#Japan #Disability Employment #Start Line #Diverse Village #Ushiku

New Beginnings: Diverse Village USHIKU Opens

On January 5, 2026, Start Line Co., Ltd., headquartered in Mitaka, Tokyo, officially opened a groundbreaking facility in Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, named Diverse Village USHIKU. This new complex is designed to support employment for individuals with disabilities, with an aim to foster a society where everyone can live authentically.

To commemorate the opening, an inauguration ceremony took place on January 8, attended by approximately 90 participants, including local government officials, community members, and media representatives. The event celebrated the new chapter in disability employment, emphasizing the community's involvement in this initiative.

Pioneering Approach to Disability Employment

Diverse Village USHIKU marks the first of its kind in Japan, breaking away from the traditional model of fixed job roles for individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the need for quality career development and personal growth, this facility provides a flexible environment where individuals can choose and adapt their work based on their personal abilities and growth.

Three Distinct Areas of Employment

Diverse Village USHIKU offers a variety of work options across three key areas:
1. Coffee Crafting (BYSN): Involves careful selection, roasting, and packaging of coffee beans, promoting concentration and skill development.
2. Herb and Leafy Vegetable Cultivation (IBUKI): Utilizes an indoor garden where diverse tasks range from routine farming to product processing, fostering versatility in work.
3. Office Work (INCLU): Computer-based tasks including data entry and report creation, allowing individuals to enhance their tech skills.

This combination of different job types enables personalized working styles. For example, an employee might spend the morning engaged in physical farming roles and shift to office tasks in the afternoon, maximizing their strengths and preferences.

Community Integration and Support

Diverse Village USHIKU is more than just a workplace; it aspires to be a resource for the local community. The inclusion of open spaces for residents encourages daily interactions, aiding social skills and fostering a network of support among locals and those with disabilities. This environment enhances the vitality of the community while empowering individuals to thrive in their roles.

Collaboration with Ushiku City

To boost local engagement, Start Line has signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Ushiku City. This collaboration aims to revitalize the local economy, improve community services, and promote a society where all members coexist harmoniously. Leveraging the facility's convenient location, just one minute from Ushiku Station, it aims to become a beacon of community involvement.

A Successful Inauguration

The inauguration ceremony on January 8 was a resounding success. Attendees from various sectors expressed enthusiasm about the possibilities that Diverse Village USHIKU opens up for the disabled workforce. Their positive feedback highlighted the importance of community revitalization through innovative employment methods.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Future Initiatives

Start Line Co., Ltd. sees Diverse Village USHIKU as a vital model for enhancing the quality of disability employment across Japan. By prioritizing workers' experiences and growth rather than merely hiring numbers, this initiative is poised to address hiring challenges while contributing to creating towns where everyone can thrive.

For corporations interested in establishing their unique approaches to inclusive employment, and for local government officials aiming to create diverse working opportunities for individuals with disabilities, Start Line encourages reaching out for consultations.

Facility Overview

• - Facility Name: Diverse Village USHIKU
• - Location: 280 Ushikucho, Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 300-1221, Japan
• - Access: 1-minute walk from JR Joban Line, Ushiku Station (direct connection)
• - Projected Workforce: Approximately 120 disabled employees and 30 management staff, totaling around 150 individuals.

Diverse Village USHIKU represents a pioneering integration of indoor farming, coffee roasting, and office work in a single location, redefining the prospects for disability employment in Japan as of January 2026, according to independent surveys conducted by Start Line.