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Saimura Village and UPDATER Forge a Path to Sustainability

On August 7, 2025, Saimura Village, located in Aomori Prefecture's Shimokita Peninsula, signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with UPDATER, a Tokyo-based company specializing in renewable energy platforms. This agreement aims at achieving a zero-carbon city and fostering a sustainable local economy through the utilization of renewable resources, local resource recycling, talent development, and strengthening urban partnerships.

Overview of the Signing Ceremony

The ceremony, held at Saimura Village Hall, was attended by Saimura's Mayor, Naoki Ota, and UPDATER's CEO, Eiji Oishi. They signed the agreement to promote decarbonization and sustainability in Japan’s first fishing village-driven GX and SX efforts.

Background: A Groundbreaking Collaboration

The Japanese government aims to select at least 100 regions as models for carbon neutrality by 2025 and spread innovative initiatives nationwide by 2030. In February 2023, Saimura Village submitted a proposal for a “Decarbonization Leading Region Plan,” which was officially recognized as Japan's first decarbonization leading region among fishing villages on April 28, 2023. The plan focuses on utilizing local renewable energy sources through a regional power company established in 2021, SAI Energy.

UPDATER has supported this initiative, including capital participation planned for 2025. The company not only provides renewable energy but also utilizes blockchain technology for energy tracking and promotes well-being and ethical consumption, aligning closely with Saimura's vision as they signed the agreement.

Previous Collaborations and Events

Both parties have a history of collaboration, notably at the “Shimokita de Shimokita Peninsula Festival 2024,” where UPDATER demonstrated renewable energy sourced from the Shimokita Peninsula via blockchain technology. They provided this energy to an event in Shimokitazawa, showcasing local delicacies like sea urchins and scallops as part of an experiential event themed around renewable energy, making the connection between urban populations and local resources tangible and entertaining.

Key Components of the Agreement

The partnership will focus on several vital areas:
1. Expansion of Renewable Energy Generation and Utilization: Developing supply models for solar and wind energy within the village.
2. Energy Conservation and Biomass Recycling: Creating a circular economy using fishery waste and underutilized resources.
3. Talent Development and Knowledge Sharing: Promoting exchanges and community learning programs among staff and employees.
4. Urban Collaboration and Brand Promotion: Formulating strategies to convey renewable energy, food, and cultural resources to urban areas.
5. Other Sustainable Projects: Implementing any mutually agreed upon sustainability initiatives.

Significance for the Local Community

For Saimura Village, this agreement marks the beginning of a transformative journey, focusing on creating a new regional identity rooted in decarbonization and renewable energy. By integrating renewable resources into various sectors like industry, education, culture, and tourism, the village aims to become a more attractive and sustainable place.

Future Plans and Challenges

Through this agreement, Saimura Village and UPDATER strive to tackle regional challenges by promoting both decarbonization and sustainability. Future goals include raising the local renewable energy adoption rate to 93.6%, developing collaborations for electricity sharing outside the region, implementing environmental education programs, and enhancing EV bus and renewable energy infrastructure for disaster preparedness.

However, challenges remain, including encouraging community participation, managing the initial costs of renewable energy installations, securing project funding, and strengthening energy supply and demand adjustments. A phased development plan is set to continue through the fiscal year 2030.

Reflections from Leaders

Mayor Naoki Ota's Remarks

Mayor Ota expressed his gratitude for the partnership with UPDATER, emphasizing that collaboration with various organizations is essential for achieving the government's decarbonization goals, especially for smaller municipalities like Saimura. He emphasized the importance of thoughtful consumption and the shared growth philosophy exhibited by UPDATER.

Eiji Oishi's Perspectives

UPDATER's CEO, Eiji Oishi, shared his sense of significance in this collaboration, reflecting on his experiences with the extreme heat in Tokyo and the escalating climate change issues. He expressed hope that the implementation gained from Saimura would serve as a model for decarbonization efforts nationwide, pointing toward the importance of maintaining visible, flexible relationships for effective problem-solving in a complex and rapidly changing environment.

About Saimura Village

Located on the western side of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, Saimura features a rich historical background as a prominent trade port since the Muromachi period. Today, it thrives on fishing and tourism, harnessing its natural coastal landscape to foster economic growth.

About UPDATER

Founded on October 1, 2021, UPDATER has evolved from the company originally known as Minna Denryoku. They employ cutting-edge blockchain technology to facilitate energy traceability and offer sustainability services widely recognized with numerous awards for their innovative projects.

For additional inquiries, visit their corporate website: UPDATER.