HIS Employees to Contribute to Local Development in Japan's Communities

The Japan-based travel company HIS (H.I.S. Co., Ltd.), headquartered in Minato City, Tokyo, has entered into agreements as part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' initiative called the "Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur System". This program enables HIS to dispatch employees to three distinct locations: Okutama Town in Tokyo, Matsuzaki Town in Shizuoka Prefecture, and Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture. The aim is to leverage the employees' expertise to enhance local tourism and economic activities in these regions.

Okutama Town, Tokyo

Okutama Town is situated at the western edge of Tokyo and is characterized by its vast expanses of forest, accounting for about 90% of its area. The region boasts a stunning natural landscape that changes with the seasons, captivating visitors year-round. Noteworthy sites include the Nippara Limestone Cave and the Hatonosu Valley, which are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, river fishing, and camping.

HIS will dispatch Masaki Kobayashi, who will analyze the current tourism situation and work on drafting effective directives and measures to promote tourism in Okutama as a community member. His responsibilities under the agreement will encompass:
(1) Tasks related to the comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at creating new destinations,
(2) Working with the local Destination Management Organization (DMO),
(3) Supporting lodging and tourism businesses within the town,
(4) Enhancing tourist infrastructure,
(5) Any further actions necessary to achieve these goals.
The employee is set to be dispatched from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Matsuzaki Town, Shizuoka Prefecture

Matsuzaki Town lies on the western coast of the Izu Peninsula and is surrounded by rich nature, earning it the nickname "Hana to Roman no Furusato" (The Town of Flowers and Romance). The stunning terraced rice fields of Ishibe offer breathtaking views of Suruga Bay and Mt. Fuji, while traditional buildings with namako walls contribute to a nostalgic ambiance. The employee dispatched by HIS will aim to maximize Matsuzaki's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and history to foster increased tourism and invigorate the local economy.
Planned initiatives include:
(1) Examining and implementing future management of the town's tourism facilities,
(2) Collaborating with designated managers on the use and promotion of these facilities,
(3) Participating in tourism events organized by the town and collaborating on joint ventures with neighboring municipalities,
(4) Partnering with local tourism businesses and organizations to address challenges such as information dissemination and attracting visitors,
(5) Additional necessary actions to attain these goals.
The dispatch period is also slated from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

Sendai, often referred to as "The City of Trees," harmoniously integrates urban functionality with rich natural surroundings and cultural heritage, being the largest city in the Tohoku region. An HIS employee will support the optimization and promotion of the "Sendai MaaS (Mobility as a Service)" initiative, aimed at improving convenience for tourists and residents, facilitating seamless access to various attractions. The goals will include fostering collaboration with other regional initiatives such as "Yamagata MaaS" to further enhance tourism across the Tohoku area.
The initiatives to be undertaken include:
(1) Improving convenience related to Sendai MaaS,
(2) Promoting the utilization of Sendai MaaS,
(3) Other supportive measures for Sendai MaaS advancement.
This dispatch is also scheduled for the period of November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

By dispatching capable employees to these regions, HIS aims to strengthen community ties and foster regional revitalization in collaboration with local governments. This initiative showcases the company's commitment not only to tourism but also to the sustainable development of Japan's local economies, encouraging his employees to be key players in promoting the unique allure of these areas.