#Japan #Tokyo #Wakayama #Work Design Lab #multi-business

Work Design Lab Collaborates with Wakayama Prefecture

Work Design Lab, an organization based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is excited to announce its selection for the "Dual-Business and Entrepreneurship for Community Engagement Project" in the 7th year of the Reiwa era. This project, commissioned by Wakayama Prefecture, aims to enhance the population engaged in urban activities while promoting new work styles through the innovative use of vacant houses.

Project Overview

The primary goal of this initiative is to increase urban engagement within Wakayama, fostering sustainable regional development through the creation of new business models that leverage vacant properties for dual-business opportunities. In the upcoming year, Work Design Lab will focus on two cities within Wakayama Prefecture: Tanabe City and Kozagawa Town, working alongside local development bodies and municipalities to facilitate connections and advance project goals.

Since 2023, Work Design Lab has been actively participating in Wakayama's community engagement program, harnessing its experience in facilitating collaborations between local enterprises and municipalities nationwide. This partnership aligns perfectly with Work Design Lab’s mission to contribute to the sustainability of Wakayama Prefecture.

Detailed Plans for Fiscal Year 7

The initiative aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. Identify and select urban talent to match local needs in the Wakayama area.
2. Coordinate local site visits and discussion programs with regional stakeholders.
3. Collaborate with urban dual-business talents to develop new project ideas in Tanabe City and Kozagawa Town.
4. Host an event to report on the outcomes and promote community and cross-regional networks.

Upcoming Activities

• - Local Site Visits and Discussion Programs: Scheduled for October 2023 in Wakayama Prefecture.
• - Business Development Program: Running from October 2023 to February 2024 in the designated areas.
• - Outcome Reporting Event: A hybrid event to share project outcomes and facilitate further discussions with local stakeholders, set to occur in February 2024 in Tokyo.

Previous Initiatives in Collaboration with Wakayama Prefecture

• - Fiscal Year 5: Promotion of workation acceptance as part of the community engagement program.
• - Fiscal Year 6: Engaging in programs that utilized vacant houses for dual-business creation.

For more information, you can check previous releases for significant insights into past events and their impacts.

Words from Our Representative

Takashi Ishikawa, the representative director of Work Design Lab, expressed his excitement, stating, "I am thrilled and honored to continue our partnership with Wakayama Prefecture on this community engagement program. The cultural richness of Tanabe City, home to the World Heritage Kumano Kodo, and the historical significance of Kozagawa Town’s clear streams, truly inspire us. The commitment from local residents to preserve this incredible environment enhances our mission to connect urban individuals with potential entrepreneurial opportunities in the region.

This initiative aligns with national concerns surrounding the effective use of vacant houses and supports the growing trend of maintaining existing employment while contributing to local businesses and creating new opportunities. Our role is to act as a catalyst that connects the charm of Wakayama with urban professionals seeking new challenges. We aim to merge these physical spaces with innovative ideas to develop a sustainable regional model in Tanabe and Kozagawa. With resolute collaboration from all stakeholders, we aspire to create ambitions that spark hope for rural revitalization throughout Japan.

About Work Design Lab

Work Design Lab envisions a society brimming with vibrant adults who inspire youth to dream of a bright future. We run various projects aimed at addressing community challenges in cooperation with organizations and municipalities nationwide. Additionally, we manage a community for cross-industry new business practitioners and conduct study sessions for those engaged in dual-business activities. With a core group of approximately 230 members primarily working in the Tokyo metropolitan area, all who actively practice dual careers, we are committed to fostering an engaging and dynamic work environment for all.

Contact Information: For inquiries regarding this initiative, please contact the Press Office at Work Design Lab: [email protected]