#Japan #Okayama #Okayama City #Another Works #Regional Vitalization

Okayama City Initiates Talent Recruitment for Local Economic Revitalization

Okayama City, located at a strategic transportation hub in the Chugoku region of Japan, is embarking on a mission to rejuvenate its local economy through the innovative 'Regional Vitalization Entrepreneur' system introduced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As part of this initiative, the city, in partnership with Another Works—a startup based in Minato, Tokyo—is launching a search for specialized professionals in two key roles: 'Startup Support Advisor' and 'Corporate Furusato Tax Strategy Advisor.' This move aims to leverage external expertise to tackle pressing local issues and stimulate regional growth.

The Importance of Local Expertise

Many areas in Japan face challenges such as branding, promoting migration, urban development, and municipal digital transformation. Addressing these issues requires insights from private sector experts and specialized skills, resources that local governments often lack. Understanding this dilemma, the Ministry devised the 'Regional Vitalization Entrepreneur' program, allowing individuals from businesses to formalize collaborations with municipalities. Through this initiative, participants contribute a minimum of four days per month, including onsite visits, to work on regional challenges.

Traditionally, collaboration between companies and local governments required long-term commitments and specific agreements, which limited participation. The new approach is designed to be more flexible, allowing a wider range of professionals to engage in initiatives to revitalize local communities.

Another Works has been at the forefront of this trend, operating the 'Fukugyo Cloud' platform, which has matched over 95,000 professionals with various organizations since its launch in 2019. This platform not only connects individuals looking for side jobs with businesses and local governments but also supports collaboration between more than 220 municipalities in the mission to recruit talent for regional development.

A Dual Call for Expertise

The recruitment for the two positions reflects specific needs within Okayama City's local economic framework. As a stronghold for supporting startups, the city has made strides in facilitating the growth of local entrepreneurs. However, despite progress, there's a significant need for enhancing investment opportunities for regional startups. The city aims to recruit a 'Startup Support Advisor' to bolster connections between local entrepreneurs and outside investors, helping to promote local ventures more effectively.

To explore this opportunity further, interested individuals can find the job listing for the Startup Support Advisor here.

In addition, Okayama has also been engaging in initiatives related to corporate Furusato (hometown) tax donations since 2020, striving to increase the volume of contributions. The municipality recognizes that effective communication of project appeals and strategy design is crucial in reaching its fundraising goals, thus leading to the search for a 'Corporate Furusato Tax Strategy Advisor.' This role will focus on developing and executing strategies to enhance engagement and contributions from local businesses.

For more details on this position, applicants can refer to the job listing here.

Recruitment Timeline

The recruitment schedule is as follows:

• - Public Recruitment Start: May 12, 2025
• - Public Recruitment End: May 26, 2025
• - Online Interviews: June 9, 2025
• - Face-to-Face Interviews: June 27, 2025, in Okayama (travel and accommodation covered separately)
• - Notification of Hiring Decisions: June 30, 2025
• - Official Appointment Ceremony and Start Date: July 9, 2025.

Summary of Okayama City

Okayama City is renowned for its rich natural resources and urban convenience, fostering a high quality of life. The city's efforts towards communal development embrace local cultural heritage and the community's aspirations for a vibrant future. As part of its marketing strategy, Okayama City promotes itself as 'Momotaro's Town,' honoring the famous local folklore hero.

For more information, visit the official city website here.

In conclusion, through the recent talent recruitment drive, Okayama City is not just looking to fill positions but is actively engaging with skilled professionals to stimulate local economic growth. The partnership with Another Works marks a significant step towards innovative solutions in regional development, showcasing the commitment to building a sustainable and dynamic community.