#Japan #Gifu #Co-IV #a #CoIU

Introduction

The inception of the Co-Innovation Valley Alliance (CoIVa) marks a significant step toward fostering community collaboration and sustainable development in Gifu Prefecture, specifically in Takayama City. Spearheaded by JTB Corporation and Hiroaki Inoue, CoIVa aims to facilitate a platform that melds educational, environmental, and community efforts through three interconnected initiatives.

Objectives of Co-Innovation Valley

The Co-Innovation Valley project, known as CoIV, is more than just a regional collaboration program. It serves as a framework to integrate efforts aimed at establishing a university, the Co-Innovation University (CoIU), and a collaborative facility named soranotani. These components will work in conjunction with renewable energy initiatives to promote sustainable practices within communities. The ultimate goal is to create a thriving ecosystem of innovation and learning by the time the CoIU opens its doors in April 2026.

Key Features of CoIVa

1. Diversity of Stakeholders

CoIVa acts as a nexus for diverse stakeholders connected to both CoIU and CoIV. It supports the exchange of ideas across various fields and sectors, uniting:

• - 44 companies nationwide that resonate with the philosophy of CoIV
• - Approximately 130 regional nonprofits and organizations ready to accept CoIU students
• - 15 regional candidates for collaboration with CoIU

2. Unified Information Dissemination

CoIVa will consolidate information regarding the CoIV initiative, aiming to enhance project recognition and foster participation among the community. By centralizing communications, CoIVa hopes to amplify outreach efforts.

3. Educational Hub Functionality

Through resources like recurrent education support and online salons, CoIVa strives to reassess local capital's value, aiming to nurture innovative talents and individuals engaged in rural revitalization efforts. CoIVa aspires to create a spontaneous environment for communication and business co-creation.

The Significance of JTB's Involvement

JTB Corporation's commitment to the CoIVa initiative is informed by its extensive experience in tourism and community engagement. This partnership allows JTB to leverage its integrated service offerings to tackle challenges faced by member companies and local stakeholders:
1. Knowledge transfer in personnel development and communication activation for member companies.
2. Development of networks and content that connect local enterprises with those from outside the region.
3. A collaborative inquiry-based learning approach between JTB's programs for middle and high school students and CoIU's educational model.

JTB aims to pioneer new travel and community revitalization models by transitioning from mass tourism towards sustainable, high-value industries that can leverage regional resources effectively.

Immediate and Long-Term Activities

CoIVa's activities are categorized into short, medium, and long-term initiatives:

• - Short-term Goals (Within 1 Year):

- Expand founding membership and enhance organizational foundations.
- Host regular member exchange events.
- Launch and manage an online forum for discussions.
- Develop corporate visitation programs and transformative travel experiences centered around Takayama.

• - Medium-term Goals (Within 3 Years):

- Extend corporate visitation and transformative travel programs to 15 regions.
- Provide high-quality learning programs incorporating cross-border experiences for business leaders.
- Create and market high-value experiential programs at soranotani.

• - Long-term Vision (5+ Years):

- Continuously nurture next-generation leaders within the CoIVa community.
- Generate impactful business ideas that provoke structural change in local industries through collaboration among CoIVa's member companies and organizations.

Expected Outcomes

The establishment of CoIVa is anticipated to lead to significant outcomes across various sectors:
1. Economic impact: Diversification of local industries and securing stable income sources through the revaluation of regional assets.
2. Social impact: Establishing sustainable urban planning models in regions experiencing population decline.
3. Educational impact: Developing talents capable of addressing practical regional challenges.
4. Environmental impact: Realizing a decarbonized society powered by renewable energy initiatives.

Organizational Overview

• - Name: General Incorporated Association Co-Innovation Valley Alliance (CoIVa)
• - Establishment Date: September 1, 2025
• - Location: Global Gate 6th Floor, 4-60-12 Hiraiike-cho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
• - Representative Director: Hiroaki Inoue
• - Initial Members: Hiroaki Inoue, JTB Corporation
• - Expected Membership: Approximately 200 organizations including businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, and community groups.
• - Membership Fee: Free for founding members initially.

Contact Information for Inquiries

• - For business or organizational inquiries, contact JTB Nagoya Business Division at: TEL: 052-446-7206 (Business Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays)
• - For media inquiries, please call JTB Public Relations Office: TEL: 03-5796-5833 (Tokyo) / 06-6260-5108 (Osaka).