#Japan #KDDI #Lawson #Hino #Hino City

Hino City, Lawson, and KDDI Forge a Strategic Partnership

On June 24, 2026, Hino City (Mayor: Sōji Koga), Lawson Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa, Tokyo, President: Sadanobu Takemasu), and KDDI Corporation (Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, President and CEO: Hiroshi Matsuda) will formalize a partnership agreement aimed at fostering growth, development, and enhanced citizen services in Hino City.

This collaborative framework is designed to leverage the strengths of each organization to create a thriving and safe environment for residents, integrating Lawson's retail presence as community and disaster response hubs, while also employing KDDI's cutting-edge communication technologies and digital solutions.

Purpose of the Partnership

The main objective of this partnership is to ensure that all three parties work closely together to bolster Hino City's growth and improve the services offered to its citizens. This initiative underscores a commitment to community betterment through innovative approaches and cooperative efforts.

Key Elements of the Agreement

To achieve the partnership's objectives, the following areas of collaboration have been identified:
1. Promoting Health and Wellness: Focus on enhancing citizens' health awareness and wellness initiatives.
2. Enhancing Medical and Health Services: Improve healthcare availability and awareness in the community.
3. Revitalizing Local Industries and Boosting Tourism: Encourage regional economic activity and attract more visitors to Hino City.
4. Utilizing Local Resources for Urban Design: Innovate urban design by incorporating unique local resources.
5. Educational Collaborations Utilizing Technology: Leverage digital technology in both school and community education settings.
6. Sports and Community Event Participation: Engage in local sports and events to foster community spirit.
7. Commitment to Environmental Sustainability: Work towards sustainable practices in the community.
8. Disaster Preparedness and Safety Initiatives: Develop protocols for disaster response and community safety.
9. Improving Administrative Efficiency with Technology: Embrace digital transformation (DX) to enhance citizen services and reduce administrative burdens.
10. Community Enhancement Events: Organize events that contribute to local vibrancy.
11. Developing Sustainable Local Transportation: Focus on building efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.
12. Additional Projects: Undertake other projects deemed necessary through mutual agreement among the parties.

Future Initiatives

Plans for concrete actions as part of this partnership include:

• - Utilization of Lawson Stores as Community Hubs: Establishing Lawson outlets as pivotal points for local engagement and shopping support.
• - Emergency Support Services: Implementing functions at select Lawson locations to act as disaster response points equipped with advanced communication technology (e.g., Starlink).
• - Enhanced Citizen Communication: Offering new means of interaction between residents and local services through remote customer assistance.
• - Data-Driven Decision Making: Capitalizing on KDDI's analytical capabilities, including those from its subsidiary ARISE analytics, to visualize local challenges and help formulate effective strategies based on evidence-based policy making (EBPM) principles.

The specific details of these initiatives will be determined through ongoing discussions among the parties involved. This collaboration reflects a proactive approach to addressing Hino City’s needs and improving the quality of life for its residents through the synergy of community-oriented initiatives and advanced technology.