Local Connect Event
2025-06-26 06:13:26

Local Connect 2025 Tokyo Celebrates Multicultural Collaboration with Global Participants

Report on LOCAL CONNECT 2025 TOKYO



On February 5 and 6, 2024, Shukuba Japan organized the second edition of the LOCAL CONNECT event in collaboration with EMPATY SEEDS, a social enterprise based in Daegu, South Korea. The focus of this year's gathering was to enhance multicultural coexistence through community-building tourism. This initiative attracted guests and participants from both Japan and abroad, promoting diverse cultural exchanges.

Last year's inaugural event was held in Daegu, where Shukuba Japan and EMPATY SEEDS, along with five other guesthouses dedicated to solving social issues through travel, formed strategic partnerships. This year’s event brought together a total of 71 participants from 13 regions, all aimed at furthering collaboration and deepening mutual understanding through various programs and workshops in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

Overview of LOCAL CONNECT 2025 TOKYO


  • - Organizer: Shukuba Japan Co., Ltd.
  • - Co-organizers: EMPATY SEEDS, EMPATHY GUESTHOUSE, LOF (Daegu, South Korea), Kobe GUESTHOUSE Maya, GUESTHOUSE Kura (Nagano), and Oniishi GUESTHOUSE & Inn.
  • - Supporters: Shinagawa Tokaido Historical Neighborhood Development Council, Shinagawa Ward, Kitashinagawa Shopping District Cooperative.
  • - Sponsors: Various local businesses and organizations.

EVENT PROGRAM


February 5 (Wednesday)


  • - 9:30 - 12:00 Orientation
- Part 1: History lecture of Shinagawa Post Town (9:30-10:45) @ Kitani Town Community Center
- Part 2: Town walking tour (10:45-11:30) @ Old Tokaido Shinagawa Post Town Area
  • - 15:00 - 17:30 Meetup (General Assembly) @ Shinagawa Health Center, 7th-floor hall
  • - 18:00 - 20:00 Networking party @ Shinagawa Health Center, 7th-floor hall

February 6 (Thursday)


  • - 9:30 - 16:00 Workshops @ Shinagawa First Community Center, 2nd floor, Meeting Room 1
  • - 16:00 - 18:00 Workshop Presentation @ Shinagawa Health Center, 7th-floor hall

For a detailed report of the event, visit this link.

What is LOCAL CONNECT?


LOCAL CONNECT aims to resolve societal issues through community-building travel and tourism. This event promotes interregional cooperation, multicultural coexistence, and sustainable tourism.

The first LOCAL CONNECT took place in Daegu on January 10, 2024, leading to a partnership between Shukuba Japan and EMPATY SEEDS, united by the shared philosophy of "making the world a better place through travel."

Founders of LOCAL CONNECT


1. EMPATY SEEDS: A social enterprise based in Daegu, working on social change through regional tourism and international exchanges. It was established in 2003 to support North Korean defectors and later transitioned into a social enterprise with guesthouses and tourism ventures.
2. Shukuba Japan: A hospitality company based in Shinagawa, promoting community-based lodging and supporting entrepreneurs in starting and revitalizing guesthouses.

Upcoming Activities


Shukuba Japan plans to expand the LOCAL CONNECT community by collaborating with more partners who resonate with its mission. Future initiatives focus on a five-year plan targeting sustainability and broadening the impact of these collaborations.

Vision


"Connecting localities to achieve a sustainable, multicultural society," emphasizes building a collaborative network among local hospitality and tourism providers to address both regional economic needs and social challenges. Shukuba Japan’s leader, Takashi Watanabe, envisions building a robust community that promotes continuous engagement and learning, enhancing local tourism that transcends borders. For more details, continue to follow our updates.

By sharing effective models and practices to solve regional challenges, Shukuba Japan seeks to create recognition for travel experiences that contribute to broader social and environmental goals. With exciting projects in the pipeline, such as new forms of travel engagement, they encourage everyone interested in sustainable tourism to stay tuned.

To read the complete report on LOCAL CONNECT 2025 TOKYO, click here.


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