#Japan #Waseda University #Karatsu #Karatsu Lab #Japan Data

Karatsu Lab: Fostering Sustainable Communities in Japan

On October 29, 2025, a significant event was held in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, marking the establishment of the innovative "Karatsu Lab." This initiative, aimed at realizing a local circular community, is a collaboration between four key organizations: Karatsu City, Waseda University, the Japan Business Data Processing Center (known as "Japan Data"), and the NPO WeD.

A Collaborative Vision

The foundation of the Karatsu Lab is rooted in the collective commitment to tackle regional challenges through the lens of sustainability and collaboration. The signing ceremony featured representatives from all participating organizations, highlighting their dedication to fostering a platform for innovative solutions to local issues. Participants included local high school students from Karatsu, who also engaged in research presentations led by Waseda University students, demonstrating the integration of education and community involvement.

The primary goal of the Karatsu Lab is to address and visualize local challenges and to promote sustainable community development. This initiative seeks to harness the rich ecological resources, agricultural products, historical backgrounds, and scenic beauty of the region, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental elements work in unison to enhance local vitality.

The Role of Each Organization

Karatsu City

Under the leadership of Mayor Tatsuhiro Mine, Karatsu City aims to leverage its unique resources for comprehensive urban planning and disaster prevention while maximizing local sustainability. The city's robust commitment to forming a circular community is at the heart of this initiative.

Waseda University

Waseda University, through its Advanced Research Institute for Social Science, focuses on addressing contemporary societal complexities. They aim to nurture talent equipped for social change and facilitate multi-generational participation. The Karatsu Lab will serve as a community-driven co-creation space where issues and resources interconnect for collaborative problem-solving.

Japan Data

Japan Data, led by CEO Tomotaro Ike, operates under the corporate philosophy of bringing joy and utility to communities and the society at large. The company provides various services to governmental bodies, medical institutions, educational organizations, and corporations. Through the Karatsu Lab, Japan Data will apply its specialized capabilities and technical expertise to address local challenges in partnership with Karatsu residents.

WeD

WeD is committed to supporting high school students by fostering their independence and aspirations. The organization is currently organizing the "Karatsu Downtown Cultural Festival," engaging students in activities that connect them with their community.

Innovative Solutions: The SNS Type Community Information System

Japan Data has joined forces with Waseda University to develop an innovative SNS-type community information system designed to assist in solving local challenges. This platform will serve as a hub for sharing and engaging with activities from individuals and organizations involved in the Karatsu circular community initiative.

The system will enhance visibility into ongoing activities, provide relational analytics, support participant actions, and allow for mutual evaluation among participants. By visualizing the connections within regional resources, the platform aims to accelerate collaborative problem-solving.

Looking Forward

As the Karatsu Lab takes its first steps into a sustainable future, Japan Data intends to combine their technical expertise with hands-on experiences gathered from BPO operations. This strategic integration will be pivotal in visualizing regional challenges and directly supporting practical approaches to sustainable development.

The team at Japan Data is committed to ensuring that the Karatsu Lab not only contributes to achieving the local circular community vision but also maintains its impact for years to come.

Contact Information for Inquiries

For further inquiries regarding this initiative, please reach out to:
Japan Business Data Processing Center
DX Strategy Headquarters, Local Government DX Promotion Department
Contact: Eto, Matano, Matsuda
Phone: +81-78-332-0871 | Email: [email protected]

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Japan Business Data Processing Center (Japan Data)
• - Headquarters: 119 Itocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• - Established: February 1968
• - Website: Nihon Data