On Friday, November 10, the “Kitakyushu City National Strategic Special Zone Telework Promotion Seminar,” hosted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and Kitakyushu City, was held concurrently with the opening event of one of Japan’s largest innovation centers—Kitakyushu Innovation Center (16 Miyoshino-cho, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture). Our COO, Motoki Ohya, took the stage and introduced case studies on “regional revitalization centered on telework” in Amakusa City and Kumamoto City. The high level of interest was evident from the number of questions received after the presentation.

● Presentation Slides (Kitakyushu City Hall Website)
[Thank you! Over 100 viewers] FY2023 Kitakyushu City National Strategic Special Zone Telework Promotion Seminar | Kitakyushu National Strategic Special Zone (tokku-kitakyushu.jp)

● Case in Amakusa City: “Telework Promotion” and “Corporate Attraction”
This project aims to ease population decline and realize a “vibrant and sustainable regional society” by promoting telework and attracting companies to rural areas, creating employment for youth and women with time or location constraints.
We established the telework center “AmaSta★Farol” as a job creation base and launched the online outsourcing service “Farol Online” in July 2021. The center enables residents of Amakusa to work with urban companies and build skills through practical experience. As of the end of October 2023, 67 residents of Amakusa (and a total of 233 staff nationwide and overseas) are engaged in projects with urban companies and local governments.
Furthermore, within approximately two years, 15 companies have signed attraction agreements with the city, creating significant employment. Initiatives such as human resource development courses by invited companies and a new CG course taught by creators at a local high school are underway, drawing attention to the impact of jobs and education on depopulation.

● From Remote Islands to Urban Areas: Demonstration Project in Kumamoto City with MIC
In Kumamoto City, in collaboration with city officials and professional organizations, we aim to build a “diverse local city” where everyone can thrive. With rising numbers of foreigners and the elderly, telework is being explored as a means to overcome various challenges. The Farol Online service has been used as the foundation for a Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) demonstration project starting in September 2023.
Through this project, our company continues to pursue the potential of solving regional issues via telework, contributing to improved quality of life for workers and regional development—an effort toward a sustainable local society.

※ Farol Online: https://farol-online.com/kumamoto/

● Contact
Mirai Inc.
COO Motoki Ohya
082-535-5231
motoki.ohya@go-mirai.jp