AIO Research Supports Tourism Promotion in Takaharu Town, Miyazaki Prefecture

AIO Research Co., Ltd. (AIO総研), headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, plays a vital role in enhancing the digital transformation (DX) and AI utilization of businesses. Recently, the company has initiated a project to promote tourism in Takaharu Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, located at the foothills of the Kirishima mountain range. The project involves the production of a documentary-style video featuring the day-to-day operations of local tourism businesses, aiming to foster greater awareness and interest in the area.

Background: Communicating the Reality of Takaharu

Takaharu Town is known for its natural attractions, including hot springs, camping sites, and golf courses, as well as its rich cultural heritage, being the reputed birthplace of Emperor Jimmu. Although the town is home to numerous attractions and historical shrines, the challenge lies in effectively communicating these assets to a wider audience. Individual businesses often struggle to reach potential visitors, leading to the necessity of a cohesive strategy for disseminating information about the town as a collective.

To address this issue, AIO Research has collaborated with local government and tourism entities. The initiative not only entails video production but also focuses on ensuring that this content is accessible for both users and AI algorithms, thus enhancing its visibility in search queries.

Why a Documentary Instead of Simple Promotion?

Tourism promotion traditionally relies on visually appealing videos showcasing scenic landscapes and facilities. However, AIO Research believes that merely presenting the beauty is insufficient for effectively communicating the true nature of Takaharu. Visitors are more interested in the reality of daily operations, rather than glossy portrayals of destinations. Thus, the project adopts a documentary approach, providing an authentic glimpse into the lives of those running local tourism facilities.

The documentary follows the daily routine of the staff at the Okumikurishima Onsen Kyo Co., Ltd, featuring everything from morning bookings to evening inspections. Partnering with LOCARU, a video production company based in Miyazaki City known for its expertise in documenting the daily lives of business owners, AIO Research is committed to capturing the real experiences of those who contribute to Takaharu's tourism.

Operating Massive Grounds with a Small Team

The focus of the documentary is on Masaki Uchimura, the director of Okumikurishima Onsen Kyo Co., Ltd. This company was established by five members of the local ryokan (inn) association, with the aim of managing two facilities owned by the town: the Okumikurishima Koijihara Park Camping Ground and the Okumikurishima Oike Camping Village. Given the geographical concentration of hot springs in Takaharu, it became essential to manage surrounding facilities effectively to attract visitors.

Remarkably, this extensive area — comparable to the size of three Tokyo Domes — is managed by just five individuals, including Uchimura himself. The company operates various attractions such as:

- Fishing ponds
- Rainbow trout catching
- Go-karting
- A large, roofed wooden playground
- Accommodation facilities
- A café and Kuijihara Shrine

During the pandemic, which hit in March 2020, Takaharu, like many places, faced a significant decline in visitors. However, the resilience of operators like Uchimura, who continues to create family-friendly spaces, is a testament to the vitality of Takaharu's hospitality industry.

Ensuring that the Produced Video Reaches Its Audience

AIO Research’s role extends beyond merely producing the video. With the rise of generative AI, user behavior is evolving; instead of browsing multiple search results, users increasingly receive synthesized answers from AI. Research indicates that data about local businesses often lack representation in search results, which frequently draw from public institutions. The intricacies and unique offerings of businesses like Uchimura's tend to be overshadowed unless actively promoted.

During the project, AIO Research noted that videos, like the one produced, are becoming prevalent references in AI-generated answers, indicating that video content is on par with textual articles. By making recorded facts available in both video and text, the initiative aims to increase visibility in search queries and ultimately contribute to the ongoing promotion of Takaharu’s tourism.

Commentary from Stakeholders

Yujiro Maruyama, Mayor of Takaharu Town, said, “With so many attractions, from hot springs to captivating historical shrines, we have yet to convey the full extent of our offerings. This video authentically portrays the dedication of our local businesses, and I hope many viewers will be inspired to visit Takaharu.”
Yuki Saito, CEO of AIO Research, noted, “After my visit last year, I felt that Takaharu deserved to be showcased. By documenting daily operations and promoting this content, we aim to contribute to the local tourism sector.”
Kousei Takashima, CEO of LOCARU, commented, “Focusing on genuine daily lives reveals the true attractiveness of a place. I hope through Uchimura’s story, we can share the essence of Takaharu with a broader audience.”

AIO Research’s Commitment

AIO Research specializes in assisting companies with operational processes and business model transformations through AI Operations (AI Ops) and AI Optimization (AIO). This includes offering free diagnostic tools, site audits, and consultations to ensure a smooth transition to AI-driven searches.
For local governments and businesses, AIO Research provides comprehensive support, from uncovering primary information to content design.
Visit their website to learn more: AIO Research