Launch Ceremony for 'Tourism Safety DX' Project in Shiretoko, a World Heritage Site

Launch Ceremony for 'Tourism Safety DX' Project in Shiretoko

On July 14, 2026, a launch ceremony for the 'Tourism Safety DX' project was held at the Shari Town Hall in Hokkaido. This initiative, developed by INCLUSIVE Holdings, AUTHENTIC JAPAN, and the Shari Town government, aims to enhance tourist safety in the Shiretoko Peninsula, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Background of the Project

Shiretoko attracts numerous visitors from Japan and around the world. However, it is also home to a high density of brown bears, leading to safety concerns for hikers and tourists. Notably, a bear attack occurred on Mount Rausu in August 2025, raising alarms about visitor safety. As the summer season approaches in 2026, the reopening of trails necessitates a robust and effective safety framework to protect visitors.

This project plans to establish a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) communication network across key tourist areas in Shiretoko, which is less susceptible to disruptions from mobile phone signals. By integrating positioning satellite technology, the initiative will create a system that utilizes visitors' location data to enhance safety measures. It encompasses not just land-based activities like hiking and nature walks, but also marine areas involving tourist boat operations. The goal is to facilitate rapid search and rescue efforts in emergencies while minimizing the environmental impact in this World Heritage site.

In addition, starting from April 2026, AUTHENTIC JAPAN will provide rental services for the 'Cocoheli' rescue beacons at five key locations, including the Shiretoko Nature Center.

Roles of the Partners

The collaboration involves three main entities:

- Shari Town: Responsible for coordinating with local stakeholders and facilitating communication.
- AUTHENTIC JAPAN: Charged with operational management through their services like 'Cocoheli'.
- INCLUSIVE Holdings: Overseeing the overall management of the project, public relations, and proposing solutions for local issues utilizing satellite data.

Future Directions

INCLUSIVE Holdings aims to leverage its expertise in information dissemination through regional web media 'Hokkaido Likers' to communicate safety measures and the attractions of Shiretoko to domestic and international audiences. This is part of a broader strategy to establish a regional brand centered around a safe and enjoyable experience in the Shiretoko World Heritage site.

Moreover, by collaborating with LAND INSIGHT, which specializes in satellite data analysis, the initiative seeks to tackle administrative and regional challenges related to tourist safety and natural disaster preparedness.

About AUTHENTIC JAPAN

AUTHENTIC JAPAN operates the 'Cocoheli' mountain rescue service, which helps locate users carrying special beacons in case of emergencies. The service has over 170,000 members, showcasing its commitment to improving safety in the mountainous regions of Japan.

- CEO: Kazukazu Kuga
- Headquarters: 1-6-15-4 Akasaka, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City
- Website: AUTHENTIC JAPAN

About Shari Town

Situated in eastern Hokkaido along the Sea of Okhotsk, Shari Town serves as the gateway to the Shiretoko UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is dedicated to balancing nature conservation with tourism promotion.

- Website: Shari Town

About INCLUSIVE Holdings

INCLUSIVE Holdings is a group company focused on creating regional value and enhancing industrial efficiency. Their initiatives span digital marketing, planning, food industry, and space-related businesses, aiming to solve societal issues through value creation and operational efficiency.