#Japan #Tokyo #Okinawa #BRAND SUMMIT #Urum City

Urum City Brand Summit in Tokyo

On November 25, 2023, Urum City, led by Mayor Masato Nakamura, held a significant brand summit in Tokyo aimed at promoting its regional branding strategy. The event, attended by around 60 media representatives, major corporations, and relevant stakeholders, took place at the LIFULL Table in Kojimachi, Chiyoda Ward. This summit showcased the charm of Urum's culture and tradition while emphasizing the theme of the 'emotion industry special zone.'

A New Era of Promotions

Urum City declared itself as a 'special zone for the emotion industry' in 2023. It focuses on harnessing the rich natural beauty and traditional culture of the area to create genuinely emotional experiences for not only residents but also visitors. The summit aimed to spread this concept in the Tokyo metropolitan area, facilitating tourism and exploring collaborative relationships through corporate hometown tax initiatives.

Presentation by Mayor Nakamura

During the opening segment, Mayor Nakamura passionately articulated his vision for Urum City as a special zone for emotional experiences. He emphasized the warmth and vitality of the community, highlighting that the authentic nature and approach of the people are what make the city truly valuable. He presented how emotional experiences can drive local economic development, urging a shift from traditional bureaucratic presentations to more engaging and entertaining formats.

'It's the emotion that moves people and becomes a driving force for regional revitalization,' said Nakamura, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Exploring Local Branding Through Emotion

The second part featured a talk session with Professor Norihiko Kamioka from the Graduate School of Social Innovation, who joined Mayor Nakamura in a discussion on how emotional value, beyond functional benefits, strengthens regional branding. Professor Kamioka praised Urum City’s strategy of showcasing its people’s passion, calling it a pioneering example for future collaborative regional development models.

Engaging Attendees with Culinary Experiences

The latter part of the event involved an interactive networking session where city staff donned uniforms featuring the 'Manma Urum' logo. This relaxed atmosphere facilitated open communication with attendees. The culinary offerings included esteemed beverages like 'Danryu CRAFT' awamori, which had charmed VIPs at the Cannes Film Festival, alongside award-winning craft beers and whiskies.

Featured Culinary Highlights

• - Danryu CRAFT Awamori: Aged for over three years in oak barrels, recognized for its sweet aroma and smooth finish.
• - Golden Ale: A gold award-winning craft beer from a small container brewery, celebrated for its brewing expertise.
• - Shinzato Whiskey: A unique Okinawan whiskey boasting refined flavors infused with malt and rice-derived sweetness.
• - Urum’s Sea Pork (Umiburuta): Celebrated for its quality and tenderness, served with local salt for a memorable shabu-shabu experience.
• - Mozuku Tempura: Made from Japan's highest-producing mozuku seaweed, this local delicacy showcased rich flavors and textures.

Voices from the Event

Feedback from participants highlighted the event's unique atmosphere:

• - 'The mayor's presentation conveyed a deep commitment; it's rare to see such enthusiasm in local government events,' remarked a media representative.
• - 'The quality of ingredients like Umiburuta and mozuku was impressive—definitely appealing for hometown tax returns!' shared a corporate attendee.
• - 'City staff were incredibly approachable, making it easy to connect. I’d love to visit Urum City soon!' expressed a business leader.

Future Prospects

As a follow-up to this summit, Urum City plans to enhance partnerships with metropolitan corporations for hometown tax initiatives and collaborative endeavors. With 'genuine emotional experiences' as its brand concept, Urum City aspires to become a preferred municipality that resonates with residents, visitors, and stakeholders alike.

About Urum City

Located on the eastern coast of Okinawa's main island, Urum City features eight islands, both inhabited and uninhabited. Its name signifies 'coral island' in Okinawan dialect, reflecting its stunning natural landscapes and cultural richness. Key attractions include the scenic 'Underwater Road' connecting nearby islands and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Katsuren Castle. The vibrancy of Urum is driven by its people, with engaging traditions such as bullfighting and contemporary art performances. With a population of 127,229, Urum City is dedicated to spreading its emotional essence to the world.

For more information, visit Urum City’s Official Website.