Unlocking the Future of Rural Areas Through Collaborative Symposia and Innovation

Unlocking the Future of Rural Areas: A Collaborative Approach

On July 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM, the symposium titled "Unlocking the Future of Rural Areas through Co-Creation: Practical Approaches to Value Creation through Mutual Transformation between Regions and Companies" will take place in the auditorium of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. The event is organized by Ridilover, a Tokyo-based company focused on fostering social engagement. This symposium is part of the fiscal year 2025 initiatives aimed at revitalizing rural economies and living environments.

The symposium will convene various stakeholders, including government representatives, companies, financial institutions, and supporters, to address the pressing challenges faced by rural areas. Participants will engage in discussions about the significance of their roles in rural development and how local issues resonate with broader societal challenges. By sharing insights and strategies, the goal is to visualize effective ways of engagement with rural communities.

Event Overview

- Name: Unlocking the Future of Rural Areas through Co-Creation
- Date and Time: July 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM (Doors open at approximately 12:30 PM)
- Format: Onsite (150 participants) & Online (no cap on participants)
- Location: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Room 7F, 1-2-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Target audience: Local government officials, primary industry workers, large corporations, regional businesses, startups, impact-driven companies, regional financial institutions, and individuals interested in rural issues.
- Participation Fee: Free

Registration

Registration can be completed through the following link until 11:59 PM on July 15, 2025. Note that onsite participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration may close without prior notice once capacity is reached: Registration Link

Program Schedule

1. Opening Remarks: 1:00 PM
2. Session 1: What is Rural Revitalization 2.0? Innovations through New Combinations with Other Fields: 1:05 PM
- This session will explore innovations created by merging different sectors, highlighting successful examples of companies entering rural areas.
- Speakers: Rina Akimoto (Vivid Garden), Yuichiro Asai (Asai Farm), Tadashi Umekawa (Regional Fish Co.), Hiroyuki Takahashi (Weather, Wind, and Sun Co.)
- Moderator: To Be Confirmed
3. Session 2: Why is it Crucial Now to Address Rural Issues? Gaining Empathy through Visibility of Impact: 1:55 PM
- Discuss the vital role of rural areas in food production and their multifaceted potential despite various challenges.
- Speakers: Rina Akimoto, Kensuke Asahi (Ministry of Agriculture), Hiroyuki Takahashi
- Moderator: Toshiki Abe (Ridilover)
4. Break: 2:40 PM
5. Session 3: How Can Companies Promote Solutions for Rural Challenges? Introduction to Thematic Guidelines: 2:55 PM
- Focused on effective collaborations for rural revitalization through local business involvement.
- Speaker: Kensuke Asahi
6. Session 4: Solving Rural Challenges Leads to New Business Opportunities: 3:05 PM
- Discuss how urban participants are addressing rural challenges and the social responsibility engaging in these solutions entails.
- Speakers: Noriko Igari (NTT), Takayoshi Ishibashi (Timee), Keita Kamiirisa (Japan Airlines)
- Moderator: Taizo Otsuka (Weather, Wind, and Sun Co.)
7. Break: 3:45 PM
8. Session 5: Introducing Governmental Initiatives for Rural Challenge Solutions: 4:00 PM
- Explore various governmental programs that aim to create impact in rural revitalization.
- Moderator: Kensuke Asahi
9. Session 6: Announcement of Selected Companies with Impact Solutions for Rural Challenges: 4:40 PM
- Approaching a solution-oriented approach with several selected companies presenting their initiatives.
- Moderator: Toshiki Abe
10. Feedback from Selected Companies on Their Initiatives: 4:50 PM
- Networking and discussion regarding potential collaborations followed by a closing address.
- Closing Remarks: 5:20 PM
- Networking Session: 5:25 PM - 6:00 PM (for onsite participants only)

Attendees can also visit exhibition booths featuring companies and organizations involved in the initiative, allowing for a deeper understanding of practical examples and solutions available in rural revitalization efforts.

Overview of Ridilover

Founded in 2009 and incorporated later, Ridilover is dedicated to breaking societal indifference by creating platforms that share social issues. The organization has expanded into educational travel, corporate training, media, and community projects over the past 15 years, covering a spectrum of over 400 social issues.

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