Spreading the Power to Change Communities! National Summit for Regional Revitalization Cooperation Teams Held

On November 27, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications held the 3rd "Regional Revitalization Corps National Summit" at Bellesalle Tokyo Nihonbashi in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. This annual summit brings together Regional Revitalization Corps members active nationwide. Featuring a talk session with talent Dronz Ishimoto and actress Misaki Shibata, the event drew approximately 1,000 participants, including about 550 corps members, creating a lively atmosphere.

The "Regional Revitalization Cooperation Corps" is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in fiscal year 2009. Individuals who wish to "leave city life" or "get involved in regional revitalization" become corps members. They live in rural areas for approximately one to three years, responding to requests from local governments, and engage in various regional cooperation activities. In fiscal year 2015, 2,799 members were active in about 700 local governments.

This summit aims to widely promote the program to urban residents and local government officials interested in rural relocation and regional cooperation activities. Simultaneously, it seeks to create opportunities for learning, exchange, and activity presentations among current members, alumni, and representatives from host municipalities.

At the opening ceremony, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Sanae Takaichi stated, "The activities of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Corps are growing year by year. The work of the Corps can only succeed based on a relationship of trust with local residents. I hope you will continue your efforts, cherishing that trust and maintaining a sense of pride and awareness as members of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Corps."

This was followed by a talk session featuring Mr. Ishimoto and Mr. Shibata. Mr. Ishimoto moved to Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture in April 2015 for a TV program project. Mr. Shibata is currently living on Koshikijima Island in Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture as a trainee member. They shared the joys of living in the region and the appeal of their activities, based on their personal experiences.

Following the talk session, Kosuke Motani, Senior Research Fellow at the Japan Research Institute, took the stage for a special lecture titled "Regional Appeal and the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Corps." He humorously explained the current situation and future outlook based on the age-specific composition of populations across Japan, as well as the roles expected of corps members going forward.

Subsequently, a panel discussion titled "Toward Settling in the Region" was held, moderated by Professor Tokumi Odagiri of Meiji University's Faculty of Agriculture. It featured five participants: current members, alumni, and local government officials.

Opinions included: "To achieve results as a Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team member, building relationships with people is fundamental—not just with the administration, but also within the community and beyond." and "The administration cannot be your only point of contact. Sometimes you need to consult specialists like financial planners or financial institutions. The key is how to build a network of people who can support you."