Empowering Local Businesses: A Seminar on Well-Being Management in the Digital Age

On April 27, 2026, a vital seminar entitled "Empowering People, Thriving Companies, Transforming Communities—Well-Being Management in the Digital Salary Era" is set to take place for local businesses in Hakuba village. This event, co-hosted by Kort Valuta Co., Ltd. and the Legato Labor and Social Security Attorney Office, aims to support companies in adapting to digital salary payments and introduce innovative welfare policies that enhance well-being management.

This seminar emerges from Kort Valuta's ongoing commitment to expand its services in rural areas, particularly through its TwooCa service, which seeks to address the growing need for companies to embrace digital salary payments and modern welfare solutions. Collaborating with local experts, like Legato—who have a longstanding history of assisting local businesses in human resource and labor issues—ensures that the seminar resonates with the specific challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in the community.

Background

The significance of enhancing employee engagement and health management in light of recruitment strengthening and human capital management cannot be overstated. Yet many companies struggle with gaps in knowledge about the latest digital services and the skills required for successful integration. Legato has recognized that the emphasis on well-being management among businesses reflects the necessity of strengthening human capital for sustainable growth and value enhancement.

The partnership between Kort Valuta and Legato is critical, as both entities share the vision of supporting regional businesses with the insights and resources needed to adapt effectively. During this seminar, participants will be encouraged to provide feedback on regional economic revitalization strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of Hakuba village, which boasts a diverse workforce comprising foreign tourists and seasonal workers.

Local media coverage has further spotlighted these initiatives, with outlets like Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting highlighting the seminar's focus on supporting local enterprises. Additionally, TwooCa has gained recognition in social discussions, particularly regarding its innovative use of electronic money points that enhance the real take-home income for employees amid rising living costs. Understanding the implications of these programs is crucial for businesses striving to improve their welfare structures, a movement often referred to as the "third wage increase"—complementing traditional methods such as regular pay rises and base salary enhancements.

Seminar Overview

Date & Time: April 27, 2026, starting at 14:00 (registration from 13:30)
Location: Hakuba Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 7078-166 Kitashirakawa, Hakuba
Target Audience: Business owners, HR, labor, and accounting personnel in Hakuba village (Businesses from outside the village are also welcome)
Participation Fee: Free
Registration Deadline: April 26, 17:00

Registration can be completed through the provided link.

Comments from Key Stakeholders

Hideki Shibata, CEO of Kort Valuta:
"Hakuba village has the capability to create significant value, especially with its diverse workforce in the tourism sector. Therefore, adapting salary payments, welfare policies, and employee engagement in a manner that reflects local realities is crucial. Through TwooCa, we aim to facilitate a bridge connecting people, health, and financial approaches to support companies' well-being management and back-office digital transformation. Partnering with local experts like Legato gives us confidence as we look to advance meaningful solutions tailored to the region."

Satoko Kasaki, Representative of Legato:
"In areas like Hakuba with unique industrial characteristics and employment environments, it is essential that we do not apply one-size-fits-all solutions. At Legato, we leverage our experience addressing labor concerns to balance compliance with creating better working environments. Our seminar aims to blend Kort Valuta's innovative system with our hands-on support to provide practical, easily adoptable insights for local businesses."

Past Seminar Highlights

This is not the first collaboration between Kort Valuta and local labor experts; they previously held seminars addressing digital wage transformation and employee well-being resources across regions like Ishikawa and Aichi, drawing interest from local media.

About TwooCa

TwooCa refers to the various services offered by Kort Valuta, primarily delivered through a mobile app that features payment capabilities linked to an international card. This pre-paid card facilitates multiple transactions, including expense transfers and peer-to-peer payments among employees and members. Designed to uplift employee engagement through welfare schemes without directly affecting wages, TwooCa embodies the philosophy that caring for people bolsters both organizational and community strength through technology.

Future Directions

Kort Valuta remains committed to collaborating with local specialists to broaden its fintech-driven well-being management services for small to medium enterprises across Japan. By aligning services with regional demands, the company aims to enhance competitiveness among local businesses while improving working conditions for employees.