PERSOL and Iwata City Join Forces to Promote Local Learning and Co-Creation

PERSOL and Iwata City Joint Initiative for Local Learning

In a significant movement toward advancing education and co-creation, PERSOL Business Process Design, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, recently formalized a partnership with Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture, represented by Mayor Hiroaki Kusachi, and Amane Career Co., led by CEO Amane Sawatari. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and knowledge-sharing under the banner of ‘co-creation’—a core value for both PERSOL and Iwata City.

On August 19, 2025, a signing ceremony took place at the Iwata City Hall, marking the start of a new chapter in local governance and education. The objective of this agreement, named the 'Local Collaboration Agreement for Regional Revitalization', is to promote practical learning experiences and develop a culture of co-creation among the community through mutual cooperation among the three parties.

Background of the Initiative

Iwata City is dedicated to realizing its vision of becoming a 'safe and vibrant city that attracts people'. It has embarked on public-private partnerships with a focus on education, incorporating 'co-creation of learning environments' as one of its four key strategies for the 2025 fiscal year. Recognizing challenges in project management faced by local governments and businesses across Japan, PERSOL and Amane Career have agreed to work together, combining their expertise to develop solutions that will facilitate skill development in these areas.

With the ambition to showcase successful co-creation practices, Iwata City aims to promote its collaboration model nationwide, while PERSOL and Amane Career will extend their project management services to other municipalities facing similar challenges.

Details of the Program

As part of this agreement, PERSOL Business Process Design and Amane Career have jointly developed a training program called 'Light Project Management Training'. This efficient learning module, which spans three to four hours, is designed specifically for Iwata City employees. The program draws from PERSOL’s established team-working framework, known as 'COROPS', and applies practical methods for project management.

Participants will learn to break down project goals into manageable tasks, establish roles and deadlines, and address unforeseen challenges while maintaining team output. By building foundational skills in project management, this initiative aims to enhance productivity within Iwata City and promote a broader understanding of co-creation practices across other municipalities. The insights gained from this training will be applied to develop future training offerings aimed at addressing the needs of local governments and businesses nationwide.

Insights from Leadership

Yoichi Ono, Executive Officer at PERSOL Business Process Design, emphasized the importance of leveraging their expertise in efficient work methodologies to tackle region-specific challenges effectively. Through this collaborative effort with Iwata City and Amane Career, they aspire to create sustainable outcomes not only in project management but also in educational, sports, and community partnerships.

Mayor Hiroaki Kusachi remarked on the collaboration as a crucial step towards enhancing Iwata’s charm and safety, highlighting the community’s commitment to creating interconnected values that benefit residents, local enterprises, and educational institutions alike. He indicated that this collaborative spirit would lay the groundwork for an invigorated environment where citizens work together to forge new opportunities.

Amane Sawatari, CEO of Amane Career, highlighted the growing prevalence of co-creation principles among municipalities and industries across Japan. Yet, she acknowledged the variety of experiences and skills among individuals in participating organizations. Together with PERSOL and Iwata City, they aim to create local learning landscapes that foster community engagement and development, transcending barriers between sports, education, and collaborative practices.

About PERSOL Business Process Design

PERSOL Business Process Design integrates process design capabilities, organizational management expertise, and human resource development, enhanced by modern technology. Their mission is to innovate workplaces and contribute to a sustainable society while consistently promoting the motto 'Let’s Work Smarter and Smile'. As part of the PERSOL Group's broader vision, they strive for a society where both organizations and individuals can thrive and succeed together.

For more information about PERSOL, please visit: PERSOL Business Process Design

For further details on the COROPS framework, visit: COROPS Framework