Harnessing Generative AI for Local Revitalization: A Unique Training Experience in Nishiawakura Village
In June 2025, a corporate training event organized by Nippon SP Center took place in Nishiawakura Village, Okayama prefecture, focusing on using generative AI in content marketing to tackle local business challenges. Over four nights and five days, 16 planners, including an external instructor, stayed in the village, immersing themselves in the local culture while addressing the issues faced by three participants.
The training kicked off with an introductory session around the theme of 'Marketing and Communication Support for Local Businesses Using Generative AI.' Participants engaged with three local entities: Awakura Onsen, the Nishiawakura Village Office, and the Nishiawakura Whole Village Research Institute, each wrestling with its own information dissemination issues. The aim was to devise solutions leveraging generative AI alongside conventional content marketing strategies. The Nishiawakura Whole Village Research Institute played a pivotal role in facilitating the accommodation and program selection for this training.
On-site experiences were integral to the training; participants engaged with the village's 100-year forestry plan, examining processes like fuel processing from thinned wood and enjoying local cuisine. Participants had hands-on experiences while gaining a deeper understanding of the community's challenges through interactions with local entrepreneurs and municipal staff, highlighting the significance of local resources.
Through the training, various forms of generative AI were applied, including tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. The focus remained on ease of implementation without requiring extensive external engineering support. Generative AI processed collected firsthand information, enabling teams to generate effective marketing strategies quickly. Tasks like persona creation and problem-solving were streamlined, significantly enhancing output quality within a short timeframe.
The culmination of the training featured a seminar where each group's marketing plans were presented to the local community. They addressed each business's challenges and proposed communication strategies, content initiatives, and actionable plans, which were positively received. Participants from the local businesses praised the practical nature of these insights and expressed newfound possibilities in AI utilization. The local government found fresh perspectives vital for future tourism strategies.
An essential aspect of the training was collecting 'primary information' firsthand. This included in-depth interviews with local businesses and engaging in real work experiences rather than relying solely on secondary sources. Such insights are invaluable for developing effective content marketing strategies, making the data-rich background crucial to tackling real-world challenges.
The planners, who varied widely in age and career background, found the collaborative discussions fostered an environment ripe for idea generation. Sharing experiences across different generational perspectives highlighted opportunities for meaningful improvements in daily tasks. The pandemic has shifted work dynamics, underlining the importance of knowledge sharing and strong interpersonal relationships, which this training successfully cultivated.
As local revitalization and marketing continue to intersect, Nippon SP Center is committed to ongoing research and practical application of generative AI in content marketing, with plans to showcase its findings at the CONTENT MARKETING DAY 2025 event in November.
Nippon SP Center, founded in 1967, is a leading marketing agency with a robust portfolio in both domestic and international projects, focusing on content marketing education and community engagement. The company remains dedicated to linking the marketing industry with local businesses and governments to foster development in rural areas.
The training kicked off with an introductory session around the theme of 'Marketing and Communication Support for Local Businesses Using Generative AI.' Participants engaged with three local entities: Awakura Onsen, the Nishiawakura Village Office, and the Nishiawakura Whole Village Research Institute, each wrestling with its own information dissemination issues. The aim was to devise solutions leveraging generative AI alongside conventional content marketing strategies. The Nishiawakura Whole Village Research Institute played a pivotal role in facilitating the accommodation and program selection for this training.
On-site experiences were integral to the training; participants engaged with the village's 100-year forestry plan, examining processes like fuel processing from thinned wood and enjoying local cuisine. Participants had hands-on experiences while gaining a deeper understanding of the community's challenges through interactions with local entrepreneurs and municipal staff, highlighting the significance of local resources.
Through the training, various forms of generative AI were applied, including tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. The focus remained on ease of implementation without requiring extensive external engineering support. Generative AI processed collected firsthand information, enabling teams to generate effective marketing strategies quickly. Tasks like persona creation and problem-solving were streamlined, significantly enhancing output quality within a short timeframe.
The culmination of the training featured a seminar where each group's marketing plans were presented to the local community. They addressed each business's challenges and proposed communication strategies, content initiatives, and actionable plans, which were positively received. Participants from the local businesses praised the practical nature of these insights and expressed newfound possibilities in AI utilization. The local government found fresh perspectives vital for future tourism strategies.
An essential aspect of the training was collecting 'primary information' firsthand. This included in-depth interviews with local businesses and engaging in real work experiences rather than relying solely on secondary sources. Such insights are invaluable for developing effective content marketing strategies, making the data-rich background crucial to tackling real-world challenges.
The planners, who varied widely in age and career background, found the collaborative discussions fostered an environment ripe for idea generation. Sharing experiences across different generational perspectives highlighted opportunities for meaningful improvements in daily tasks. The pandemic has shifted work dynamics, underlining the importance of knowledge sharing and strong interpersonal relationships, which this training successfully cultivated.
As local revitalization and marketing continue to intersect, Nippon SP Center is committed to ongoing research and practical application of generative AI in content marketing, with plans to showcase its findings at the CONTENT MARKETING DAY 2025 event in November.
Nippon SP Center, founded in 1967, is a leading marketing agency with a robust portfolio in both domestic and international projects, focusing on content marketing education and community engagement. The company remains dedicated to linking the marketing industry with local businesses and governments to foster development in rural areas.
Topics Business Technology）
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