Showcase Express Hits 600 Registrations in Just One Month Since Launch

Showcase Express: A New Transportation Service Connecting Students and Akita City

In just one month since its inception, the Showcase Express has made a remarkable impact, amassing over 600 registered users. This service, designed specifically for students of the International University of Akita (AIU), bridges the gap between the university and the Akita city center, providing essential transportation solutions in a region where public transport options have been drastically limited.

Background of Showcase Express

Launched by Showcase Capital, a subsidiary of Showcase Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, Showcase Express commenced operations on April 7, 2025. The initiative arose from the pressing need to ameliorate public transport challenges faced by students living in a rural area where bus services are increasingly becoming unreliable.

AIU, located just a ten-minute drive from Akita Airport, had been previously reliant on a bus service to access Akita Station, the main transport hub. However, due to a shortage of bus drivers, this route saw a severe reduction to just one service per day starting April 2025. This setback sparked concerns about students’ accessibility to city life, prompting the launch of the Showcase Express.

To fund this essential service, Showcase Capital collaborated with various local sponsorships, allowing advertisements within the shuttle to aid operational costs. This innovative strategy not only overcomes financial hurdles but also enhances community engagement and helps advertise local businesses to a captive audience of students.

As of May 2025, the shuttle has been utilized by an average of 55 students each day, emphasizing its immediate necessity and success in improving access to southwest Akita for AIU students.

Student Feedback and Reactions

Students have expressed their enthusiasm about the Showcase Express, sharing how this service will enhance their daily lives. One student, A, noted, “It would be really inconvenient if I couldn’t get to Akita Station. Knowing there’s a shuttle gives me peace of mind.” Others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how the service will facilitate shopping trips or part-time job opportunities around Akita Station.

Another student, Y, stated their excitement, saying, “I am really happy to hear there’s transportation available to Akita Station. I plan to use it for my shopping and leisure activities.” This reflects the broader social and economic benefits derived from the Showcase Express, as it supports not just the educational pursuits of students, but their potential to engage with the local economy.

A Vision for Enhanced Connectivity

The company’s president, Junichi Hirano, who hails from Akita prefecture, envisions a future where students can easily explore Akita’s regional culture and offerings. “Our aim is not only to improve commuting ease but also to instill a sense of belonging for our students who come from various parts of the country,” Hirano stated.

Looking ahead, the Showcase Express plans to expand its routes to cater to more community needs, including routes to local government offices, hospitals, and shopping areas, to further enhance the students' living experiences.