Exploring the Future of Industry: Okuma Town's Innovative Tour

From October 28 to 29, 2023, Okuma Town in Fukushima Prefecture will host an exciting Innovation Tour featuring advanced business facilities aimed at revitalizing the area following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. As a highlight of this event, participants will have the unique opportunity to visit the "FUN EAT MAKERS in Okuma." Operated by Connect Around Co., a subsidiary of Creek and River Co., this multi-functional facility emphasizes agricultural innovation, food production, and social engagement.

Okuma Town is a place of transformation. After the nuclear accident in March 2011, all residents were evacuated, and access to most areas was strictly limited for over a decade. However, with the lifting of evacuation orders in June 2022, significant infrastructure restoration has begun, rapidly attracting numerous startups and large enterprises to explore business possibilities within the community. This Innovation Tour, targeting new business developers, factory location managers, and startup entrepreneurs, allows participants to witness firsthand the potential of Okuma Town and understand the new architectural landscape.

During the tour, participants will explore various facilities with guided explanations from responsible stakeholders. One of the key sites is the state-of-the-art “FUN EAT MAKERS,” which focuses on agri-tech utilizing AI and advanced technologies. This facility represents a center for creating a universal workflow where everyone can utilize their capabilities, centered around the themes of agriculture, food, and community engagement.

The itinerary includes detailed visits to essential infrastructures, including the Okuma Incubation Center (OIC), industrial parks, and explanations regarding interim storage facilities and the current state of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Moreover, tour members will have opportunities to exchange ideas with local industry representatives and government officials from Okuma Town. Additional sights will feature community initiatives such as “Yume no Mori” and “Kuma SUN Terrace,” showcasing the burgeoning living environment in the town.

Event Highlights

- Date: October 28-29, 2023
- Organized by: Business Gateway Co.
- Participating Cost: Free (transportation and accommodation covered)
- Target Audience: Business development staff from large and medium enterprises, innovation sector startups, and location managers
- Participants: Limited to 30-40 attendees

Schedule Overview:

- Day 1 (October 28):

- 7:00 AM - Departure from Tokyo Station
- 11:30 AM - Lunch at Kuma SUN Terrace
- 1:00 PM - Overview of Okuma and visit to OIC
- 2:00 PM - Facility tours including Rutilea and Nexus Farm
- 5:30 PM - Networking event at Kuma SUN Terrace
- 8:15 PM - Hotel check-in

- Day 2 (October 29):

- 9:00 AM - Discussion with Okuma Town officials
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at FUN EAT MAKERS with Connect Around presentation
- 3:00 PM - Departure to Tokyo

This tour is an incredible opportunity to experience a burgeoning innovation hub and to witness the communal and business progress in Okuma Town, a symbol of resilience and recovery post-disaster.

To secure your spot in this unique opportunity, please register before the deadline of October 15, 2023. For registration details, visit Innovation Tour Registration. In conclusion, commendable efforts by Connect Around and other organizations foster revitalization and innovation in Okuma Town, showcasing its potential as a pivotal industry hub in Japan's future.