Revamping the Future of World Heritage Site Miyajima through IT and DX Support

In a progressive move aimed at uplifting the local economy, YZ Corporation, headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, launched a strategic initiative to support small businesses in the Miyajima area, under the auspices of the Miyajima Town Chamber of Commerce. This initiative focuses on enhancing profitability, creating new businesses, and expanding markets for local enterprises through sophisticated IT and digital transformation (DX) strategies.

Hybrid Approach for Business Support

This fiscal year, YZ Corporation plans to implement a hybrid model that combines in-person and online engagement to integrate DX progressively. The first step was the management analysis seminar titled “The One Reason Your Company Isn’t Turning a Profit”, held on August 27. Through participation in real-world exhibitions and utilizing YZ’s product, mycsess, for online business discussions, the groundwork for future advancements will be established.

Current Challenges for Miyajima

Miyajima, famous for the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, has experienced a recovery in sales due to a boost in inbound tourism. However, many small businesses are facing structural challenges, reporting that while sales have rebounded, profitability remains elusive due to rising costs of materials and labor exacerbated by external economic conditions.

In response, the Miyajima Town Chamber of Commerce launched a project aimed at developing a sustainable profit-generating system beyond mere IT integration. Recognizing the need for specialized support, they chose YZ Corporation as a partner, leveraging their extensive experience providing DX and management support to over 1,000 small businesses nationwide.

Step-by-Step DX Support Strategy

Armed with a track record of success, YZ Corporation employs a comprehensive approach towards business support, extending from sales and market expansion to funding. The plan for Miyajima is designed to unfold systematically, considering both immediate needs and long-term growth strategies through a phased approach.

1. Current Fiscal Year (Foundation Building and Trial Phase)
- Various theme-based seminars (hybrid format)
- Individual consultation sessions to address challenges and devise improvement plans
- Data gathering from market reactions at a physical exhibition (Food Style Kyushu in November)
- A trial for market expansion through an online exhibition in January

2. Following Years (Full Implementation Phase)
- Strengthening online engagement based on the achievements and challenges of the current year
- Enhancing strategies for both physical and online market expansion
- Establishing a sustainable sales foundation through the use of IT tools like mycsess
- Continued support for market expansion leveraging IT

Further, YZ will facilitate the introduction of the AI-powered business matching tool mycsess for interested businesses this fiscal year.

Features of mycsess

- Insightful Analysis: A ten-minute interview identifies business challenges and product offerings clearly.
- AI Recommendations: The platform automatically recommends suitable business matches every week.
- User-Friendly: Tailored for small businesses with limited resources, facilitating simple and continuous sales activities.
- Feedback for Improvement: Utilizing post-discussion feedback to refine products and pricing strategies.

Mycsess aims to extend local businesses’ reach beyond the prefecture, optimizing follow-ups after exhibitions or discussion events, thus laying the groundwork for future market expansion strategies.

Upcoming Event Schedule

First Seminar

- Title: The One Reason Your Company Isn’t Turning a Profit
- Date and Time: August 27, 2025, 16:00-18:00
- Venue: 4th Floor Meeting Room, Miyajima Chamber of Commerce
- Cost: Free (Advance registration required)

For more details, please contact YZ Public Relations.

Future Outlook

This fiscal year, YZ Corporation will pilot both in-person and online initiatives with 100 businesses within Miyajima, aiming to validate effectiveness and establish a solid foundation. Building upon this year’s outcomes, a full-scale DX promotion will be enacted in subsequent years, striving to craft a sustainable management structure capable of generating ongoing profit. YZ aims to realize its mission of “updating small businesses to create a society where local entrepreneurs can seize greater happiness,” contributing significantly to the long-term development of the Miyajima community.

Company Overview

- Company Name: YZ Corporation
- Location: Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
- CEO: Yusuke Yasuda
- Business Start Date: March 2021
- Business Activities: Development and provision of sales support services like mycsess, as well as DX and management support for small businesses.