#Japan #Bandai #Regional Revitalization #Bandai Town #Amekaze Taiyo

Amekaze Taiyo and Bandai Town Join Forces for Regional Revitalization

In a groundbreaking agreement, Amekaze Taiyo (Tokyo Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Hiroyuki Takahashi) and Bandai Town (Mayor: Junichi Sato, Fukushima Prefecture) will utilize the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ "Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur Program" to dispatch an employee to the local government. Starting August 1, 2026, the designated Amekaze Taiyo staff member will join Bandai Town’s Administrative Management Department.

Background

According to data from the 2025 national census, Bandai Town has a population of 3,033, which is expected to decrease to 2,035 by 2050 according to government estimates. Interestingly, the daytime population significantly exceeds the nighttime population, reaching 4,340, prompting the town to leverage this strength and promote the "Population 4,000" initiative—aiming to increase local engagements.

To translate this initiative into tangible results, the town recognized the necessity for expertise in urban information dissemination, establishing supportive frameworks, and utilizing digital data to visualize interactions. This collaboration with Amekaze Taiyo, known for proposing strategies to create relationships within communities, has led to the dispatch of specialized personnel.

As of this July, the town has already appointed a dedicated coordinator for "Hometown Resident Registration," allowing for a dual role for staff within a single municipality. The dispatched employee will develop a comprehensive strategy to engage with potential residents, facilitating connections from initial awareness of the town's appeal to fostering a sense of belonging, permanent residency, and bi-local living.

About the Initiative

The dispatched employee will engage in the following activities, aimed at respecting various stages of interaction without solely directing efforts towards encouraging permanent relocation:

• - Planning and implementing initiatives to expand connections and bi-local residents.
• - Promoting Bandai Town to urban and neighboring district individuals interested in the local area.
• - Encouraging engagement between local residents and bi-local participants.
• - Assisting in the development of hubs utilizing vacant properties to deepen connections.
• - Visualizing interactions and improving initiatives through the "Digital Resident Card" system.

Dispatch Overview

• - Dispatching Organization: Amekaze Taiyo Corporation
• - Host: Bandai Town Administrative Management Department
• - Utilization System: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur Program" (Corporate Dispatch Type)
• - Dispatch Period: August 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
• - Job Functions: Ensuring comprehensive engagement support across different stages from outreach to permanent residence.

Visualization and Cultivation of Connections: Bandai Town Digital Resident Card

Bandai Town operates the "Bandai Town Digital Resident Card" as an entry point for fostering relationships with external participants. This system allows anyone with an affinity for the town to register, regardless of visits. It goes beyond a traditional fan club, linking registrants’ IDs to local digital currency "Bandai Coin" and town circulation data, helping to visualize participant involvement in consumption and initiatives. This program prepares for the anticipated launch of a national system in FY2027 and currently has about 300 registrants. The dispatched personnel will leverage this foundation to advance the "Population 4,000" initiative.

Profile of Dispatched Personnel

Shihori Komatsu: A native of Tokyo, Komatsu specializes in community engagement, assisting municipalities in various states across Japan. With a strong emphasis on workshops and community management, she fosters diverse ways for people to engage in local development. She will relocate to Nishiaizu Town, Fukushima, in 2025, while also starting a bi-local living arrangement in Bandai Town in 2026. Her lived experiences as an engaged citizen will empower her to design and communicate relevant initiatives effectively.

What is the Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur Program?

This program enables private sector employees from metropolitan areas to work with local governments for a defined period (6 months to 3 years) based on collaborative agreements, utilizing their expertise to address regional challenges. This initiative specifically employs the "Corporate Dispatch Type" framework to send representatives directly.

Comments

Mayor Junichi Sato of Bandai Town:
"If population decline continues, sustaining essential services, like healthcare and education, will become increasingly challenging. Bandai Town has set its sights on creating vitality from the collective involvement of individuals who wish to engage with our community, rather than merely competing for residents between municipalities. We are committed to ensuring that these connections enhance the quality of life for our citizens alongside those who hold a love for our town."

Hiroyuki Takahashi, President of Amekaze Taiyo Corporation:
"After ten years of advocating for relational populations, we have collaborated with Bandai Town to establish systems for bi-local living and community relationships. It is essential to have a consistent presence that can facilitate deeper community ties. Along with the hometown resident coordinator, we aim to create a model collaboration that can be replicated nationwide."

Company Overview

Amekaze Taiyo, dedicated to "mixing urban and rural dynamics," strives to connect urban centers and local areas through direct engagement with producers across Japan. By fostering relations and creating value, it aims to sustain vibrant communities in the future.

• - Company Name: Amekaze Taiyo Corporation
• - President: Hiroyuki Takahashi
• - Tokyo Office: 2-5-3 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, MIDORI.so NAGATACHO 4F
• - Business Activities: Engagement in various sectors, from food direct sales apps and hometown tax donation frameworks to travel planning and municipal support services.
• - Website: Amekaze Taiyo