On Friday, November 10th, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and Kitakyushu City co-hosted the “Kitakyushu City National Strategic Special Zone & Telework Promotion Seminar.” This event was held simultaneously with the opening ceremony of the Kitakyushu Innovation Center (16 Miyoshino-cho, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture), one of Japan’s largest innovation centers. Our COO, Motoki Ohya, spoke and introduced case studies of regional revitalization centered on telework in Amakusa City and Kumamoto City. After the lecture, many questions were asked, demonstrating high interest in the topic.

●Slides of this lecture (Kitakyushu City official website)
【Thank you! Over 100 viewers】FY2023 Kitakyushu City National Strategic Special Zone & Telework Promotion Seminar | Kitakyushu City National Strategic Special Zone (tokku-kitakyushu.jp)

●Case Study in Amakusa City: “Telework Promotion” and “Corporate Attraction”
This project aims to slow down population decline and realize a “vibrant and sustainable regional society” by promoting telework and attracting companies in rural areas, thereby creating employment opportunities for young people and women with time and location constraints.
Based at the telework center “Amasta★Farol,” established as a hub for employment creation, the online outsourcing service “Farol Online”※ was launched in July 2021, providing an environment where people can work for urban companies even while in Amakusa. Through practical work, skill improvement is also encouraged. As of the end of October 2023, 67 Amakusa residents (233 staff nationwide and overseas in total) are engaged in work for urban companies and local governments.
Moreover, over about two years, 15 companies have signed agreements with the city to establish offices, leading to the creation of many jobs. There are also plans to hold human resource development courses for citizens by these companies and to establish a CG course taught by company creators at a prefectural high school in the city. Attention is focused on how work and education will affect population decline.

●From Remote Islands to Urban Areas: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Demonstration Project in Kumamoto City
In Kumamoto City, the city hall and related organizations are collaborating to build a “diverse regional city” where everyone can thrive. With an increasing number of foreigners and elderly people, the project explores whether telework can effectively overcome various handicaps. It also seeks solutions for companies struggling with labor shortages. Based on Farol Online, the project has been implemented as a demonstration project by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications since September 2023.
Our company pursues new possibilities for “solving regional issues through telework” in this demonstration project, contributing to improving the quality of life for workers and regional development, and challenges the realization of a sustainable regional society.

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

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