Enhancing Regional Revitalization in Aikō District through a Partnership with Baikuō

Introduction

In an exciting collaboration aimed at revitalizing the local community, Baikuō & Company, known for its commitment to providing lifelong partnerships for bike enthusiasts, has joined forces with Kiyokawa Village, the only village in Kanagawa Prefecture. This partnership is part of the 'Kiyokawa Regional Revitalization Collaborative Project,' through which Baikuō has made a corporate donation using the hometown tax scheme. The goal is to establish a vibrant community for riders and utilize the tourism resources of Kiyokawa Village. A key focus is the 'Enjoy Bike! Miyagase' initiative, which aims to attract motorcycle events and create an appealing destination for riders.

The Essence of Kiyokawa Village

Kiyokawa Village is renowned for its rich natural environment, with approximately 90% of its area covered in forests. It is home to the Miyagase Lake, a vital water source for the Tokyo and Kanagawa regions, and offers a range of outdoor activities including dam tours and canoeing. Additionally, visitors can enjoy local dining options and access renowned attractions such as the Nanase Onsen, recognized as one of the top hot springs in Japan. Located about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by car, it is a pivotal stop on the popular touring route known as 'Dōshi Road,' which connects Mount Fuji and Yamanakako. Despite its natural allure and potential to draw numerous riders from the Kanto region, events tailored for motorcyclists have been scarce in the past.

This situation prompted Baikuō and Kiyokawa Village to openly discuss their challenges and pursue partnership development. They agreed to work together on the 'Kiyokawa Regional Revitalization Collaborative Project,' focusing on initiatives like attracting motorcycle events and expanding bike parking facilities to enhance the village's appeal. Consequently, Baikuō decided to contribute to this project through corporate hometown tax donations, providing funding to improve the environment for riders and commit to hosting bicycle events throughout the year to boost tourism in the area.

Past Activities and Vision for the Future

Leading up to this announcement, Baikuō has engaged in various regional developmental activities, collaborating with locals in the Miyagase area. In April 2025, the company plans to host the 'Enjoy BikeLife! in Miyagase' event. Due to the venue's capacity, only 200 pre-registered attendees will receive invitations. Participants will be given meal vouchers usable at 'Miyagase Water Town Shopping Street,' which not only generated sales exceeding the voucher value but also significantly raised awareness about the Miyagase region through media coverage.

Additionally, on November 29, Baikuō will feature a booth at the 'Miyagase Christmas Gathering,' allowing riders to take memorable photos with their bikes against a backdrop of enchanting illuminations. The company will also offer approximately 400 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces for free (registration required by November 26).

As the initiative evolves, Baikuō will continue to support event organizers wanting to host programs in Miyagase under the rebranded name 'Enjoy Bike! Miyagase.' Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting initiative.

A Message from CEO Atsushi Sawa

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the establishment of this partnership and the surrounding community for their understanding and support. We are committed to fostering a co-development environment with the local community and riders. As a company, we recognize our responsibility after 30 years of support from our customers, and we feel a strong necessity to enhance the riding environment and provide opportunities while also promoting improved etiquette throughout the industry to include non-riders.

I firmly believe that witnessing riders enjoy their biking lives with genuine excitement and smiles will inspire the next generation of biking enthusiasts. As a fellow rider who enjoys biking on weekends, I will strive to channel our shared passions into meaningful activities. We invite you to anticipate our continued efforts as your lifelong partner in biking adventures.