#Japan #Goodfellows #Shimonoseki #DataScienceLab

GoodFellows Expands Its Horizons in Shimonoseki

On May 26, 2026, GoodFellows Inc. announced its expansion into Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, by signing a business establishment agreement with the local government. This significant event was attended by the Mayor of Shimonoseki and the company CEO, Masami Isobe, highlighting a unified vision for regional revitalization and job creation. During the same event, GoodFellows also formalized a comprehensive collaboration agreement with Shimonoseki City University, focusing on the development of digital human resources in partnership with academia and government institutions.

The Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony was a significant milestone, held at the Shimonoseki City Hall on the afternoon of May 26. In attendance were key figures including:

• - Mayor of Shimonoseki, Shintaro Maeda
• - President of Shimonoseki City University, Chang-Wan Han
• - Yamaguchi Prefecture Industrial Labor Department's Chief Supervisor, Kazuya Fujimura
• - CEO of GoodFellows, Masami Isobe

Both the city and the company expressed a commitment to collaborative efforts that would lead to positive changes in the local economy and community, focusing on creating innovative business solutions.

Overview of the New Establishment

• - Company Name: GoodFellows Shimonoseki AI Data Science Lab
• - Location: 6th Floor, Kaikyō Messe Shimonoseki, 3-3-1 Toyomada-cho, Shimonoseki City
• - Business Focus: Planning and development of new projects utilizing IoT and AI.

Comments from Attendees

Masami Isobe, the CEO of GoodFellows, expressed his enthusiasm for the establishment of the new lab aimed at contributing to regional revitalization. “We are excited to implement revenue management systems that leverage AI and data science to enhance the operational efficiency of local attractions,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of collaborating with local institutions, including the marine museum, to promote tourism initiatives in the Kanmon area. Furthermore, Isobe announced plans to hire 30 IT professionals from the local community, thereby boosting local employment.

Kazuya Fujimura from Yamaguchi Prefecture remarked on the high technical prowess of GoodFellows, praising the company's successful implementation of ticketing systems across over 400 venues nationwide.

Mayor Shintaro Maeda articulated his optimism regarding the economic impact of this expansion, emphasizing the importance of training the next generation of talent in fields such as AI and data science. He acknowledged the collaboration with Shimonoseki City University as a strategic step in addressing educational and workforce gaps in the region.

Collaboration with Shimonoseki City University

GoodFellows signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Shimonoseki City University on the same day, aimed at fostering educational collaboration. The university has recently established a new data science department, allowing for innovative approaches to teaching. President Chang-Wan Han noted that this partnership would provide students with practical knowledge from industry experts, thereby equipping them with the skills needed for the future job market.

Isobe expressed his commitment to sharing insights from GoodFellows’ extensive experience in ticketing systems to enhance students' learning experiences. “We aim to provide students with real-world problems for their projects, allowing them to apply their knowledge effectively,” he added.

A Vision for the Future

GoodFellows has positioned itself as a leader in ICT solutions for leisure and cultural facilities, adhering to its mission of connecting people through innovative experiences. They aim to drive local economic growth through continued investment in technology and partnerships, emphasizing the significance of developing and empowering local talent.

As part of their ongoing efforts, GoodFellows envisions a future where Shimonoseki becomes a hub for technological advancement and a model for successful collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Shimonoseki AI Data Science Lab and the partnership with Shimonoseki City University signal an exciting chapter for GoodFellows and the region, fostering a culture of innovation, skill development, and economic prosperity.