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Celebrating a Milestone: The Ote-Tsuta-Bi Awards

In an exciting development within the realm of travel and community engagement, the Ote-Tsuta-Bi Company, based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has reached a significant milestone with over 100,000 registered users for its innovative matching service. This accomplishment was highlighted by the launch of the first-ever Ote-Tsuta-Bi Awards, an initiative aimed at recognizing outstanding businesses across Japan that have successfully connected travelers and locals through enriching experiences.

The Ote-Tsuta-Bi service uniquely blends helping with travel, creating opportunities for people to work while exploring new destinations. This concept not only addresses labor shortages in various regions but also fosters deeper cultural exchanges, making travel more immersive and rewarding.

The inaugural awards event was founded on the theme of "finding a second hometown to which you want to return," and it does not function as a competition for rankings. Instead, it embraces a spirit of gratitude towards those businesses that have made remarkable connections with participants, creating friendships and memorable moments during their travels. The awards aim to reflect the company's mission of showcasing the countless good people, products, and regions across Japan.

Selection Criteria for the Awards

The award-winning businesses were selected based on diverse criteria that reflect the core values of Ote-Tsuta-Bi. The selection process considered the following six key perspectives:
1. Participant Satisfaction: Valuing the experiences and satisfaction of those who engaged with the service.
2. Guest Reception Numbers: Recognizing establishments that successfully draw in many guests and create meaningful connections in the community.
3. Welcoming First-Time Participants: Emphasizing the importance of providing a welcoming environment for newcomers to feel safe and encouraged.
4. Repeat Participation: Highlighting businesses that inspire participants to return for more enriching experiences in their community.
5. Community Engagement Efforts: Celebrating initiatives that enhance the region's charm, lifestyle, and industrial background.
6. Relationships with Participants: Prioritizing the generation of authentic connections that extend beyond work.

Award Recipients

In the hospitality category, the Grand Prize was awarded to Hotel Ogawa, a hidden gem in Toyama Prefecture known for its flowing natural hot springs. Its representatives expressed gratitude for the enriching interactions fostered between staff and repeat guests over the years, celebrating a rewarding five-year journey.
Alongside Hotel Ogawa, four other businesses were recognized for their contributions to the hospitality sector, including:

• - Quolo/Inosica in Hyogo Prefecture.
• - Kazuura Bridge Hotel in Tokushima Prefecture.
• - SKY-HILL HOTEL Izukogen in Shizuoka Prefecture.
• - Seino no Yado Seihou-kaku in Mie Prefecture.

In the agricultural, food, and miscellaneous category, the Grand Prize was awarded to Otsuka Farm in Hokkaido, known for its commitment to organic farming and community interaction. Other select businesses in this category included:

• - Miyamoto Gardening in Wakayama Prefecture.
• - Teppan Okonomiyaki Masaya in Hokkaido.
• - JA Satou Farm & Tokushima Prefecture Naruto City.
• - Nishino Farm in Tokyo.

CEO Rina Nagaoka expressed immense pride in the plethora of establishments contributing positively to their communities while creating lasting bonds with travelers. She emphasized the importance of building a supportive ecosystem that allows individuals to engage with multiple roles in their communities, aiming to preserve the unique beauty of Japan for future generations.

Continued Growth and Community Involvement

The Ote-Tsuta-Bi service is not only witnessing a surge in registrations but is also appealing to a broad age range, particularly with increased participation from individuals over 50. This trend reflects changing societal dynamics and a shift towards experiential learning through travel.
Organizations or individuals in need of work assistance can take advantage of this unique service where registrations for businesses seeking help remain open and free of charge.

For more information on joining this community-driven initiative or to see how it can benefit local businesses, visit the Ote-Tsuta-Bi website and explore potential engagements.

Together, let’s build a future where everyone can find their path back to the remarkable places and connections that await.

For continuous updates, events, and success stories, keep an eye on the Ote-Tsuta-Bi site and celebrate the journeys that make travel meaningful.