#Ote Tabi #Hokuei Town #Workforce Shortage

Collaboration Between Ote Tabi and Hokuei Town

In a significant development for Hokuei Town in Tottori Prefecture, Ote Tabi Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has entered into a partnership agreement with the town. This collaboration aims to promote dual residency and migration exchanges, create a diversified resident population, alleviate workforce shortages, and implement initiatives for sustainable community development. The agreement was officially signed during a ceremony held in Hokuei Town on July 28, 2025.

Background of the Collaboration

Hokuei Town has been facing challenges with workforce shortages in its agricultural and tourism sectors. To address this, the town is implementing strategies to encourage the creation of diverse community connections and incentivize dual residency. In the fiscal year 2023, a subsidy program was established to support businesses accepting Ote Tabi users. So far, four companies have actively utilized this service, leading to job placements for 13 users out of over 50 applications by July 28, 2025. Through this partnership, the town aims to further expand the usage of its local businesses, promote migration and dual residency, and find solutions to workforce shortages.

Specific Initiatives Planned

The agreement outlines several key initiatives:
1. Disseminating information and fostering a conducive atmosphere for promoting dual residency and migration exchanges, along with creating and expanding a resident population.
2. Implementing efforts to support dual residency and migration exchanges.
3. Addressing workforce shortages in local businesses through the utilization of external human resources.

Moreover, the town plans to host a seminar to enhance understanding of these initiatives:

• - Date: August 27, 2025, Wednesday, from 15:00 to 16:30
• - Location: Hokuei Town Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room (409 Yura, Hokuei Town)
• - Registration Form

Perspectives from Local Leaders

Mayor Toshiki Teshiima expressed his enthusiasm regarding the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with Ote Tabi. Hokuei Town is undergoing significant projects, such as the renewal of the Houjou Road Station and the reestablishment of the Aoyama Gosho hometown museum set for 2029. The future of our agricultural and tourism sectors heavily relies on addressing workforce shortages. We have previously utilized the services offered by Ote Tabi, and we believe that allowing travelers to experience agricultural work while visiting will significantly help in overcoming our workforce challenges.