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Introduction to the Hiroshima Value Shift Program

A new initiative has launched in Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Value Shift Program, which aims to bring urban talent to the region to create value in local companies. Initiated by Eikei University, the program is designed to tackle management challenges faced by businesses in the area through a unique partnership model that includes academia, industry, and government.

What is the Hiroshima Value Shift Program?

The program focuses on accepting professionals from urban areas as visiting researchers. These individuals will work closely with local companies to address problems such as service development and digital transformation (DX). The initiative, which officially kicked off with its first seminar on October 9, 2025, is the first of its kind in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Visiting researchers will reside in Hiroshima for six months, from October 2025 to March 2026. During this period, they will work four days a week on solving management challenges within the partnering companies and attend seminars at Eikei University once a week. The objective is not only to support local businesses but also to enhance the researchers' own professional value.

Overview of the Seminar Program

The seminar, consisting of 24 sessions, will provide a platform for visiting researchers to share and analyze the management issues faced by the participating companies. They will receive guidance from university faculty who are actively involved in project management, helping them explore problem-solving strategies. This collaboration promotes a diverse exchange of perspectives and innovative ideas, enriching the learning experience.

By being heavily involved in the participating companies, visiting researchers will also work on redefining their careers, ultimately aiming for personal and professional growth.

At the conclusion of the six-month period, researchers are expected to present the results of their projects in a concluding report event, thereby sharing feedback with the partnering companies.

Featured Visiting Researchers and Partner Companies

The first cohort of visiting researchers includes a diverse mix of professionals from various backgrounds:

1. Yuichiro Atsumi
Partner Company: Travel Box Hiroshima
Previous Location: Nagano, Tokyo
Main Experience: Film and Entertainment (Planning and Marketing)

2. Toshiyuki Hioki
Partner Company: Mori Construction Co., Ltd.
Previous Location: Shizuoka
Main Experience: Major automotive parts manufacturer (PM, DX, Engineering)

3. Kotaro Abe
Partner Company: Tsuneshi Corporation
Previous Location: Tokyo, Estonia
Main Experience: Startups and foreign advertising agencies (Marketing)

4. Yuko Ohno
Partner Company: Hiroshima Toyopet Co., Ltd.
Previous Location: Osaka
Main Experience: General housing (Public Relations and Marketing)

5. Takanori Izumitani
Partner Company: Toyo Denso Co., Ltd.
Previous Location: Tokyo
Main Experience: Large foreign IT companies (SE, PM)

The Hiroshima Value Shift Program will continue until March 2026, providing ongoing opportunities for media coverage of the participating companies, the experiences of visiting researchers in seminars, and interviews with program leaders. This program not only aims for immediate results for the companies involved but also sets a precedent for future initiatives focused on collaboration and innovation in regional contexts.

For more information about the program, you can visit Eikei University’s official website.