#Japan #Tokyo #Kumamoto #Kumamoto Links #Shibire

Connecting Kumamoto and Tokyo: The KUMAMOTO LINKS Series

In an innovative initiative, Shibire Co., Ltd., based in Chuo, Tokyo, will host a series of online live events called "KUMAMOTO LINKS" starting from December 2025. This event aims to bridge connections between residents of Kumamoto prefecture and people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area, emphasizing the ongoing relationship beyond just visits or nostalgic trips.

Background of the Event

For many who hail from Kumamoto and now reside in the Tokyo area, the region is often perceived merely as a nostalgic hometown or a travel destination. However, significant developments are taking place in Kumamoto itself, such as:

• - The creation of new community spaces through the renovation of old hot springs
• - Cultural evolution in the city's lesser-known areas
• - The establishment of new learning hubs centered around e-sports.

By sharing these grassroots initiatives with people in the Tokyo area, KUMAMOTO LINKS seeks to address the challenge of "wanting to connect but not knowing how". The series aims to visualize diverse engagement opportunities, encouraging a more profound connection with Kumamoto.

What is KUMAMOTO LINKS?

KUMAMOTO LINKS describes itself as an interactive live session that connects life in metropolitan Tokyo with ongoing developments in Kumamoto. Throughout this series, participants will have the chance to discover Kumamoto's current state, saving their own "recommended spots" and "points of interest" on Google Maps, thereby enabling them to curate a personalized "Kumamoto Recommendation Map".

This series emphasizes the idea of Kumamoto not as a mere memory but as a vibrant region continuously evolving in real-time.

Details of the Three Events

Event 1: Minakan Town LIVE (December 10, 2025)

The first event focuses on Minakan Town's community space "ukara" and a café called "Kitsune no Botan", which reinterprets local specialties. Participants will explore how these reimagined spaces contribute to everyday life in Minakan Town. This session will highlight Minakan's allure as a welcoming stop on the route from Fukuoka to Kumamoto, showcasing the blend of "place" and "taste".

Event 2: Kumamoto City LIVE (January 21, 2026)

This event dives into the new cultural landscape emerging in Kumamoto City's central area. Participants will discover how the behind-the-scenes areas, typically overlooked by tourist guides, are witnessing a shift in how the city is experienced. The discussion will focus on the small local businesses and new cultural challengers contributing to the refreshment of the city’s atmosphere, uncovering the current essence of Kumamoto City.

Event 3: Uki City LIVE (February 25, 2026)

The final event will center on the future of learning through e-sports in Uki City. The event will showcase the interactions at "Ukinoba", a digital hub run by the local government, where children, teachers, and seniors are coming together through digital engagement. Participants will be introduced to a new form of intergenerational learning and how it opens up fresh avenues for local involvement.

Goals of the Event Series

• - Expand the number of places participants wish to visit when in Kumamoto, effectively creating an action log saved on Google Maps.
• - Provide an authentic, real-time experience of local stories and feelings, overcoming geographical barriers through constant live connectivity.
• - Facilitate the development of a "Kumamoto Recommendation Map" that not only benefits the individual but can also be shared with friends and other Kumamoto natives in their circles.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: KUMAMOTO LINKS
• - Dates and Times:

- December 10, 2025 (Wednesday), 19:00 - 21:00 (Event 1)
- January 21, 2026 (Wednesday), 19:00 - 21:00 (Event 2)
- February 25, 2026 (Wednesday), 19:00 - 21:00 (Event 3)

• - Venue: OFF TOKYO (21-1 Nihombashi Kodenmachou, Chuo, Tokyo) - Online streaming available.
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Organizer: Kumamoto Prefecture, Planning and Promotion Division
• - Operational Management: Shibire Co., Ltd.

Shibire Co., Ltd., established in January 2016, specializes in regional revitalization, promotional support, video streaming services, system development, and creative project management. For further inquiries, please contact Sakita at [email protected] during business hours (9:30 - 17:00).

With KUMAMOTO LINKS, participants have a unique opportunity to engage with Kumamoto like never before, making connections that matter and discovering a Kumamoto that is alive and changing every day.