#Japan #Mie Prefecture #Ishikawa Prefecture #100DIVE #Kihoku, Noto

Launching the '100DIVE' Initiative in 2026

In May 2026, the highly anticipated 11th project of '100DIVE' is set to begin, with the beautiful locales of Kihoku Town in Mie Prefecture and Noto Town in Ishikawa Prefecture chosen as its stage. Known for their serene coexistence with nature, these two areas promise a unique blend of local culture and potential for innovation in addressing community issues. With the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, Kihoku Town offers a tranquil environment steeped in the traditions of fishing and historical pathways. In contrast, Noto Town embodies the warmth of its people and the vibrant culture that thrives in the rich subtropical landscape. What types of interactions and futures will emerge from these distinct regions? The project aims to explore these possibilities and much more.

About '100DIVE'

'100DIVE' is an innovative initiative focused on tackling real local challenges by creating new business opportunities through a cross-border and hands-on approach. The program addresses the growing issue of a lack of talent and resources needed to foster business growth in various communities.

The mission includes three key steps:
1. Identifying and nurturing individuals with vision and passion from both local and external communities.
2. Forming teams that collaborate to create comprehensive plans and to gather necessary resources.
3. Establishing and operating businesses that are deeply interconnected with their local communities.

The project lasts for three intensive months and has proven successful since its inception in 2021, having involved 341 participants across 22 regions, with numerous projects continuing to thrive and some even forming incorporated entities. For instance, one notable success story is 'KASEGI', established from a project in Shinonsen Town, Hyogo Prefecture, that focuses on turning local game meat into signature products.

A Gateway to New Opportunities

The 11th phase of the '100DIVE' initiative kicks off in two vibrant towns: Kihoku and Noto. Each location offers a unique immersive experience into their respective environments:

• - Kihoku Town: Nestled among the deep blue waters of Kumanonada and lush mountains, life unfolds gently here. Participants will engage with local practices, experiencing the rich tapestry of daily life shaped by fishing and history, all while envisioning the future alongside community members.

• - Noto Town: Here, rolling hills and coastal beauty intertwine with heartfelt community traditions. Participants will witness the energy of the town's famous 'Abare Matsuri' while absorbing the rich culture that continues to evolve through shared experiences.

The themes for the projects are equally engaging:

• - For Kihoku Town, the focus is on transforming traditional experiences into lucrative assets, generating over 10 million yen in added value. The idea is to reshape the daily coexistence with nature and heritage into a viable business model.
• - For Noto Town, the goal is to weave together local relationships with external connections, ensuring that traditional practices continue to thrive and adapt to modern opportunities, also aiming for added value exceeding 10 million yen.

Recruitment and Participation

Currently, '100DIVE' is recruiting individuals to embark on this journey. If you are eager to dive into local challenges and explore creating local businesses, consider joining us. We invite you to free online webinars where you can learn about the attractiveness of Kihoku and Noto Town, as well as the inspirations behind each project theme. Register for the webinars:

• - Kihoku Town: April 12, 2026, from 19:30 to 20:30 Registration link
• - Noto Town: April 16, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:00 Registration link

Learn about the process, utilize the three-month startup program to launch impactful projects, and foster effective collaborations with '100DIVE'. Join a diverse group of individuals—those from the region and beyond—as they come together to confront challenges in compelling and imaginative ways. Your participation could unlock new dimensions of personal potential, offering pathways to entrepreneurship and meaningful contributions to community growth.