Chamber of Commerce Day (Shoukoukai no Hi) — June 10th

What Is Chamber of Commerce Day?

June 10th is celebrated every year as "Chamber of Commerce Day," commemorating the enactment of the "Chamber of Commerce Act" on June 10, 1960 (Showa 35), which formally established local chambers of commerce across Japan as legally recognized organizations. The day aims to spread awareness of the role chambers of commerce play and the support they provide to small and medium-sized businesses and small-scale operators.

What Is a Chamber of Commerce?

In Japan, "shoukoukai" (chambers of commerce) are economic organizations that mainly operate in towns and smaller municipalities. Local business owners become members, and the organizations provide a wide range of support — from business consulting, tax, and labor advice to financing assistance, as well as planning and running local events. There are about 1,600 chambers of commerce nationwide, with roughly 700,000 member businesses (as of the 2020s).

Supporting the Local Economy

Chambers of commerce act as a familiar "business advice desk" for small local operators. They respond to evolving management challenges — successor shortages, expanding sales channels, adapting to digitalization, and more — while helping to keep local economies vibrant. Chamber of Commerce Day is also a chance to renew appreciation for the local businesses that support communities.