#Japan #FORVAL #Satsuma Town #Kagoshima University #Satsuma Town, Kagoshima

Collaborative Agreement to Drive Digital Transformation in Satsuma Town

On December 11, 2025, Satsuma Town, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima Bank, and Forval Inc. signed an inclusive partnership agreement aimed at fostering local development through digital transformation (DX). This agreement showcases their commitment to addressing significant regional challenges such as population decline and the outflow of young residents. The event also included the inaugural ceremony for the Satsuma Town GDX Center, established by repurposing a defunct school, marking a significant step towards enhancing digital services in the area.

The collaborative initiative stems from Satsuma Town being identified as one of Japan's 'disappearing municipalities,' facing serious demographic issues. To combat these challenges, local authorities have prioritized DX initiatives focused on revitalizing the community. Forval's partnerships began in 2022 with its program dedicated to supporting local revitalization through talent dispatch services, which laid the groundwork for this recent agreement.

Context and Purpose of the Agreement

The collaboration traces its roots to several key milestones:
1. November 2024: The partnership begins with the signing of the comprehensive agreement focused on the GDX Center.
2. October 2025: Satsuma Town signs an agreement with Kagoshima University to establish the foundations for industry-academia-finance cooperation.
3. December 2025: The official establishment of the GDX Center, which will allow seven individuals from outside the town to commence their roles as part of a revitalization strategy.

This agreement is designed to bring together the strengths of municipal government, educational institutions, financial bodies, and corporations to collectively tackle diverse issues ranging from DX promotion to human resource development and industry revitalization.

Key Areas of Collaboration

Forval, Satsuma Town, Kagoshima University, and Kagoshima Bank have committed to work together in several key areas:

• - Promoting local digital transformation
• - Developing human resources
• - Supporting the active participation of youth and women
• - Enhancing health and welfare services
• - Stimulating industry growth and assisting small businesses
• - Promoting tourism initiatives
• - Advancing educational opportunities
• - Engaging in other initiatives that contribute to local revitalization.

Establishment of the GDX Center

Forval has been entrusted with overseeing the operations of the GDX Center, focusing on digital transformation initiatives and strengthening local businesses' competitiveness. The GDX Center aims to promote both green and digital transformations to create an environment where youth and women can thrive in local industries. Key initiatives include:

• - Securing and nurturing digital talent
• - Supporting DX initiatives
• - Facilitating active roles for youth and women
• - Supporting industrial advancement and small business initiatives
• - Promoting health and welfare services
• - Engaging in tourism initiatives
• - And conducting related activities to those mentioned above.

Insights from the Visit to the GDX Center

Following the signing ceremony, reports from various media representatives covered a visit to the Satsuma Town GDX Center, located within an educational facility that was previously a school. This center is drawing attention as a model for promoting DX in rural areas. With robust security measures and digital infrastructure in place, it enables residents to engage in urban-style work without the need to relocate.

The visit served as an important demonstration of 'safe information management' and 'work style reform' in the context of local revitalization efforts.

Rigorous Information Management

The GDX Center has implemented a management system that meets ISMS certification standards (JIS Q 27001:2023 / ISO/IEC 27001:2022). Under Forval’s guidance, the facility includes advanced security measures, such as surveillance cameras, controlled access, and meticulous management of personal information, facilitating trust and safety in handling sensitive data.

Future Outlook

Moving forward, the four partners intend to leverage the collaborative framework established through this agreement to enact comprehensive approaches to resolving local issues. Plans include creating a roadmap to accelerate the digitalization of administrative services and enhance the DX support available to local businesses. By fostering an environment conducive to young talent and women's active participation, further population retention and influx can be expected.

Additionally, through strategic collaborations with Kagoshima Bank, the project will assist small businesses with management improvement and funding access, strengthening the local industrial foundation. Together with Kagoshima University, projects focusing on educational initiatives and local tourism will aim to enhance DX talent growth and retention in the region.

These endeavors will be regularly assessed and implemented within the consortium framework, ultimately aspiring to extend the successful local revitalization model from Satsuma Town to the greater Kagoshima Prefecture, and further throughout Kyushu.

Comments from Local Leaders

• - Toshihito Ueno, Mayor of Satsuma Town: _“The signing of this inclusive partnership with Kagoshima University, Kagoshima Bank, and Forval is a significant milestone. I sincerely appreciate this collaboration. To tackle the challenges of population decline and talent shortages, diverse connections among various stakeholders are crucial for fostering a sustainable community.”_

• - Junji Kobayashi, President of Kagoshima University: _“With this agreement, we aim to establish a consortium that focuses on promoting DX and supporting the sustainable development of the region. The establishment of the GDX Center will help create jobs and serve as a new model for local revitalization.”_

• - Yuichi Kozono, Branch Manager of Kagoshima Bank: _“We are grateful for this opportunity to partner with Satsuma Town, Forval, and Kagoshima University to tackle regional challenges and drive economic revitalization.”_

• - Masayoshi Nakajima, President of Forval: _“This agreement marks a significant advancement in addressing regional challenges by promoting DX and enhancing local businesses’ competitive edge.”_

About Forval Inc.

Forval Inc. is a group of 'Corporate Doctors,' acting as next-generation management consultants dedicated to supporting ESG management transparency for small to medium-sized enterprises. With a capital of ¥4.1 billion, we specialize in consulting services across five sectors:

• - Information and communications
• - International activities
• - Environmental initiatives
• - Human resources and education
• - Entrepreneurship and business succession

Aligned with the government's goals for green, digital, and vibrant local development, Forval aims to cultivate the necessary talent for local economic revitalization throughout Japan, thereby contributing to sustainable community development efforts through increased collaboration with municipalities, private enterprises, educational institutions, and financial organizations.

For more information about Forval, please visit our official website.