KiFor: Awarded the 2025 British Business Award for Entrepreneur / SME of the Year

We’re excited to share that KiFor has been awarded the 2025 British Business Award for Entrepreneur / SME of the Year, presented by the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan. It’s an incredible honour and a reflection of how far we’ve come in just one year.

From Volunteering to a Bigger Vision

KiFor began not as a company, but as a question:

"How can we support small, often unseen charities in Japan in a more meaningful way?"

This question first came to life in early 2024 when I started volunteering at a children's home in Tokyo. I wanted to go beyond financial donations and understand how real change happens on the ground.

From that seed, KiFor took shape. We built a platform to spotlight grassroots charities, connect companies with social causes, and invite people to take action in ways that feel real and personal.

What We've Done So Far

In just our first year of operations, we’ve achieved some remarkable milestones:

• We’ve run hands-on social impact sessions with organizations like Rotary Club Japan and Tokyo Peace Wing.

• We’ve raised more than ¥1.5 million in donations (as of Nov 2025).

• We’ve donated over 100 laptops, digital devices, and hundreds of care boxes to children in institutional care and single-parent families.

• We’ve supported charities that help single mothers, the homeless, orphans, and food-insecure families across Japan.

  
  

Recognition of Our Efforts

The British Business Award (BBA) judges recognized this work as proof that business in Japan can lead with purpose and community impact.

We’re proud to carry that message forward.

What’s Next: Beyond Workshops, Into Revitalization

While KiFor began with workshops and spotlighting a network of small, high-impact charities across Japan, our focus has expanded.

Our next major chapter is in rural revitalization, starting in the Noto Peninsula, an area devastated by the 2024 earthquake.

We’re working to rebuild not just homes, but community pride, traditional crafts like Wajima-nuri, and new forms of economic opportunity. It’s slow work, but it’s meaningful work.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Community engagement is crucial for sustainable development. It fosters connections between individuals and organizations. When we collaborate, we create a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.

At KiFor, we believe that every small action contributes to a larger impact. This philosophy drives us to engage with communities actively. We invite everyone to join us in this journey.

A Thank You, and an Invitation

To everyone who has supported KiFor so far, thank you!

This award isn’t the finish line, though. It’s just the confirmation that we’re heading in the right direction.

If you're curious about what we do, want to partner with a cause, or just want to learn more, we’d love to connect.

Thank you,

Francis (KiFor)

→ Read the full BCCJ feature on KiFor’s award win here

Join Us in Making a Difference

We encourage you to explore how you can make a difference in your community. Whether it’s through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, every effort counts.

Let’s work together to create a brighter future for everyone. Your involvement can lead to meaningful change, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.