Promoting UIJ Turn and Food-Industry Internships in Naruto City

Collaboration Between Otetabi and Naruto City

In an effort to tackle labor shortages and promote local migration, Otetabi, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has teamed up with Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture. They are launching the second phase of an internship program known as "Adult Work Experience" aimed at encouraging people to move from urban to rural areas (UIJ turn). This initiative follows a successful first installment that took place in August 2025, where participants worked in the healthcare, nursing, and childcare sectors.

During the first program, six participants from various regions including Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa, took part, and the response was overwhelmingly positive despite it being a pilot initiative for both Otetabi and the city. The application rate exceeded four times the available spots, highlighting a strong interest in this kind of work experience.

Second Phase: Focus on Local Food Industry

Building on this momentum, the upcoming program will focus on Naruto City's rich local food culture. The internship will feature hands-on experiences in three different sectors: traditional Japanese sweets production, general food manufacturing, and seafood processing. This approach aims to provide participants insight into local culinary jobs while exploring their interest in long-term relocation.

Program Duration and Schedule

The program will run from March 1 to March 7, 2026. Below is a projected schedule:

- March 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Naruto City and orientation
- March 2 - 6 (Monday - Friday): Four days of work experience at local businesses, plus one day of a guided sightseeing tour led by city officials
- March 7 (Saturday): Program conclusion

Unique Living and Commuting Experience

Participants will reside in a share house converted from a teacher's residence and will commute to their workplaces. Notably, some will be commuting via local ferry services, providing a unique opportunity to experience Naruto City in a way that typical tourists may not. During their weekends, city staff will lead participants on tours to popular sites like the Otsuka Museum of Art and Naruto’s famous whirlpools, making it a comprehensive cultural experience.

Open Positions Available

The internship invites six participants across three local businesses:
1. Traditional Japanese Sweets Maker (Kotoraya)
- Established: 1932
- Tasks: Cleaning cooking utensils, packing sweets, and kitchen maintenance.
- Commute: Free bicycle rentals available to get to work, showcasing the behind-the-scenes processes of sweet-making.

2. Food Manufacturer (Choi)
- Location: Near the Naruto Strait, specializing in seasonal flavors such as wakame seaweed and Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes.
- Tasks: Processing wakame or quality checking and packing sweet potatoes.
- Commute: Participants will use bicycles and ferry services, with potential for hands-on harvesting experiences depending on the weather.

3. Seafood Processor (Marine Daiou)
- Specialty: Known for products like squid sashimi.
- Tasks: Slicing squid, plating, and packaging.
- Commute: Free bicycles provided for local commuting, allowing a close look at seafood processing operations.

Previous Program Success

The previous installment received applications from a diverse age range, and feedback indicates high participant satisfaction. Comments included appreciation for the inviting work environment and the chance to build relationships with local residents, emphasizing the enriching experiences gained through community interaction. Businesses noted the enthusiastic participation of interns, sparking positive influences on staff morale and a desire to maintain these connections long-term.

Conclusion

This collaboration between Otetabi and Naruto City marks a significant step toward fostering sustainable local community growth and increasing the workforce in essential industries. As they aim to create lasting bonds between participants and the community, this initiative promises to facilitate unique experiences for both locals and newcomers alike. Interested participants should consider applying for this enriching opportunity to broaden their horizons while experiencing life in Naruto City, a region recognized for its beauty and cultural depth.

For more information about the program or the application process, visit the Otetabi website or reach out directly for inquiries.