Connecting Northern Kyushu to a future-ready Yokamachi through mobility services. Showa Group Launches 'Yokamachi Mirai Project Consortium'

On October 5, the Showa Group announced the launch of the 'Yokamachi Mirai Project', aiming to create future-oriented communities (= Yokamachi) through mobility services in northern Kyushu. Concurrently, to enhance regional appeal and revitalization, the group formed the 'Yokamachi Mirai Project Consortium' with its subsidiaries and like-minded companies. For service planning, development, and provision, it will receive support as a 'Project Partner' from Fukuoka Prefecture, Itoshima City, Fukuoka City, Kyushu University, and others, while also promoting MaaS research and demonstration through industry-academia-government collaboration.

As the project's first initiative, various services related to mobility and regional revitalization will be deployed on the Itoshima Peninsula, located in western Fukuoka Prefecture. The northern part of the peninsula boasts abundant tourism resources, while Kyushu University is situated in the central area. While human mobility is active, transportation options are limited, presenting potential for development in terms of comfort, freedom, and flexibility of movement. Additionally, some areas are experiencing an aging population, creating a need for mobility options beyond private cars. By addressing these transportation challenges on the Itoshima Peninsula, the 'Yokamachi Mirai Project Consortium' and 'Project Partners' aim to establish the peninsula as a model region for MaaS.

Project details here