Engagement Partnership Agreement: Revitalizing Iki City through Collaboration

Ote-Tsutabi and Iki City: A New Dawn for Community Engagement

Ote-Tsutabi, a Tokyo-based company specializing in matching short-term labor with tourism opportunities, has recently signed an Engagement Partnership Agreement with Iki City, located in Nagasaki Prefecture. This innovative collaboration aims to address labor shortages while fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the local community.

The Essence of Iki City

Iki City, a picturesque island in the Genkai Sea, is celebrated for its rich history, stunning coastline, and unique cultural heritage. However, like many regions in Japan, it faces significant challenges such as declining population, aging demographics, and increasing labor shortages. Despite these issues, the island continues to thrive with a vibrant offering of natural beauty, including delicious local seafood such as sea urchin and Iki beef, and numerous shrines steeped in mystique.

The recent partnership is part of a larger strategy to revitalize the region by creating a matching platform that connects local businesses with potential workers, ultimately cultivating a dedicated community of people who have a stake in Iki's future.

Background and Objectives of the Agreement

The collaboration stems from the pressing need to resolve immediate staffing challenges faced by local enterprises, which often struggle to compete due to the lack of available workforce. Ote-Tsutabi has already seen over 370 job applications, with about 120 individuals successfully engaged in work through the platform as of September 11, 2025.

The primary goals of the partnership are:

- To alleviate labor shortages in Iki City
- To create and expand the community of people who have a meaningful connection to the island
- To promote the region as a desirable place for living and working

Through expanded usage of Ote-Tsutabi by local businesses, the initiative also aims to attract new visitors who will not only work but also immerse themselves in the local lifestyle, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Iki.

Implementing the Partnership

To ensure the successful execution of this partnership, Ote-Tsutabi and Iki City will launch several collaborative initiatives:

- Joint Seminars: Information sessions for both local businesses and potential workers will be organized to foster understanding and encourage participation in the program.
- Accommodation Support: A robust infrastructure will be established to guarantee a comfortable staying environment for workers, ensuring they feel secure during their time on the island.
- Evaluating Effectiveness: Surveys and research will be conducted to assess the impact of the initiative on the community, helping to shape future strategies and practices.

Local Leaders Weigh In

Iki City's Mayor, Issei Shinohara, expressed optimism about this partnership. He emphasized the importance of new strategies to tackle the population decline and labor shortages, stating,

"This agreement opens new possibilities for our island. The engaging experiences Ote-Tsutabi offers can enhance our ties with visitors, thereby building a community of people who appreciate what Iki has to offer beyond traditional tourism."

Ote-Tsutabi's CEO, Rina Nagaoka, also shared her enthusiasm:

"Many participants have fallen in love with Iki, even holding weddings here after their experiences. We aim to continuously grow our family of Iki enthusiasts through this partnership."

The Uniqueness of Ote-Tsutabi

For those unfamiliar, Ote-Tsutabi is a resource-matching platform that pairs eager travelers looking for work with local businesses in need of assistance. This unique service allows travelers to mitigate their trip expenses while simultaneously enriching their experience by working alongside locals and engaging in the cultural tapestry of the community.

Potential employees are responsible for their travel costs but earn income during their stay, making the experience financially accessible while also fostering a deeper connection to the region's culture and community. Additionally, local businesses benefit from hosted workers without incurring extensive travel costs, making this a mutually advantageous situation.