#Japan #Mindshare #Ise Kaido #Meiwa Town #Meiwa Town, Mie Prefecture

Community Development Project: Ise Kaido

In the scenic Meiwa Town of Mie Prefecture, a transformative initiative known as the "100-Year Walkable Ise Kaido" is currently in progress. This innovative project aims at revitalizing the tourism potential of the area surrounding the historically significant Saimyou ruins, which is recognized as a national historic site in Japan. The initiative is led by Mindshare, a regional marketing firm based in Tokyo, in collaboration with the Meiwa Tourism Association, a local general incorporated association.

Project Overview

The overarching goal of this initiative is to create a town that will remain a captivating destination for visitors for the next century. Through comprehensive research and planning, the project seeks to foster a space that encourages walking along the Ise Kaido, thus promoting a sustainable and attractive community.

Key Components of the Project

1. Community Workshops: Scheduled for January 2025, these workshops will engage a diverse group of 24 participants from both within and outside the town to discuss the vision for a walkable Ise Kaido.

2. Public-Private Joint Meetings: A series of four meetings involving stakeholders from the Chubu Transport Bureau, Mie Prefecture, Meiwa Town, and various tourism professionals will facilitate discussions aimed at shaping the vision for community-based tourism development.

3. Results Reporting and Symposium: On February 16, 2025, a symposium will gather around 30 residents of Meiwa Town to share insights and future prospects for the Ise Kaido, featuring keynote speeches and panel discussions.

Future Prospects

This community project is not just about planning but also about actual implementation. The initiative includes feasibility studies for developing a community fund that would embrace accommodations and cultural facilities. Furthermore, the groundwork is being laid for designing facilities that meet visitor needs alongside comprehensive financial plans.

The project's success will rely heavily on attracting both local and external investments, which will be pivotal for turning these plans into reality.

Mindshare's Role in Regional Marketing

Mindshare has been instrumental in supporting sustainable regional activation through its extensive marketing expertise accumulated over 37 years. Their approach focuses on creating practical solutions to the complexities faced by local administrations in Japan, particularly in the realms of community branding and tourism development.

Case Studies

• - Regional Branding: Mindshare has assisted numerous regions in developing their unique identities that draw visitors and foster local pride.

Branding Case Study

• - Tourism Development: They provide tailored marketing support specifically aimed at enhancing the appeal of local tourist destinations.

Tourism Development Case Study

Contact Information

For inquiries about this project, please reach out to:
Mindshare Co., Ltd.
Contact: Akiko Nakaoka
Tel: 03-6823-1216
Email: info@mindshare.co.jp
Website: Mindshare

Meiwa Tourism Association
Contact: Akiko Nakaoka
Tel: 0596-67-6850
Email: info@hana-meiwa.jp

In summary, the initiative in Meiwa Town is set to blend history with modern tourism, ensuring that the Ise Kaido remains a cherished and walkable route for many generations to come. This project exemplifies how collaboration among public and private entities can lead to innovative solutions for community development.