Okayama City Launches Recruitment for Regional Revitalization Experts via Side Business Scheme

Okayama City Invites Specialists for Arena Development

Okayama City has officially commenced its recruitment for talents through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Side Business-type Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur" system. This initiative aims to find experts to contribute to the promotion of the arena development project (PFI).

Matching Side Business Talent with Local Government

In the face of demographic challenges, including population decline and an aging society, local governments are forced to tackle complex issues such as establishing regional brands, encouraging migration, fostering sustainable urban development, and advancing administrative digital transformation (DX). Given their fiscal and staffing constraints, local governments often struggle to address these challenges alone.

To tackle this issue, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications created the "Side Business-type Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur" system. This program allows individuals affiliated with companies to enter into agreements with local governments, facilitating involvement in solving local issues through a minimum commitment of 20 hours a month, including at least one in-person visit.

Unlike traditional employee dispatch models that require long-term commitments and agreements between companies and governments, this flexible arrangement allows a greater number of private individuals to engage in local revitalization efforts.

Since its founding in May 2019, Another Works has been a firm believer in the importance of "side businesses" as essential in today’s society—ensuring individuals have multiple avenues for income while enhancing skills, career progression, and self-fulfillment. Their main service, a matching platform for individuals seeking side business opportunities with companies and local governments named "Fukugyo Cloud", has achieved impressive milestones. As of April 2026, the platform boasts over 100,000 registered talents, with 2,500 companies and 250 municipalities utilizing its services. With a solid foundation of experience and expertise, Another Works is dedicated to empowering Okayama's local revitalization using the new system.

Background of Recruitment for Arena Development (PFI)

Okayama City is pushing forward with development plans that focus on arena facilities, which will not only generate significant economic benefits through various events like sports competitions and live concerts but also enhance community engagement and joy that cannot be quantified in monetary terms. Currently, the city is preparing to draft implementation policies and a request for proposals (RFP) for private-sector selection under the PFI framework.

However, the PFI method being considered by Okayama City (a combination of build-transfer and concession approach) is relatively new in Japan, and there is insufficient accumulated internal knowledge within the city's administration. Thus, to enhance the quality of the arena development project, Okayama City is seeking to recruit an "Arena Development (PFI) Promotion Advisor". This consultant will provide advice on PFI project implementation and urban development, ensuring that the arena facilities will cater to both top-tier teams and alleviate venue shortages for amateur sports while also hosting a variety of events that contribute positively to the economy and community well-being.

Recruitment Information

To find out more about the Arena Development (PFI) Promotion Advisor position, please visit:
Job listing here

Timeline

- April 8, 2026: Job application starts
- April 22, 2026: Job application ends
- May 8, 2026: Online interviews
- May 18, 2026: In-person interviews in Okayama City (travel & accommodation costs separately covered)
- May 20, 2026: Notification of hiring decisions
- May 26, 2026: Start of commission ceremony and operations in Okayama City

About Okayama City

Okayama City serves as a central hub in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, boasting advanced urban facilities for commerce, healthcare, and education, while retaining a harmonious balance with its rich natural environment ranging from the Kibi highlands to the Seto Inland Sea. Known for its striking black exterior, Okayama Castle, referred to as "Ujo", and Korakuen garden—one of Japan's three famous gardens—are just a glimpse into the city's rich historical and cultural assets. Additionally, the region is recognized for being a prominent producer of fruits such as muscats and white peaches.

Address: 1-1, Daiku, Kita-ku, Okayama City, 700-8544, Japan.
Website: Okayama City Website

Fukugyo Cloud for Public

This initiative brings together talented individuals with side businesses alongside municipal staff to collaboratively address administrative challenges, thereby aiming to achieve regional revitalization. As of April 2026, over 250 municipalities across 47 prefectures have engaged with the project, making it one of the largest efforts in Japan aimed at integrating professional talent for local governance.

- Service Name: Fukugyo Cloud for Public
- Website: Fukugyo Cloud for Public

About Another Works

As a pioneering IT venture, Another Works is dedicated to reshaping the landscape of work through "side businesses". Their main service, the Fukugyo Cloud, facilitates not only additional earnings but also skill enhancement, career growth, and self-fulfillment. With a vision to maximize opportunities for all those who dare to take on challenges, Another Works aspires to foster an environment where individuals can pursue their aspirations through side endeavors, all without needing a drastic change in their current situations.