#Japan #100DIVE #NIPPONIA #KASEGI #Kozuge Village, Nanao City

Introduction to 100DIVE’s 12th Phase

Starting in July 2026, the 100DIVE program will launch its 12th phase, captivating communities in Yamanashi's Kosuge Village and Ishikawa's Nanao City (Wakura Onsen). The initiative aims to dive deep into local cultures and histories, addressing pressing community challenges through innovative local business creation. This project is a response to the increasing difficulties that regions face in preserving their heritage amid modern challenges.

What is 100DIVE?

100DIVE operates as a cross-border practical startup project that tackles the real-life issues surrounding local communities by fostering new business solutions. As many regions face a significant shortage of personnel capable of creating and nurturing businesses, the program has been designed to unearth and cultivate talented individuals both locally and from afar.

Participants will form teams to create business plans and gather necessary funds to establish and operate locally rooted enterprises in a sustainable manner. Over the course of three months, participants will engage closely with the communities, utilizing local resources and strengths to innovate and solve existing problems.

Historical Impact

Since its inception in 2021, 100DIVE has been conducted in 24 different areas in 11 phases, attracting 368 participants and resulting in the continued activity of over 30 teams, with eight projects successfully incorporated as businesses. Notably, KASEGI, born from the third phase in Hyogo’s Shinonsen Town, exemplifies the project's success. The company is set to open a processing facility for locally sourced venison, utilizing support from local initiatives to enrich the region and promote gourmet deer meat.

The 12th Phase: Focus Areas

The upcoming 100DIVE phase emphasizes the unique issues faced by Kosuge Village and Nanao City. Each location will explore tailored themes that compel participants to devise sustainable business models:

Kosuge Village

- Empty Housing Business Model: With a population of around 700, Kosuge Village will seek to convert vacant houses into shared community hubs, encouraging innovative business models that generate over ¥10 million in added value.

Nanao City (Wakura Onsen)

- Revitalization through Relationship Population: The project will aim to enhance the vibrancy of Wakura Onsen by establishing local businesses that similarly add over ¥20 million in value, leveraging its rich 1,200-year-old hot spring heritage and bountiful sea resources.

Project Structure

Running from July 4 to October 3, 2026, the project will consist of five sessions plus additional activities, with a maximum of 15 participants selected for each location. The registration period concludes on June 20, 2026. Early bird pricing incentivizes early participation, reflecting the program's commitment to accessibility.

Online Briefings

A series of online briefings will be held leading up to the project’s commencement, providing interested parties with an opportunity to learn about 100DIVE's success stories and the specific themes for the upcoming sessions.

• - Session Details:

- 100DIVE Overview: April 25, May 6, May 8, and May 28, 2026.
- Business Incorporation Success Cases: May 24, 2026.
- Community-Specific Events: June 17 and 18, 2026.

These sessions are open to everyone, encouraging inquiries from potential participants.

Conclusion

Through 100DIVE, participants will not only gain insights into their inherent strengths but will also explore the potential for entrepreneurship. The program emphasizes collaborative engagement with local communities, fostering an environment where ideas can evolve into actionable plans. By connecting diverse backgrounds and expertise, the initiative encourages creative solutions to local challenges while sustaining cultural heritage for future generations.

About 100DIVE

Founded on October 1, 2021, 100DIVE is led by CEO Yasuhiro Shoji and is based in Toshima, Tokyo. The organization’s mission includes developing co-creation projects for addressing local challenges and providing resources to municipal bodies and nonprofit organizations.

For further inquiries regarding the project or media coverage, please contact the 100DIVE office at: [email protected].