#Japan #Tokyo #Public-Private Partnerships #migration #GDX

GDX Highlights Migration Strategies at Tokyo Conference

On November 13, 2025, at the Tokyo-hosted "2025 Tokyo Tama Island Migration Promotion Networking Conference," Koichiro Kasakado, a member of the General Incorporated Association GDX, presented significant insights derived from a comprehensive survey involving 343 municipalities. This event is a collaboration between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, local municipalities, and private entities aimed at promoting residence and creating connections related to regional migration.

Key Highlights from the Presentation

1. Migration Policy Challenges and Conversion Rates

In his presentation titled "Public-Private Partnership Initiatives for Regional Migration Promotion," Kasakado shared findings from GDX's nationwide survey conducted between January and February 2025. The survey revealed that the median number of migration consultations was 47 annually, while the actual number of migrants was a mere 15. He emphasized the necessity of improving the "conversion rate"—the transition from consultation to migration—in light of limited resources available.

2. The Limitations of Analog Management and the Need for Digitization

To effectively enhance conversion rates, maintaining appropriate records of consultations is essential. Alarmingly, approximately 60% of municipalities manage their records using Excel, while over 15% reported that they do not keep management records at all. Kasakado, sharing his personal experiences, stressed the importance of creating a system that facilitates record-keeping and sharing. He proposed that digital solutions, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, should be implemented to streamline the process, which would assist in consistent follow-ups and smoother transitions during personnel changes.

3. Exploring SNS for Information Dissemination

Kasakado noted the keen interest in utilizing social media for information dissemination. Approximately 40% of respondents expressed a desire to strengthen their SNS strategies, although actual practices remain limited. He remarked that the current competitive landscape offers an opportunity for municipalities to leverage social media, suggesting that trial and error could help identify challenges for sustainable engagement.

4. Successful Examples of Public-Private Collaborations

Kasakado shared an inspiring case from Miyazaki City, which utilized its regional strengths to promote "Surfing Migration." This initiative showcases how flexible work arrangements driven by private enterprises can simultaneously encourage migration and alleviate labor shortages. Additionally, he presented successful projects from Yoron Island, where he previously worked as a municipal officer:

• - Housing Initiatives: Addressing the severe housing shortage, a voluntary organization comprising both public and private sectors carried out an "Empty House Subleasing Project", renovating and leasing out vacant properties on a limited budget.
• - Job Creation Initiatives: A local cooperative implemented "Labor Force Sharing," providing versatile employment options tailored to seasonal labor demands.

Kasakado concluded his talk by emphasizing the evolving nature of work influenced by the rise of remote work. He underscored the importance of incorporating external perspectives (such as input from migrants and residents from outside the region) to refine local strengths and engage diverse talents.

About the Speaker

Koichiro Kasakado, a member of GDX, hails from Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. His professional experience includes sales positions at companies like Hikari Tsushin and i-mobile, which operates the local tax donation site, Furunavi. After returning to his hometown, he joined the Yoron Town Office, focusing on migration promotion and addressing local challenges through public-private partnerships. Since October 2025, he has dedicated himself to creating mechanisms that utilize digital technologies and remote work to benefit the region, continuing his commitment to local agriculture by contributing to livestock farming on weekends.

About GDX

The General Incorporated Association GDX is dedicated to promoting digital transformation among local governments, aiming for sustainable regional development. By collaborating with various municipalities, GDX supports solving local challenges and fostering innovation through digital technologies. GDX serves as a vital bridge between local governments and businesses, accelerating regional revitalization via partnerships focused on digital transformation. For more information, feel free to contact us at GDX.