#Japan #Wakayama #GDX #Wakayama City #FAVTOWN

Webinar on Relationship Population: Exploring Future of Relocation

On July 1, 2026, an online webinar titled "Moving Forward with Relationship Population: How Do Migration and U-turns Occur?" will be conducted as part of the "Relationship Population Lab" series organized by the General Incorporated Association for Municipal DX Promotion (GDX). This event aims to examine the linkage between relationship population and relocation, specifically focusing on the progress made by Wakayama City.

Webinar Agenda

The event is scheduled from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM JST. The comprehensive timetable includes:

• - 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM: Opening remarks and introductions to GDX’s activities and the objectives of the "Relationship Population Lab" series.
• - 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM: The first part of the talk session, hosted by Masato Ito, a lecturer at the International University Global Communication Center (GLOCOM). Ito will address questions raised in the previous session and outline critical points regarding relationship population.
• - 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM: The second part of the talk session, featuring discussions between Wakayama City representatives and Synergy Marketing Co., Ltd. The conversation will explore the city’s initiatives to foster migration and residency through the relationship population platform "FAVTOWN". The significance of public-private partnerships in enhancing local communities will be investigated, with opportunities for audience questions.
• - 11:20 AM - 11:30 AM: Closing remarks to finish off the session.

This session comes after the introductory webinar held on May 27, where nearly 200 participants from municipalities, tourist associations, and businesses gathered to explore the concept of relationship population. The upcoming discussion will delve deeper into the practical challenges and solutions for creating a community connection that aids in fostering relocation decisions.

Background: Understanding Relationship Population

The importance of relationship population has been increasingly recognized across numerous municipalities and businesses, prompting proactive efforts to build connections with local communities. However, the transition from establishing these connections to facilitating migrations or U-turns remains largely uncharted. This dilemma is particularly pressing in many regions, especially when it comes to maintaining ties with young residents who depart for education or job opportunities.

Wakayama City has been at the forefront in addressing these challenges by collaborating with Synergy Marketing and leveraging the "FAVTOWN" platform to connect individuals who have relocated with their hometown, thereby nurturing a sustainable relationship population. This seminar will outline the city’s guided journey, focusing on existing issues related to migration policies and the transformative effects of public-private collaboration.

Featured Guests

Wakayama City Representatives

• - Ryosuke Matsuzaka: Leader of the City Promotion Division, Ryosuke Matsuzaka has been instrumental in promoting residency and partnerships with universities and other institutes since he joined the city hall in 2006.
• - Yutaro Okamoto: Senior member at the City Promotion Division, Yutaro Okamoto has worked extensively on fostering connections with alumni and constructing frameworks for cross-border educational opportunities since joining in 2019.

Guest from Synergy Marketing Co., Ltd.

• - Kazunori Hirate: Head of Media at Synergy Marketing, Hirate has utilized his expertise in building customer relations to enhance community ties with former residents through the FAVTOWN platform.

Educational Insights

The series will continue under the guidance of Masato Ito, who has contributed significantly to the academic discourse on relationship population and urban migration. His publications and research on rural relocations and tourism have positioned him as a leading voice in understanding the complexities surrounding young people's migration choices.

For anyone interested in the concepts of relationship population, urban migration, and community development, this webinar presents an invaluable opportunity to gain insights and engage in meaningful discussions on strengthening ties with former locals. To register for the webinar, please refer to the contact details provided or emailing [email protected].