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Yaizu City and JR Central's New Community Initiative

In a groundbreaking initiative, Yaizu City is collaborating with Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) and JR Central Agency to implement a fresh approach to community engagement through the "Hometown Resident Registration Model Project." This initiative has been selected by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as a model project aimed at enhancing local engagement and revitalization through a series of field research activities.

Understanding the Initiative

The "Hometown Resident Registration Model Project" aims to foster connections between local residents and individuals from outside the region who wish to engage with Yaizu City. Participants will embark on field research to uncover both the enticing attributes and challenges facing the community. Through these activities, the project seeks to encourage a shared exploration of value creation in the region, allowing both local residents and newcomers to collaboratively redefine what it means to be a resident of Yaizu.

To facilitate community engagement, the project will also utilize the TOKAI STATION POINT app, which will provide subsidies for transportation and accommodation costs. Data collected during the project will be crucial for understanding its impact, enabling the evaluation of its effectiveness in building community connections.

Objectives and Background

Strategically located between Tokyo and Nagoya, Yaizu City is a hub of transportation with a rich maritime heritage, renowned for its high-quality seafood, including natural southern bluefin tuna and sakura shrimp. Additionally, Yaizu is home to various marine processing industries, contributing products such as dried bonito flakes to markets across Japan. The local onsen offering chloride springs is ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation, making Yaizu an attractive destination.

However, the city faces challenges such as population decline and a shortage of young individuals in the workforce, prompting this initiative. By implementing the Hometown Resident Registration system, the project aims to expand the network of engaged individuals while addressing local issues and promoting innovative solutions through dynamic collaboration between residents and newcomers.

The Concept of the Hometown Resident Registration System

Launched officially as part of the government's basic plan for regional revitalization announced in 2025, the Hometown Resident Registration System aims to visualize the resident engagement in local communities. It allows individuals to register with a municipality of interest using an app. Registered users receive attractive updates and maintain deeper connections through participation in local activities. The system constructs a robust framework aimed at securing community contributors through simplified access and effective communication.

Moving Beyond Engagement: The Concept of Shared Creativity

According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, there are approximately 22.63 million people across Japan identified as engaged individuals in regional activities. These individuals wish to contribute their skills to the community. However, the pandemic has seen a decrease of about 2.3 million in this population, highlighting the urgent need for innovative approaches beyond traditional visits and support.
This initiative seeks to foster a vision of