Exploring Business Collaboration in Tottori: The Regional Co-Creation Tour

Tottori City recently welcomed five companies from the Kanto, Chubu, and Kinki regions for a significant event focused on regional co-creation and business exchange. This tour, organized by Shibire Inc., aimed to showcase the potential for collaboration and innovation in Tottori by connecting business leaders with the area’s abundant local resources and supportive network.

Event Overview

Dates

- July 7-8, 2026

Location

- Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture

Participants

- Five business executives and managers from various regions

Organizers

- Shibire Inc. and Tottori City

Background and Objectives

Tottori City is home to a diverse array of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, space, and IT, all leveraging local resources and technologies. Ongoing collaboration among government, academia, business, and finance highlights the region's efforts to support enterprises and tackle local challenges. However, the visibility of these initiatives can be limited for companies located outside the prefecture.

The purpose of the tour was to provide participants with a hands-on experience of Tottori’s business environment, allowing them to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation through networking with local enterprises.

Day 1: July 7, 2026

Urban Core Exploration and Participation in the Katokami Event

The tour began with a guided visit of Tottori City’s central district, where participants explored renovated buildings previously classified as idle real estate and noticed the urban structure surrounding the train station. Local officials presented on initiatives aimed at revitalizing the city center, plans for attracting businesses, examples of collaborations in the agricultural sector, and available funding programs.

Following the urban tour, participants attended the grand opening of the Katokami Business Co-Creation Square, which served as a nucleus for new entrepreneurial ventures in the area. This event provided a space for networking and discussions between attendees and local business representatives, enriching their understanding of potential collaborative paths.

Day 2: July 8, 2026

Visits to Agricultural Companies, Banks, and Universities

On the second day, the group visited several entities contributing to the region's economy, including:

- Ai Factory Inc. and Meiwa Farm Hybrid: These two businesses are incorporating ICT in smart agriculture. At Ai Factory, participants witnessed the hydroponic cultivation of vegetables and melons in a repurposed school building. Meiwa Farm Hybrid showcased strawberry cultivation utilizing geothermal energy, demonstrating how technology can enhance agricultural practices.

- Tottori Bank: The bank discussed its support for businesses venturing into Tottori, the creation of the Tottori Future Co-Creation Capital company, and its initiatives to improve regional value and solve local issues.

- Tottori University: Representatives shared information about interdisciplinary projects and collaborative research efforts with businesses, underscoring the role of education in addressing regional challenges.

Reflection and Feedback

At the conclusion of the tour, participants convened with Tottori City officials to reflect on their experiences. Many noted the cohesive collaboration among government, academia, and industry, highlighting the potential for future business ventures in the area.

Voices from Participants

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed satisfaction with the value of the insights gained from the tour and felt encouraged to pursue further engagement with the region. Notably, participants appreciated the proactive and flexible nature of local stakeholders in facilitating connections and fostering a welcoming environment for incoming businesses.

To further global understanding, a video capturing highlights from the tour is available here.

Moving Forward

As a starting point for continued regional collaboration, the tour set the stage for ongoing partnerships, testing business concepts, and establishing operational bases. Plans are already underway for a second tour and other events aimed at fostering connections between Tottori City and businesses interested in regional development and problem-solving.

Upcoming Event: A second tour is scheduled for November 5-6, 2026, targeting industries in IT, aerospace, and manufacturing, with participation from approximately five companies. Interested businesses are encouraged to contact Shibire Inc. to gain insight and potentially join the initiative.

Shibire Inc.

- Head Office: 21-1 Kodenmachō, Chūō City, Tokyo
- Established: January 2016
- CEO: Mitsuki Suzuki
- Capital: ¥11,000,000
- Website: Shibire Inc.
- Business Activities: Regional revitalization, promotional support, video distribution, system development, and creative production.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to Takahashi at Shibire Inc. via email at [email protected], available from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (please contact via email).