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New Partnership Between Otetsutabi and Nanashima Credit Union

In a significant move aimed at alleviating labor shortages in Tokyo's island regions, Otetsutabi Inc., a labor matching service, has officially signed a partnership agreement with Nanashima Credit Union. This collaboration, set to commence on April 15, 2025, will focus on addressing the pressing issue of workforce availability in areas struggling with population decline and aging demographics.

Background on the Labor Crisis

The Tokyo island regions, specifically the Izu and Ogasawara Islands, have faced a stark decline in population and a rapid increase in the aging demographic. According to the 2020 census, the aging rate in the Izu Islands is a staggering 37.8%, significantly surpassing the national average of 29.1%. This demographic shift has created a mounting challenge for local businesses, particularly in sectors like tourism and agriculture, where many operators have found it increasingly difficult to secure staff, leading to forced closures.

About Otetsutabi

Otetsutabi is an innovative platform that combines short-term part-time work opportunities with travel experiences. It connects local businesses in need of seasonal or short-term workers with travelers eager to work while exploring new destinations. By leveraging the concept of travel, Otetsutabi successfully attracts a diverse range of candidates from all over the nation.

Key Initiatives of the Partnership

Nanashima Credit Union, a regional financial institution boasting branches in the Tokyo island area, will introduce Otetsutabi to its clientele facing labor shortages. This partnership enables enhanced support for implementing Otetsutabi's services, targeting applicants from outside the islands—an audience previously hard to reach through traditional job postings.

With a focus on peak seasons requiring immediate labor, businesses can now effectively gather manpower precisely when needed. Furthermore, individuals working from outside the islands have the potential to convert into fans or customers of the region, fostering a creation of relationship populations and amplifying outreach effectiveness.

Features of the Otetsutabi Service

• - Diverse Talent Sourcing: Using travel as a conduit, Otetsutabi can attract talent from all corners of Japan.
• - Flexible Engagement: Employment durations can be tailored, with options ranging from overnight stays to two-month commitments. This flexibility allows businesses to adjust according to their immediate workforce needs.
• - No Upfront Costs: Registration and listing are free. Businesses only incur fees upon successful matches.
• - Vetting Applicants: Businesses can select candidates based on a range of criteria, including photographs, introductions, motivations, and resumes.
• - Experiential Advantages for Workers: Participants are encouraged to explore local cultures and engage with residents, enhancing their travel experience beyond mere employment. This unique angle aims to cultivate a dedicated relationship population of visitors and potential future residents in the area.
• - Success Stories: There are documented cases of individuals transitioning from temporary work to longer-term relocation, illustrating the platform’s potential impact.
• - Growing Participation: Otetsutabi's network has expanded, with over 70,000 registered users and partnerships spanning 1,900 businesses in all 47 prefectures across Japan.

According to a recent survey, 84% of participating businesses reported successfully alleviating labor shortages through Otetsutabi. Further data indicates that 86% of participants express a desire to revisit locations they worked in, showcasing the platform's effectiveness in mobilizing labor while also nurturing ongoing relationships with these communities. Furthermore, 80% of users reported that without Otetsutabi, they would not have planned their visit to these regions, highlighting its crucial role in promoting local tourism.

In summary, this strategic partnership between Otetsutabi and Nanashima Credit Union represents a critical effort towards alleviating labor shortages in Tokyo's island communities while simultaneously promoting tourism and cultivating local engagement. As this initiative unfolds, it is expected to yield significant benefits for both local businesses and travelers alike.