#Japan #FLASPO #Tara Town #Mystery Cycling

Create New Connections through Mystery in Tara Town

Tara Town, located in Saga Prefecture, is preparing to stage a unique cycling mystery contest in collaboration with FLASPO, a platform dedicated to empowering young creators. Aiming to highlight the charm of the town, known as "The Town Where Lunar Gravity is Visible," this initiative encourages students and young innovators across Japan to participate in creating single-layer mysteries, also known as "Ichimai Nazo."

The contest is tied to the development of new courses for "Tara Ariake Cycling Mystery," an experiential tourism content where participants can enjoy cycling through local attractions while solving engaging puzzles. Popular spots like the "Uo Shrine's Underwater Torii Gate" will serve as inspirations for the mysteries, encouraging participants to explore and appreciate the essence of Tara Town.

Contest Overview

From July 25, 2025, to September 7, 2025, applications will be accepted from anyone 18 years or older. Participants can submit their designs for the mysteries directly to the FLASPO platform. Winning entries will not only earn a share of a total prize of 100,000 yen, but they will also be integrated into the cycling mystery course, giving their creators recognition in the gaming community.

Awards:

• - 1st Prize: 50,000 yen
• - 2nd Prize: 30,000 yen
• - 3rd Prize: 20,000 yen

Additionally, the children will receive evaluations and feedback from the renowned quiz player "Ko-chan," further enriching their experience and exposure. The top ideas, selected for their engaging and reflective nature of Tara Town, will become part of the actual mystery routes by autumn 2025.

Engaging Youth with Local Flair

As rural areas continue to struggle with declining populations, creating new forms of engagement with communities has never been more critical. Data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism indicates that over 22% of those aged 18 and over maintain ongoing relationships with local regions—many of whom have never even visited those places. This non-visit engagement offers fresh avenues for attracting tourists and developing deeper local ties.

Recent trends emphasize the significance of welcoming travelers as local companions rather than just tourists. The government has outlined visions for collaborative relationships with youth and stakeholders for community building in their "Regional Revitalization 2.0 Concept" for 2025.

Tara Town has seen an impact through previous initiatives, where young contributors proposed effective tourism PR ideas. The previous cycling mystery project, developed in 2024, successfully attracted younger tourists, showing the strong potential of experiential tourism in fostering continuous community ties.

Why Participate?

This contest embodies the spirit of collaboration: gather local elements, creatively spin narratives, and embody the town’s character through accessible and entertaining experiences. By crafting mysteries that resonate with Tara’s distinct features—like its famous underwater shrine and the intriguing lunar theme—up-and-coming creatives can have their ideas brought to life, influencing how visitors interact with the area.

Participants are invited to consider not only the mystery's creativity but also the enjoyment factor for those engaging with it while cycling. Tying tourism and creativity together offers a perfect platform for those with an interest in creative competition or community development.

The contest is not merely about the prizes but about piquing curiosity and forging connections, whether from afar or up close.

Application Process

Applicants can submit their work through FLASPO's website, where they will be required to upload images of their mysteries along with clues, explanations, and unique twists. The contest aims to draw not only mystery and quiz enthusiasts but also those passionate about local revitalization, inviting everyone to contribute to shaping the future of Tara Town’s tourism scene.

Important Dates:

• - Application Period: July 25, 2025 – September 7, 2025
• - Result Announcement: Mid-September 2025 on the official sites of FLASPO and Tara Town Tourism Association.

This initiative promises an exciting pathway for young creators and an innovative boost for Tara Town's tourism, encouraging further exploration and interaction with the beauty of local Japanese culture, landscapes, and community spirit.