#Japan #Tottori #Shibire #Katokami

Introduction

The business landscape is evolving in Tottori City with the upcoming launch of a new business hub named 'Katokami' in April 2026. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Shibire Co., Ltd., based in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, to promote a lifestyle that transcends the urban-centric model. Recently, Shibire organized a series of three events in Tokyo aimed at urban professionals and entrepreneurs to highlight the business potential in Tottori City and to foster a new connection between urban and rural locales.

Event Overview

The events served to showcase various aspects of Tottori City’s ongoing business initiatives, featuring diverse speakers from local government, academia, and the business community. The engagement witnessed participants from administrative bodies, educational institutions, banks, NGOs, startups, and entrepreneurial support organizations—creating a robust network in this sparsely populated region of Japan.

Background and Purpose of the Events

The city is undergoing significant transformations, such as the redevelopment of the JR Tottori Station area and the establishment of new business premises. However, these developments often go unnoticed by those in metropolitan areas, making it hard for urban dwellers to grasp the city’s real-time progress. Recognizing this gap, the events were aimed at conveying the current endeavors and entrepreneurial dynamics in Tottori to business people in urban regions.

The Role and Background of 'Katokami'

'Katokami' is positioned to address critical issues like youth outflow and urban decline. This new business and community hub aims to integrate corporate attraction, startup support, and urban regeneration into a cohesive strategy. It will serve as a gathering spot for companies from within and outside the prefecture, creating networks and facilitating the genesis of new business ventures.

Event Details

• - 1st Event: January 22, 2026

- Theme: Talking about Tottori’s status with the 'Tottori Team'
- Notable Speakers:
- Yuki Yamane from Tottori Prefecture’s Department of Commerce and Labor,
- Yusuke Endo from Tottori University,
- Toshiki Nishio from Tottori City’s Economic and Tourism Department.
- Content: Videos and reports are available for viewing.

• - 2nd Event: February 12, 2026

- Theme: Realities of Business in Tottori from Private Operators
- Key Speakers:
- Hirofumi Saito from Tottori Bank and Maruniwa Corporation,
- Genyo Nakagawa from the NPO bankup.
- Viewing Options: Videos and reports can be accessed online.

• - 3rd Event: March 4, 2026

- Theme: The Significance and Potential of Starting a Business in a Regional Setting from Tottori’s Startups
- Featured Speakers:
- Daito Nishioka from ONESTRUCTION,
- Yuji Koizumi from Tsukurie.
- Watch Here: Additional materials are available for insights.

About the 'Katokami' Business Hub

'Katokami' is designed as an incubation facility equipped with private offices, coworking spaces, and event venues to promote interaction and co-creation among its occupants. With a dedicated community manager, it aims to provide guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and create spaces conducive to the development of innovative regional businesses.

Facility Details

• - Location: 609 Sakaemachi, Tottori City (4-minute walk from JR Tottori Station North Exit)
• - Opening Date: April 1, 2026 (select floors will open earlier, with a full grand opening expected in July 2026)
• - Operations: Managed by Tottori City
• - Website: Katokami Official

Floor Information

• - 3rd Floor: Office Floor (Suitable for 4-8 person offices)
• - 2nd Floor: Incubation Floor (Partially enclosed spaces for startups)
• - 1st Floor: Community Floor (Coworking and event space, open for drop-in use)

Next Steps

Shibire Co., Ltd. plans to maintain its collaboration with Tottori City, continuing to facilitate events that convey the voices of local players and initiatives to urban businesses. By doing so, they aim to promote Tottori as a viable alternative to life in Tokyo, providing opportunities for individuals seeking new paths.
Stay tuned to the official Katokami website for the latest updates and future events regarding 'Katokami'.

About Shibire Co., Ltd.

• - Headquarters: 21-1 Nihombashi Kodenmacho, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, 2F THE PORTAL Nihombashi East
• - Established: January 2016
• - Founder: Miki Suzuki
• - Capital: 11 million yen
• - Website: Shibire Co., Ltd.
• - Contact Information: Contact Takahashi via email at [email protected] during office hours (9:30 AM to 5 PM).