JA Network welcomes Pasona Group as an Official Partner of JASHIE
JA Network is delighted to welcome Pasona Group as the newest Official Partner of the Japan Australia Sports & Health Innovation Exchange (JASHIE).
Pasona Group has a long-standing commitment to addressing social challenges through innovation, with a particular focus on creating healthier, more fulfilling ways of living and working. Its philosophy closely aligns with JASHIE's vision of bringing together Australian and Japanese organisations to explore new approaches to health, wellbeing, sport and active lifestyles.
One of the most compelling examples of Pasona Group's approach can be found on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, where the company has been developing an ecosystem centred on regional revitalisation, wellbeing, nature, food, culture and new ways of living.
PASONA's vision is to help create a "Well-being Island Awaji Island", combining healthy lifestyles with opportunities to live, work and connect with nature. Its initiatives demonstrate how wellness can extend beyond individual health to encompass communities, environments and local economies.
Building a culture of wellbeing on Awaji Island
Pasona Group's portfolio on Awaji Island includes a number of innovative wellness and lifestyle initiatives.
ZENBO SEINEI, a zen wellness retreat, offers a unique approach to mental and physical wellbeing, combining Zen, meditation and yoga with healthy, plant-based cuisine in a spectacular natural setting. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban, the retreat is designed to help visitors restore balance between body and mind.
At Awaji Nature Lab & Resort, Pasona Group explores how agriculture, food and everyday living can contribute to a more sustainable relationship between people and nature. The site's Wellness Farm provides opportunities for people to engage directly with farming and food production as part of supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
Pasona Group has also introduced Awaji Well-being Week, bringing together perspectives on physical, mental and social health through themes including sport, food, art and innovation, while creating opportunities for companies, governments and communities to consider new approaches to wellbeing.
More recently, the company has expanded its wellness offering with SENSHIN WAHO, a Japanese-modern wellness stay incorporating hot springs, locally sourced food and experiences designed to support balance between mind and body.
In June 2026, Pasona Group also opened THE PASONA natureverse retreat, a long-stay proactive wellness retreat built around holistic health, with programs centred on nutrition, exercise and sleep and the goal of supporting healthier, more sustainable lives.
A natural fit with JASHIE
These initiatives are highly relevant to JASHIE.
JASHIE explores the intersection of sport, health, wellness, active lifestyles and innovation, while creating opportunities for Australian and Japanese organisations to exchange ideas, develop partnerships and explore new commercial and research opportunities.
Pasona Group's work demonstrates how these areas can come together at a community level—using sport, food, nature, culture, technology and hospitality to create environments that support healthier and more fulfilling lives.
This is particularly relevant as Australia and Japan respond to shared challenges including ageing populations, preventative health, mental wellbeing, sustainable communities and the growing global demand for wellness.
As part of our strategic partnership, PASONA will host the inaugural Awaji–Australia Sports & Health Innovation Conference in Awaji on 12 November 2026 as part of the JASHIE Japan Delegation. The conference will bring together Australian and Japanese leaders to explore innovation at the intersection of sport, health, wellbeing, longevity and regional development.
The following day, on 13 November, the Awaji Well-being Business Contest 2026 is also scheduled to be held on Awaji Island. Under the themes of body, mind and connection, the contest will bring together startups, experts, students and other participants with business ideas and technologies that can contribute to the creation of new wellbeing industries across a wide range of fields, including health, food, medicine, sport, education, AI, robotics and new ways of working. Through pitches, panel discussions and exhibitions, the contest aims to expand opportunities for co-creation with corporations, investors, local governments and support organizations.
JA Network looks forward to working closely with Pasona Group to strengthen connections between our two countries and to showcase the innovation taking place on both sides of the Australia–Japan relationship.
▼Pasona Group Official Website
https://www.pasonagroup.co.jp/english/
▼Apply for the Awaji Well-being Business Contest 2026 here
https://www.pasonagroup.co.jp/awaji_well-being_week/contest/