Exploring Careers in Kochi: A New Initiative Featuring Former Pro Baseball Player Takeshi Komatsu

Persol Career, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has launched an exciting new project aimed at promoting career opportunities in Kochi Prefecture. This initiative is particularly focused on encouraging U-turn and I-turn migration, which refers to the movement of individuals back to their hometowns or to a new area respectively, by highlighting the valuable contributions of various people and companies thriving in Kochi's sports business sector.

At the heart of this initiative is Takeshi Komatsu, a former professional baseball player from Muroto City, Kochi. After a successful career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and subsequent work within the organization, Komatsu now serves in sports career support at Persol Career. Kicking off this project, he will act as the "Kochi Sports Guide," traveling throughout the prefecture to interview individuals involved in sports-related businesses and community initiatives, shedding light on the attractive aspects of working and living in Kochi through sports.

Background of the Initiative

Kochi faces challenges in attracting a younger workforce and current residents to migrate back or move into the area. Despite this, the prefecture is teeming with diverse employment opportunities found in community-rooted companies and sports teams, alongside individuals who have moved from other regions to create new lives and careers. The region is known for its robust sports culture, with numerous players, both amateur and professional, contributing to local development.

The job information initiative in Kochi aims to launch a special website titled "Kochi Family Working" by July 2026, which will provide essential information on jobs, living conditions, and relocation opportunities. The recently introduced sports-themed content on doda SPORTS is designed to reach audiences interested in sports, creating new connections to "Kochi Family Working."

By focusing on the career paths of sports teams and athletes as well as the enterprises supporting them, we can present fresh perspectives on what it means to live and work in Kochi.

Takeshi Komatsu: The Kochi Sports Guide

Takeshi Komatsu's journey began in Muroto City. He attended Muroto High School and later pursued higher education at Hosei University. Drafted as a third-round pick, he joined the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Following his retirement, he spent eight years working as a team staff member before joining Persol Career. Currently, his mission revolves around conveying the charm of Kochi through sports by showcasing local companies, sports teams, and individuals. His objective is to paint a realistic picture of working and living in Kochi.

Featured Content in the Initiative

Episode 1: Challenges of Balancing Sports and Workforce Needs

In the first installment, we focus on ISS Fuji-Tan, a company aiming to establish a women's hardball baseball team in Muroto City. Inspired by the aspirations of local high school girls who wish to continue playing baseball but lack suitable environments, interviewee Masataka Ohnishi discusses the importance of creating a space where sports can mesh with professional opportunities, bridging connections with the community.

Read the full article here

Episode 2: The Value of Sports Teams through Community Engagement

The second feature highlights the Kochi Fighting Dogs, a team in the Shikoku Island League Plus. By interviewing player-coach Tomo Sasaki—who relocated from Hokkaido to Tochigi and then Kochi—we unveil the stories of over 200 community engagements annually that have fostered strong ties with local enterprises, culminating in his sentiment, "I'm glad I moved to Kochi."

Read the full article here

Expectations from the Initiative

Yuuhei Sakamoto from the Kochi Prefecture General Planning Division expresses hope that this initiative will delve into Kochi's unique charm from a sports perspective. He believes that even those without prior connections to Kochi will discover novel career pathways and lifestyle possibilities that the prefecture offers.

By focusing on sports, we aim to expose the diverse career opportunities and vibrant life awaiting in Kochi. Whether you are considering relocating or simply curious about life in Kochi, this initiative promises valuable insights into a new way of living and working.

About Persol Career

Persol Career is dedicated to empowering individuals to take ownership of their work lifestyle. Through a multitude of services including the job change service "doda" and high-class job relocation service "doda X," they provide recruitment, job advertising, and support for new graduate hiring. Recently, the establishment of the "HiPro" brand has further intensified their efforts towards harnessing professional talent and addressing contemporary social challenges, ultimately striving for a society where all labor results in smiles.