyzing the differences compared to the Japanese body repair industry. Through video presentations, the session will detail the entire process from vehicle check-in to check-out, the agreement process for repair costs and insurance claims, and the relationship between insurance companies and repairers. Additionally, it will introduce the features of the "escribe" system, recognized as one of the most effective and efficient repair solutions in the UK.

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  Thatcham Research
  

  Miller Crockart　

In Japan, where very few regions can expect population growth, market contraction is already becoming apparent in various areas. As maintaining public transport networks like trains and buses becomes increasingly difficult, the role of the auto aftermarket industry in preserving mobility becomes more vital than ever. Furthermore, new success stories are emerging where businesses have succeeded by narrowing their target segments to expand their operational areas, suggesting a need for strategies that differ from traditional approaches. At this summit, we will discuss the future of the auto aftermarket from various perspectives?distinct from the previous era of market expansion.

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  BS-SUMMIT business cooperative
  Asahi auto Inc.
  

  Toshihiro Fujino　

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  Aftermarket Suppliers Activation Committee
  Nakamura Auto Parts Co., Ltd.
  

  Hidetaka Nakamura　

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  AUTO-PARTS & ACCESSORIES RETAIL ASSOCIATION
  AUTOBACS SEVEN CO., LTD.
  

  Kiomi Kobayashi　

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  Japan Purchase Used Car Association
  CARSEVEN DIGIFIELD CO., LTD.
  

  Takayuki Inoue　

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  Rebuild Industrial Association National Federation
  MEGURO LINING Corporation
  

  Hiroshi Fukazawa　

This session introduces Toyota Industries Corporation's initiatives and specific use cases for promoting 3D printing technology. We will discuss the potential of 3D printing in the increasingly growing auto aftermarket, along with strategic approaches to expanding its application. Furthermore, we will present our efforts to develop human resources equipped with the essential skills required to realize these technological advancements.

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  TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
  

  Hiroyuki Oiwa　

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  Japanese Society of Additive Manufacturing
  

  Toshiyuki Sawakoshi　

Honda Cars Senshu has established an in-house "Cleaning Center" equipped with large-scale commercial washers and dryers. By insourcing the laundry of service staff uniforms, the company has successfully reduced outsourcing costs, relieved the domestic laundry burden on staff families, and improved overall employee satisfaction. In this program, we will explain the entire process from planning and establishment to daily operations, sharing the specific results and effects observed after one year of operation.

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  Honda Cars SENSYU
  

  Masaaki Kawai　

Car Service Yamagata has primarily focused on used car distribution and automobile maintenance. As a new business initiative, the company has acquired dealership rights for the EV manufacturer "BYD." In this session, the speaker will share the vision behind this new challenge, drawing on past failures as stepping stones toward a future driven by electric mobility.

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  CAR SERVICE YAMAGATA
  

  Daisuke Ogawa　

As the heart of the ASEAN automotive market, Thailand continues to maintain its core role through auto parts supply and emerging business opportunities, even as it adapts to changes driven by the rapid spread of EVs and the entry of Chinese corporations. This session will discuss the current status and future outlook of Thailand's auto aftermarket, focusing on how it remains a pivotal player amidst these evolving dynamics.

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  PTG ENERGY PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
  

  Rangsun Puangprang　

Malaysia, one of the ASEAN countries experiencing remarkable economic growth, is seeing a steady increase in the number of owned vehicles, particularly popular used cars from Japan, making it a market that is drawing attention. This program will feature Mr. Jet Ong, Executive Director of MOTONATION, the organizer of the Malaysian exhibition "MIAPEX," who is well versed in the Southeast Asian automotive aftermarket. He will give us a lecture about the current situation and future prospects in Malaysia, including his unique initiatives to develop the market.

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  Motonation
  

  Jet Ong　

In the field of automobile maintenance, the spread of hybrid vehicles, EVs, and vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies has created a need for increasingly sophisticated operations. Meanwhile, the shortage of engineers has become a critical challenge. As a solution, this session introduces "T'aime," an AI maintenance estimation system. Toyota Mobility Parts, the developer, and Toyota Mobility Shin-Osaka, which has operated the system since the pilot test stage, will discuss everything from the development background to the actual effects of its implementation.

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  TOYOTA MOBILITY SHINOSAKA CO., LTD.
  

  Yukio Kubo　

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  TOYOTA MOBILITY PARTS CO., LTD.
  

  Shunichi Kimura　

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  TOYOTA MOBILITY PARTS CO., LTD.
  

  Tomoaki Matsuyama　

Entering its demographic dividend period, Kenya is a right-hand drive vehicle market where Japanese used cars hold an overwhelming market share. With the largest trading port in East Africa, the country is also gaining significant attention as a regional hub. In this session, Wangui John Mutahi, the Kenya Regional Manager for BE FORWARD?a company that has successfully expanded its business in this environment?will provide insights into the current status of the local auto aftermarket. Furthermore, we will explore the business strategies of BE FORWARD as it continues to grow across the African market.

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  BE FORWARD CO., LTD.
  

  Hironori Yamakawa　

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  Wangui John Mutahi　

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  Shogo Nishimura　

In the Philippines, the used car market is expanding rapidly alongside economic growth and motorization. With the increasing demand for repairs, maintenance, and replacement parts, this session will outline the characteristics and distribution structures of the used car market, as well as the current state of the auto aftermarket. Furthermore, we will explain the impact of the regulatory environment, digitalization, and the penetration of EV/Hybrid vehicles on current business operations and the future market landscape.

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  MOTECH’7 AUTOMOTIVE AND FRANCHISING COMPANY, INC.
  

  Johann Naguiat　

This session introduces the initiatives and achievements of Kanazawa Maruzen, a prominent Cosmo Oil gas station operator that has successfully expanded into vehicle inspection, maintenance, body repair/painting, and glass/aiming services. In addition to discussing current challenges and the future outlook of the gas station business, the speaker will provide specific insights into their stable employment model, which maintains high-quality talent through unique employee contract structures.

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  KANAZAWA MARUZEN CO., LTD.
  

  Yukihiro Nomura　

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  Tatsuya Minami