#Japan #Naruto City #Otetutabi #Hometown Registration

Otetsutabi and Naruto City's Collaboration

In a promising development for community engagement, Otetsutabi Co., Ltd., an innovative matching service that combines work and travel, has officially partnered with Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture. This collaboration has emerged as the city has been chosen to adopt the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 'Hometown Resident Registration System Model Project.' This initiative aims to visualize and institutionalize the connections between people and regions outside of their registered residency locations, allowing participants to be recognized as 'Hometown Residents.'

The New National Initiative: Hometown Resident Registration System

The Hometown Resident Registration System is designed to acknowledge individuals who maintain ongoing relationships with regions other than where they reside. As of March 2026, after receiving applications from 161 organizations across the nation, 21 municipalities, including Naruto City, have been selected for this pilot program.

Ongoing Initiatives for Workforce and Community Relationships

In previous collaborations, Otetsutabi and Naruto City have achieved considerable success in addressing labor shortages while creating a sense of community. Key initiatives included:
1. Promoting participation in local businesses through the Otetsutabi service.
2. Creating job and accommodation opportunities for participants from outside the region.
3. Fostering relationships between local businesses and residents with participants.
4. Building connections that encourage repeat visitation and ongoing engagement.

These grassroots efforts formed a strong foundation leading to the current model project's selection. Prior press releases detail the various collaborative efforts undertaken by Otetsutabi and Naruto City, affirming their commitment to enhancing community ties.

Model Project Goals: Connecting Data and Community

In the forthcoming model project, Otetsutabi and Naruto City plan to expand on their achievements by focusing on several objectives:

• - Utilizing short-term work and stays to create meaningful community engagement.
• - Collecting and analyzing data on participant experiences and local interactions.
• - Exploring synergies between the Hometown Resident Registration System and related applications.
• - Designing pathways for ongoing relationships through repeat visits and bi-regional living arrangements.

Through this strategic approach, the collaboration intends to create a sustainable flow of relationships between people and their communities, from engagement to long-term residency.

Comments from Naruto City Officials

The officials from Naruto City have expressed their determination to enhance community ties through this collaboration with Otetsutabi. Their goal is to not only connect local business operators with nationwide participants but to cultivate a new demography of 'Hometown Residents' who maintain lasting ties with the region.

CEO of Otetsutabi's Vision

Rina Nagaoka, the CEO of Otetsutabi, eloquently discussed the shared challenges faced by Naruto City and her organization in terms of labor shortages and community engagement since the early stages of the company's foundation. She further emphasized the need to transform the workforce gap into an opportunity, allowing external talent to deeply integrate into the community dynamics. Her vision is to establish Naruto City as a leading example of sustainable community engagement, showcasing how local interactions can foster a sense of 'second hometown' amongst participants looking for meaningful experiences.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Community Development

As the model project unfolds, Otetsutabi is dedicated to addressing regional challenges, focusing on:

• - Transitioning the creation of community relationships into sustained engagement.
• - Visualizing regional issues and collaborating with municipalities to improve working conditions.
• - Building a systematic approach for communities to share, support, and connect.

By leveraging the experiences gained in Naruto City, Otetsutabi aims to replicate and adapt successful practices in various other regions, contributing to a sustainable societal model across Japan.

What is Otetsutabi?

Otetsutabi is a unique talent-matching service that blends travel and assistance work, providing solutions for local businesses facing labor shortages while enabling travelers eager to explore new places. By working within unique conditions, participants can fund their travels while immersing themselves in the local culture, thus not only mitigating financial burdens but also enriching their experiences.

Trends in Participant Demographics

With over 97,000 registered users as of April 2026, Otetsutabi is becoming increasingly popular, especially among individuals over 50, reflecting a growing trend where older participants are looking to engage more extensively within these communal frameworks.

Otetsutabi is also establishing partnerships with over 70 municipalities, fostering regional cooperation to build inclusive solutions for community needs.