The Kansai Innovation Center (MUIC), organized primarily by Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and aiming to create innovative businesses in tourism and other fields, opened offices in Kyoto and Yokohama in October. MUIC aims to solve challenges related to tourism, food, and other areas using the technological capabilities of emerging companies. It will explore innovation opportunities in Kyoto and Yokohama, both major tourist destinations.

In addition to its headquarters in Osaka, MUIC has branches in Fukuyama (Hiroshima Prefecture), Kobe, and Fukuoka; making the addition of Kyoto and Yokohama six locations. Previously, matters concerning Kyoto were handled by the Osaka headquarters.

Minoru Saotome, Vice President of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and concurrently Chairman of MUIC, stated, “even if a startup possesses excellent technology, it cannot expand its business scale or profits unless it aligns with societal needs.”