#Japan #Tokyo #Student Innovation #Local Revitalization #Tamalism Project

Inviting Student Ideas to Revitalize Local Areas: The Tamalism Project 2026

The Tamalism Project, which received positive feedback last year due to the participation of numerous students and collaboration with the local community, is set to commence for the 2026 academic year. This initiative targets the creation and implementation of innovative ideas that leverage students' unique perspectives for tourism and regional revitalization in the Minami-Tama area.

This year, the application categories will be divided into two: the “New Project Course” aimed at first-time participants, and the “Continuation Project Course” for teams that have previously engaged in the project. This new structure ensures a welcoming environment for newcomers while offering advanced practical challenges for returning teams.

Continuing from last year, professional advisors, including small business consultants, will provide guidance throughout the project. Additionally, the first screening session will be held in a public format, allowing students' creative ideas to be presented directly to industry stakeholders and tourism association representatives, thereby facilitating potential collaborations and practical applications.

Kickoff Meeting Details

The kickoff meeting for the 2026 academic year will be held as follows:

• - Date: April 24 (Friday), 3:00 PM — 4:30 PM
• - Content: Overview of the project and introduction to the five cities of Minami-Tama

> Note: Participating universities and organizations involved in the commercialization of student projects from the previous year will also present.

• - Eligibility: Teams consisting of two or more students from universities, graduate schools, junior colleges, or vocational schools (no upper limit on team size)
• - Format: Online (Zoom)
• - Application: Please register through the application form below.
• - Deadline: By April 20 (Monday), 5:00 PM

[Application Form]

Major Events for the 2026 Academic Year

1. Symposium: May 22 (Friday)
Various stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, and tourism associations, will discuss how to connect student projects with tourism promotions.

2. Matching Event: June 13 (Saturday)
Students will engage with local government, businesses, and tourism associations to refine their project ideas through exchanges of opinions.

3. Public First Screening Session: July 11 (Saturday)
Student presentations will be evaluated. Teams that pass the screening will receive funding for their activities (maximum ¥100,000). The participating businesses and tourism associations will be able to vote for one project they wish to collaborate on.

4. Results Presentation: December 14 (Monday)
The outcomes of the conducted feasibility studies will be presented and awarded. This event aims to create matching opportunities with interested businesses, facilitating the generation of new projects and ongoing efforts for the next academic year.

About the Tamalism Project

The Tamalism Project evolves from the “Tamalism Contest,” a pioneering initiative conducted from FY2021 to FY2024. Since FY2025, it has incorporated expert advice from small business consultants, providing a platform for students and the community to actively engage in town-building initiatives. The project is a collaborative effort between the five cities of Minami-Tama (Tama City, Inagi City, Hachioji City, Hino City, and Machida City), students, and enterprises.

This initiative was also featured on TOKYO MX’s live news program “Hori Jun Live Junction.” For further details, please visit the official Tamalism website.

[Official Tamalism Website]