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Community Collaboration Project: The Future of Ota Ward Shopping Streets

The lotsful Company, a matching service for side jobs operated by Persol Innovation, has launched the fifth phase of its community collaboration project in Ota Ward, Tokyo. This initiative aims to solve the challenges faced by local shopping streets, leveraging professional side-job workers to stimulate development and growth. The project, in partnership with the Ota Ward Commercial Association, highlights a vision for collaboration that emphasizes working and smiling together.

Background of the Project

Starting in the fiscal year 2021, this project marks its fifth year, reinforcing its commitment to support the revitalization of shopping streets in Ota Ward. As shopping districts face increasing pressures from external environmental changes and local socio-economic challenges, many are considering mergers and integrations as viable solutions. The latest iteration of this project focuses on facilitating these transitions by laying the groundwork for strategic and visionary planning around potential consolidations.

Support Areas

The project will specifically address two crucial areas in collaboration with side-job experts:

1. Vision Development Support: Developing a forward-looking vision for the merged shopping streets to encourage constructive agreement within the community.
2. System Design Support: Assisting with the consolidation of operational functions and the transfer of assets and regulations, building a sustainable operational framework for the future.

Through these efforts, the project does not only aim to assist the involved shopping streets but also seeks to create a model for similar challenges that may emerge in other districts. It envisions establishing a standardized approach to support community collaborations.

Project Goals for 2025

As the project moves into 2025, it continues the efforts initiated in the previous year, which saw individual shops collaborating with side-job workers on social media marketing initiatives. This year, the focus will shift towards tackling the collective organizational challenges of shopping streets rather than just individual shop needs. The aim is to create a unified strategy that considers the complex dynamics of regional integration, ensuring that the rich history of these shopping districts is preserved while adapting to modern demands.

Comments from Key Stakeholders

Kono Gen, the secretary-general of the Ota Ward Commercial Association, emphasizes the rising concerns regarding aging shopkeepers and the need for a sustainable handover to younger generations. He views this project as a pivotal opportunity to not just merge, but to collectively design a revitalized vision for the shopping areas. The input from side-job workers will be instrumental in building a model that could be replicated across other districts.

Midori Tanaka, representing lotsful Company, shared her thoughts about the broader implications of utilizing side-job talents not only in urban business but also for the ongoing value creation in regional communities. She regards this project as a fresh challenge, connecting the vital community fabric of shopping streets to future generations by planning meaningful interventions with side-job professionals.

Engaging with Side-Job Professionals

Lotsful Company has been actively facilitating the integration of side-job professionals into various sectors, amassing over 2,000 partnerships and more than 40,000 completed projects by April 2025. The service caters to businesses seeking specialized skills in fields like marketing, business development, and project management. This initiative provides clear benefits for both sides — businesses gain access to experienced professionals, and side-job workers have the flexibility to engage meaningfully with their communities.

Future Aspirations

The goals set for this project signify a bold step forward in fostering community-driven solutions for shopping districts within Ota Ward. By focusing on collaboration and sustainable growth, lotsful and the Ota Ward Commercial Association are setting a precedent for how local businesses can evolve together amidst changing times. This ongoing initiative promises not only immediate improvement in operational structures but also a richer community narrative for generations to come. The project will unfold from October 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, with recruitment starting September 5, 2025.

Through innovative collaborations and strategic planning, the future of Ota Ward's shopping streets is poised to not only survive but thrive, ultimately benefiting the entire community.