Otetutabi Nominated for 2025 T&D Insurance Group New Word Prize
Otetutabi, a pioneering platform that connects short-term job opportunities with travel experiences, has generated considerable buzz as it has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 T&D Insurance Group New Word Prize. This award highlights impactful phrases and terms that have emerged throughout the year, with Otetutabi being recognized among thirty notable nominations set to reshape the dialogue around travel and work.
Otetutabi is an innovative matching service that enables travelers to work temporarily while exploring new regions. By solving staffing shortages in areas such as hospitality and agriculture, Otetutabi creates opportunities for individuals eager to experience local culture while earning income.
Travelers are responsible for their transport costs, but by working at their destination, they can alleviate the financial burden typically associated with travel. This unique arrangement allows participants to immerse themselves in local customs and lifestyles through direct interaction with residents. On the other hand, local businesses benefit by attracting workers from various regions, offering them compensation and sometimes accommodation. With flexible work durations ranging from one night to less than two months, employers can adapt job roles and working hours to meet their specific needs. Furthermore, the program encourages workers to utilize their off-time to explore the local area, enhancing the economic vitality of the regions involved.
To accommodate those intrigued by the Otetutabi program, the organizing committee is hosting online information sessions. These sessions aim to clarify any questions potential participants may have, such as what preparations are necessary and what to expect from locals. The sessions are scheduled for:
1. November 12, 19:00 - 20:00
2. November 19, 14:00 - 15:00
Both sessions will cover the same material and serve to provide insights into this unique travel opportunity. Interested parties can sign up for the online sessions through the provided link on Otetutabi's website.
Rina Nagaoka, the CEO of Otetutabi, expressed her elation at the nomination, stating, "It is a privilege to be recognized alongside remarkable phrases that have enlivened our society this year. The term 'Otetutabi' is evolving beyond a mere service name; it embodies a new style of travel and an innovative lifestyle. This nomination reflects the combined efforts of our participants who have taken that first step and the regional businesses welcoming them, fostering meaningful connections. We aim to continue creating opportunities for special connections within communities, driven by our ongoing initiatives and campaigns."
Since its inception, Otetutabi has witnessed substantial growth in registered users. In 2021, the platform boasted 5,000 users, which surged to over 88,000 by November 2025. The initial demographic largely comprised younger individuals, particularly those leveraging summer breaks, but there is now an increasing interest from older adults, including those considering early retirement or relocation to rural areas.
The rise in registrations underscores a growing desire for affordable travel experiences amidst rising living costs. The increasing flexibility afforded by remote work and workation arrangements has facilitated a lifestyle unconstrained by rigid daily schedules, attracting more participants. Moreover, as interest in rural living rises, many individuals are using Otetutabi as a platform to test the waters of migration to rural regions.
Otetutabi currently offers opportunities at over 2,000 venues nationwide, primarily within the hospitality sector, including hotels and inns, as well as agriculture and fishery sectors. There has been a significant expansion into diverse fields, such as guesthouses, campsites, sake breweries, seafood processing, and restaurants, indicating the platform's versatility and adaptability to various industries.
Otetutabi is dedicated to transforming the pressing issue of labor shortages into an opportunity for new human flows towards rural areas, presenting new destinations for travel. By engaging in local work, participants can foster deep connections with residents and experience enriching cultural exchanges beyond mere tourism. Each interaction aims to cultivate a sustained affinity for these communities, referred to as 'relationship populations.'
Otetutabi is actively seeking partnerships with businesses facing labor shortages, such as farmers, hotels, and inns. If you're encountering challenges like insufficient applicant turnout, a lack of local workers, or seasonal labor needs, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Registration and listing services are offered free of charge.
In light of the recent nomination, Otetutabi is launching a special support campaign for businesses wishing to post job openings. This initiative provides comprehensive assistance from the initial job creation phase up to securing the first applicant—completely free.
Support Overview:
Job Listings on Otetutabi
Otetutabi is committed to enhancing the visibility of its platform, showcasing new travel styles and serving as a reliable solution for labor shortages during peak seasons. With events happening across the country, they welcome inquiries and requests for interviews to broaden awareness of the Otetutabi concept for potential participants and businesses alike. Reach out via the designated inquiry form for assistance or to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
What is Otetutabi?
Otetutabi is an innovative matching service that enables travelers to work temporarily while exploring new regions. By solving staffing shortages in areas such as hospitality and agriculture, Otetutabi creates opportunities for individuals eager to experience local culture while earning income.
