Koumi Town Comes to Tokyo: A Unique Cultural Experience Event

On January 17, 2026, Koumi Town reached out to the urban populace of Tokyo through an engaging event titled "Koumi Town Experience: A Touch of Home". Hosted at the Meeting Space AP in Shimbashi, the event was organized by Vitalize, TC Forum, and Koumi Town's administration. The event saw overwhelming enthusiasm, with 421 applications received, exceeding the goal of 300, representing about 10% of Koumi's total population of approximately 4,200.

Setting the Context

Koumi Town, located at the foot of the Yatsugatake mountain range in Nagano Prefecture, is often referred to as "Shinshu's Finland" due to its stunning natural beauty and cultural depth. With its panoramic landscapes, including the famous Matsubara Lake, Koumi has also provided inspiration to the renowned filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, who hails from the town.

Despite its charm, Koumi faces common challenges seen in rural areas across Japan, such as population decline and aging demographics. To tackle these issues, Vitalize has been actively working since 2021 to promote local revitalization and regional interactions, while TC Forum has leveraged its experience in conference space management to assist in executing the event.

Objectives of the Event

The main aim was to connect rural life with urban dwellers, offering them a multi-sensory experience of Koumi’s food, nature, and culture. By fostering relations with attendees, the organizers hope to inspire ongoing engagement with Koumi as the concept of 'relationship population' grows.

Event Highlights

Upon entering the venue, guests were greeted with various activities.

Oggottso! Marche: A Culinary Journey

One of the highlights was the "Oggottso! Marche,” where twelve vendors showcased local delicacies. This segment became a crowd favorite, with 50% of survey respondents rating it as the top attraction. The term "Oggottso" means 'delicacies' in the local dialect, and participants enjoyed direct conversations with the producers behind the products, including different types of sake and traditional snacks. Notably, the town’s mayor even participated by serving sake personally, emphasizing the warm community spirit.

Immersive Experience Space

An immersive experience area allowed attendees to feel the essence of Koumi town through sights and sounds. Guests were enveloped in a multi-sensory environment featuring serene visuals and natural sounds from Koumi's landscapes, promoting relaxation and relating their experiences with locals present.

Cultural Displays

A special exhibition dedicated to Shinkai’s film “Children Who Chase Lost Voices” was also present, providing a visual treat and deeper understanding of the artistic inspiration drawn from the town.

Interactive Booths

Additionally, the event featured an information booth staffed by town officials ready to answer questions about living in Koumi, tourism, and relocation opportunities. The intent was to break down barriers and invite inquiries, thereby increasing interest in Koumi.

Feedback and Community Involvement

The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with 77.5% expressing a satisfaction rating of four or higher out of five. Additionally, 55% of attendees had never visited Koumi, indicating that the event successfully introduced a new audience to the town. Various suggestions emerged, including cultural exchanges and enhancing local tourism, showcasing a blend of community visions for future engagements.

As we move forward, both organizers affirm their commitment to continuing the promotion of Koumi's unique charm and fostering relationships stemming from this event. With the invaluable insights gathered, efforts will include ongoing communication about local initiatives and tour opportunities, ensuring that the spirit of Koumi is shared beyond its geographical borders.

In summary, the Koumi Town Experience served as a successful bridge between rural and urban life, nurturing connections and inviting new friends to explore the endless beauty and heart of Koumi. Let’s continue to celebrate and share the vibrant story of this remarkable town!