#Japan #Wakayama #Wakayama City #FAVTOWN #community relations

Introduction to the Webinar

On July 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, the General Incorporated Association for Municipalities DX Promotion will host its first webinar in the series titled "Community Connections Lab #1: Beyond Community Relations - How are Immigration and Returns Born?" This event will take place online via a Zoom session and is free to attend, but prior registration is required.

Background of the Seminar

The importance of community connections has become widely recognized, with numerous local governments and organizations engaging in building ties with their surrounding communities. However, the challenge of translating these connections into actual immigration and return scenarios remains a work in progress. A pressing issue many regions face includes maintaining relationships with young people who leave their hometowns for education or job opportunities. The goal is to nurture these relationships to encourage future returns to their roots.

This first session will take a deep dive into the experiences of Wakayama City, which has actively addressed these topics. By collaborating with Synergy Marketing Co., Wakayama City has developed a platform called "FAVTOWN" to digitally connect those who relocate with their hometown.

The webinar will unpack the challenges around immigration and settlement policies, showcasing what has changed through public-private partnerships, and discussing the significance of collaboration between local governments and businesses based on Wakayama's experiences.

Agenda and Special Guests

Date and Time

July 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Format

Virtual webinar using Zoom.

Target Audience

This seminar is aimed at municipal staff, corporate representatives, researchers, students, and anyone interested in community relations.

Featured Guests

• - Ryosuke Matsuzaka

Head of the City Promotion Division, Wakayama City
Ryosuke joined the Wakayama City Hall in 2006 and has worked in various sectors including welfare and industry. Currently, he leads initiatives related to community connections, as well as promoting immigration and residence strategies in the newly established City Promotion Division.

• - Yutaro Okamoto

Principal of City Promotion Division, Wakayama City
Yutaro joined the city in 2019 and has transitioned into the City Promotion Division, focusing on community connections and creating systems for cross-border learning and engagement for those living outside of Wakayama.

• - Kazunori Hirate

Head of Media Business Division, Synergy Marketing Co.
Kazunori has experience in sustainable relationships through marketing strategies and has applied this knowledge to form connections between former residents and their hometowns through the FAVTOWN platform.

Series Facilitator

Masato Ito
Lecturer and Researcher at GLOCOM, International University
Masato has conducted extensive research and practice concerning the movement of people between regions, and he will guide the discussions throughout this webinar series.

General Association Information

The General Incorporated Association for Municipalities DX Promotion (GDX) was established in 2023 to support local governments' digital transformation through collaboration with private businesses. Their mission includes connecting municipal entities with businesses, disseminating information, and organizing seminars nationwide.

Conclusion

This inaugural webinar offers a unique opportunity to delve into how Wakayama City is innovating community connections amidst the challenges of retaining residents and addressing the needs of its youth. We encourage participation from all those interested in shaping vibrant, connected communities.

For additional information or to register for the webinar, please contact the Community Relations Lab at GDX via email at [email protected] or visit our website at https://gdx.or.jp/. Let's engage in meaningful discussions about the future of our communities together.