Travelers are responsible for their transport costs, but by working at their destination, they can alleviate the financial burden typically associated with travel. This unique arrangement allows participants to immerse themselves in local customs and lifestyles through direct interaction with residents. On the other hand, local businesses benefit by attracting workers from various regions, offering them compensation and sometimes accommodation. With flexible work durations ranging from one night to less than two months, employers can adapt job roles and working hours to meet their specific needs. Furthermore, the program encourages workers to utilize their off-time to explore the local area, enhancing the economic vitality of the regions involved.
Online Info Sessions for Interested Participants
To accommodate those intrigued by the Otetutabi program, the organizing committee is hosting online information sessions. These sessions aim to clarify any questions potential participants may have, such as what preparations are necessary and what to expect from locals. The sessions are scheduled for:
1. November 12, 19:00 - 20:00
2. November 19, 14:00 - 15:00
Both sessions will cover the same material and serve to provide insights into this unique travel opportunity. Interested parties can sign up for the online sessions through the provided link on Otetutabi's website.
Comments from CEO Rina Nagaoka
Rina Nagaoka, the CEO of Otetutabi, expressed her elation at the nomination, stating, "It is a privilege to be recognized alongside remarkable phrases that have enlivened our society this year. The term 'Otetutabi' is evolving beyond a mere service name; it embodies a new style of travel and an innovative lifestyle. This nomination reflects the combined efforts of our participants who have taken that first step and the regional businesses welcoming them, fostering meaningful connections. We aim to continue creating opportunities for special connections within communities, driven by our ongoing initiatives and campaigns."
Rapid Growth of Registered Users
Since its inception, Otetutabi has witnessed substantial growth in registered users. In 2021, the platform boasted 5,000 users, which surged to over 88,000 by November 2025. The initial demographic largely comprised younger individuals, particularly those leveraging summer breaks, but there is now an increasing interest from older adults, including those considering early retirement or relocation to rural areas.
The rise in registrations underscores a growing desire for affordable travel experiences amidst rising living costs. The increasing flexibility afforded by remote work and workation arrangements has facilitated a lifestyle unconstrained by rigid daily schedules, attracting more participants. Moreover, as interest in rural living rises, many individuals are using Otetutabi as a platform to test the waters of migration to rural regions.
Scope of Opportunities Available
Otetutabi currently offers opportunities at over 2,000 venues nationwide, primarily within the hospitality sector, including hotels and inns, as well as agriculture and fishery sectors. There has been a significant expansion into diverse fields, such as guesthouses, campsites, sake breweries, seafood processing, and restaurants, indicating the platform's versatility and adaptability to various industries.
Key Objectives for the Future
Otetutabi is dedicated to transforming the pressing issue of labor shortages into an opportunity for new human flows towards rural areas, presenting new destinations for travel. By engaging in local work, participants can foster deep connections with residents and experience enriching cultural exchanges beyond mere tourism. Each interaction aims to cultivate a sustained affinity for these communities, referred to as 'relationship populations.'
Calling for Businesses in Need
Otetutabi is actively seeking partnerships with businesses facing labor shortages, such as farmers, hotels, and inns. If you're encountering challenges like insufficient applicant turnout, a lack of local workers, or seasonal labor needs, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Registration and listing services are offered free of charge.
In light of the recent nomination, Otetutabi is launching a special support campaign for businesses wishing to post job openings. This initiative provides comprehensive assistance from the initial job creation phase up to securing the first applicant—completely free.
Support Overview:
- - Improvement of job listing text, optimal posting strategies, and weekly social media announcements to promote job openings.
- - Duration of support: Maximum of 31 days from the start of the job listing, concluding either at the end of the period or once the first applicant is secured.
- - This campaign exclusively covers the specified support areas—additional costs may apply for services like photography, design creation, paid advertising, or expedited submissions.
- - Should multiple listings be activated simultaneously, only one will qualify for the promotional support as agreed upon by both parties.
- - The results may vary based on job type, timing, and location and do not guarantee applications.
Job Listings on Otetutabi
Otetutabi is committed to enhancing the visibility of its platform, showcasing new travel styles and serving as a reliable solution for labor shortages during peak seasons. With events happening across the country, they welcome inquiries and requests for interviews to broaden awareness of the Otetutabi concept for potential participants and businesses alike. Reach out via the designated inquiry form for assistance or to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Topics Travel）
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