Introduction to Tokushima LINK
On August 29, 2025, QON Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, officially launched an online community called 'Tokushima LINK' in conjunction with Tokushima Prefecture. The initiative aims to foster and expand relationships with individuals who have an interest in or connection to Tokushima, while also striving to reassess local resources and optimize strategies for relocation and exchange within the region.
What is Tokushima LINK?
Tokushima LINK acts as a vibrant platform for residents and visitors alike. It caters to those living in Tokushima, as well as those who may wish to visit or have once lived in the area. The community welcomes any topics of discussion, be it about Tokushima's popular local dishes, alluring tourist spots, or intriguing hobbies associated with living in the region.
Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts or queries, such as:
- - "What do you love about Tokushima?"
- - "Let’s passionately discuss the delicious foods of Tokushima!"
- - "I want to learn more about life here in Tokushima."
This offers an uncomplicated way for everyone to showcase what they find interesting or unique about Tokushima.
Background of Tokushima LINK
The community was brought to life under the umbrella of “Kizuna,” an online fan community platform established by QON in January 2020. With over 80 businesses and municipalities involved, nearly 2 million members are part of this thriving ecosystem. This platform focuses on fostering connections based on themed exchanges, collaboration among participating organizations, and events where the voices of community members help shape new initiatives.
The overarching concept is that these connections can lead to valuable exchanges which significantly enrich community life in Tokushima.
The Significance of the Community
Japan is currently facing demographic challenges such as declining populations and an aging society. As such, the concept of 'relationship population'—people from outside the immediate area who can contribute to local development—is gaining traction. In this context, the emergence of approaches like 'Regional Revitalization 2.0' seeks to address these pressing issues through digital transformation and the reassessment of local resources, moving towards a more sustainable revitalization of regions.
The launch of Tokushima LINK is seen as a pioneering example of Tokushima Prefecture's commitment to making this relationship population visible and effective, embodying a key initiative within the Regional Revitalization 2.0 framework: the 'Hometown Resident Registration System.'
The Role of QON Inc.
QON Inc. is dedicated to constructing and managing online communities bridging the gap between businesses, municipalities, and consumers. Since its inception in 1996, the company has established communities for over 300 businesses and local governments, leveraging a range of patented technologies—including international patents—focused on data science to enhance relationships between consumers and businesses.
QON, through this collaboration with Tokushima Prefecture, aims to engage participants both inside and outside the region while collecting data to inform more effective relocation and exchange strategies. By accumulating and applying insights and suggestions from the community, QON hopes to align its efforts with Evidence-Based Policy Making (EBPM) practices aimed at promoting settlement and residence in Tokushima.
Conclusion
In summary, with the creation of Tokushima LINK, QON and Tokushima Prefecture are paving the way for a new model of community-building and regional revitalization. This platform invites everyone to share their love for Tokushima while also fostering deeper connections among participants. Together, they are crafting a narrative that not only celebrates Tokushima's unique qualities but also addresses broader regional challenges, ensuring a bright future for this vibrant area of Japan.