The Launch of Toku-Noix: A New Hub for Digital Transformation in Tokushima

On January 20, 2026, the grand opening of "Toku-Noix," the official collaborative hub for digital transformation established by Tokushima Prefecture, marked a significant milestone for the region. This center aims to address local challenges and develop a skilled workforce dedicated to digital transformation (DX) through the collaboration of various stakeholders in the private, public, and academic sectors.

The event began with speeches from prominent figures, including Tokushima Governor Masazumi Gotoda and esteemed guests from local government and business. Their words highlighted the importance of synergy among diverse entities in pursuit of innovative solutions. The event included an engaging opening act titled "Tsukuru wa, Tsunagaru wa" (Creating Connections), which symbolically represented the unique contributions of each participant coming together to form something greater.

Toku-Noix is strategically located on the fifth floor of the Tokushima Station Clement Plaza. It serves as a dynamic meeting ground where business leaders, educational institutions, local governments, financial organizations, and non-profits can convene to collaborate on projects aimed at solving pressing regional issues. The name Toku-Noix blends the Japanese word "toku" (徳), meaning virtue, with the French word "noix" (のわ), which signifies a nut or a core, embodying the center's mission to create a "circle of trust and virtue" among its participants.

The facility not only facilitates seminars, workshops, hackathons, and pitching events but also promotes the cultivation of young talent, which aligns with the overall goal of enhancing Tokushima's brand identity. This initiative is being supported by Forval, a company that specializes in visualizing ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management and has been appointed as the community manager for Toku-Noix.

The Role of Forval

Forval, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, operates under the philosophy of "Creating a New Normal to Build a New World." The company is committed to nurturing the digital transformation workforce and aiding regional challenges faced by local businesses through its consulting services, known as “corporate doctors.” Their involvement in Toku-Noix emphasizes its significance as a facilitating entity that encourages effective collaboration.

During the pre-opening event, held on November 4, 2025, stakeholders shared their insights on the operational strategies and direction for cross-sector collaboration at Toku-Noix. This gathering enabled a productive platform for fostering relationships and initiated planning for future cooperation.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Toku-Noix is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing digital transformation across Tokushima. Plans are in place to strengthen its function as a hub where innovative minds can connect, interact, and shape effective solutions collaboratively. Key challenges including disaster prevention, traffic management, and population decline will be prioritized, employing digital technologies to bring about tangible improvements.

Hirotsugu Ueda, the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of Tokushima Prefecture, expressed hopes for Toku-Noix to become a melting pot where ideas converge, enabling stakeholders to collaboratively identify and address pressing issues. Recognizing Tokushima’s unique challenges, this initiative has the potential to harness local human resources and innovative ideas to stimulate economic revitalization. Furthermore, community managers will organize various supportive measures to aid small to medium-sized enterprises, ensuring that on-the-ground challenges are communicated effectively to local governments for a constructive feedback loop.

Conclusion

Toku-Noix stands as a beacon for innovation and collaboration in Tokushima, embodying the spirit of community and shared objectives. As it continues to evolve, it promises to not only be a launching pad for local projects but also a model for best practices in fostering regional growth through digital transformation. The shared journey exemplifies the potential of harnessing cooperative efforts to pave the way for a brighter future, touching every sector and stakeholder involved.

The establishment of Toku-Noix highlights how public-private initiatives can invigorate local economies by leveraging digital advancements and fostering partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. With such proactive measures in place, Tokushima aims to emerge as a leader in regional development, stimulating nationwide change from the grassroots level.