Latest news with #RegionalRevitalization2.0
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Japan's Ruling Party to Launch TikTok Account in June
このページを 日本語 で読む Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party will launch its official TikTok account in June. This was revealed by Takuya Hirai, head of the LDP's Public Relations Headquarters, at an event hosted by the Chinese-owned video-sharing app on June 4. Speaking at the event, Hirai said, "We're finally starting the LDP's official TikTok account this month." He cited the platform's "clear appeal to young people" and its "excellent algorithm" as key reasons for the move. At the event held in Tokyo, TikTok revealed its "Socio-Economic Impact Report," which outlines the app's economic and social impact in Japan. Hirai, who served as Japan's first Minister for Digital Transformation, appeared as a guest speaker. During his remarks, Hirai highlighted a recent initiative in his home prefecture of Kagawa. Popular TikTok creators from nine countries and regions were invited to showcase the area's local charm. "Shops and products featured by these creators garnered significant attention," he said. "In terms of prompting real-world activity, I believe the economic impact is substantial." He also expressed optimism about future collaborations between local governments and TikTok. He linked this potential to the LDP's "Regional Revitalization 2.0" initiative, spearheaded by the Shigeru Ishiba administration. "By expanding the number of people with ties to a region and helping them discover new value, I believe we can create meaningful opportunities moving forward," he said. LDP's Takuya Hirai (center) with TikTok creators AAAtsushi and Meg Ensaka. TikTok now boasts one billion users worldwide, with around 33 million monthly users in Japan across the main app and related services. The economic report was released at a time when TikTok's influence on Japan's economy and society continues to grow. According to the report, TikTok videos have generated economic benefits across various domestic industries. The app's estimated contribution to Japan's nominal GDP is ¥485.5 billion JPY (around $3.4 billion USD). Nobuaki Yasunaga, Executive Officer of TikTok Japan, noted that the number of creators in Japan has risen to 2.26 million. "What matters most for us as a platform is that an economic cycle is being created within that community," he said. He emphasized that the estimated total income of creators has reached ¥119.7 billion ($830 million) The report also estimates that consumer spending through TikTok reached ¥237.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2024. This marks a 37% increase from 2023. "TikTok is no longer just a platform for watching and enjoying videos; it's becoming a driver of economic activity," the analysis concluded. The company is aiming for further growth in Japan by increasing the number of content creators, including political parties and local governments. TikTok Japan's Yasunaga pointed out that the platform is unique in encouraging creators to stay in a region for an extended period and produce videos in collaboration with local governments and residents — something other video platforms don't do. He added, "We want to continue supporting partnerships between creators and municipalities. Building trust is key. Many creators typically film in their own rooms, but by going out and meeting fans in person, they not only create real-world connections but also gain a sense of contributing to their communities through their activities." At the event, popular creators and company representatives took part in a panel discussion. They shared their personal experiences while discussing the appeal and potential of TikTok. Comments from the panel included: "It's especially effective for reaching young audiences," "Posting videos has brought in customers from overseas," and "With just a smartphone, it gave me a chance to pursue my dream through music." Singer-songwriter Meg Ensaka, whose "Kiretemasu!" ("I'm Pissed!") series has been viewed over 600 million times across TikTok and other platforms, spoke about the platform's impact on her career. Meg Ensaka served as the moderator of the panel discussion. "Since I started posting, more people have been coming to my live shows. My songs are now reaching middle and high school students, and my fanbase has expanded. At concerts across Japan, audiences have been growing, and merchandise sales have gone up too," she said. She also praised the platform's short video format. "TikTok is perfect for getting people who might not normally be interested to listen to your music," she said. She added, "The algorithm evaluates content based on its own quality, so [unlike other platforms] you don't need to worry about dragging down your average view count. It encourages creators to try bold, creative expressions. Anyone could go viral tomorrow." Author: Ryo Nishiyama, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
6 days ago
- Business
Ishiba Vows to Set Up Council for Regional Revitalization
Maebashi, Gunma Pref., June 7 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Saturday that he plans to establish a council tasked with helping promote regional revitalization led by the private sector. He hopes to include the plan, unveiled in talks with reporters during his visit to Maebashi, the capital of Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, in a basic concept of his signature "Regional Revitalization 2.0" program. The envisaged council will be directly supervised by Ishiba, according to the prime minister. The basic concept is expected to be compiled this summer. "We'll consider the possibility of revising related laws while learning from the efforts being made in Maebashi" in order to help accelerate community building through public-private cooperation, Ishiba said. In Maebashi, Ishiba visited Jins Park, a regional interaction hub, which also includes an eyeglasses store. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
6 days ago
- Business
Ishiba Inspects Regional Revitalization Efforts in Maebashi
News from Japan Politics Jun 7, 2025 17:33 (JST) Maebashi, Gunma Pref., June 7 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Maebashi, the capital of Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on Saturday to examine the regional revitalization efforts led by the private sector. The visit is aimed at demonstrating the Ishiba government's policy of promoting public-private cooperation in the implementation of measures related to his signature "Regional Revitalization 2.0" program. Ishiba visited Jins Park, a regional interaction hub, which also includes an eyeglasses store. At the complex, set up by Japanese eyeglasses store chain Jins Holdings Inc., the prime minister tried on Jins brand glasses and tasted pastries sold at the facility. He smiled and said, "This is a very nice facility." Jins Holdings has built a new office in Maebashi, using the government's tax incentive program designed to facilitate business relocations to rural areas as part of regional revitalization. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
03-06-2025
- Business
Japan to Aim to Double Young People Moving Out of Tokyo
News from Japan Society Jun 3, 2025 18:21 (JST) Tokyo, June 3 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government will set a target of doubling the share of young people who move out of the Tokyo metropolitan area to other areas, it was learned Tuesday. The target is included in a draft basic concept for intensive regional revitalization measures over the next decade, presented to an expert panel meeting the same day. Japan hopes that, amid the intensifying shortage of regional workers, the policy will help maintain national economic growth and lead to a sustainable society. The basic concept is aimed at achieving Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's signature Regional Revitalization 2.0 policy over the 10 years through fiscal 2034. It is expected to receive cabinet approval as soon as mid-June. The draft emphasizes "the need to create a sustainable society in which people can live safely and securely in both urban and rural areas even as the population declines." [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Yomiuri Shimbun
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Govt Plans Scheme to Increase People's Ties to Regional Areas; Cabinet to Approve Regional Revitalization Draft
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo The Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo The government plans to encourage people to register their favorite municipalities outside of where they live under a new scheme, targeting 10 million registrants. The scheme is included in its draft basic plan for promoting regional revitalization, a flagship policy of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The draft plan also calls for doubling the number of young people settling in rural areas and creating regions that can remain economically viable even as their populations decline, according to sources. As part of measures to address the overconcentration of the population in Tokyo, the so-called hometown resident registration system is an attempt to increase the number of people who have an ongoing connection with regional areas. According to the draft plan, those who select their preferred municipalities and register as 'hometown residents' via a dedicated smartphone app can use facilities within that region on the same terms as residents. Municipalities can also utilize the system to share information about events and recruit volunteers. These hometown residents make up the 'related population,' those who stay engaged with their hometowns or other regional communities. They are neither part of the 'settlement population' – those who have move to the area – or the tourists that make up the 'exchange population.' The government in the draft has set a target of 10 million registrants and aims to have them sign up with multiple municipalities in order to reach 100 million registrations. The basic plan lists such goals as raising the labor productivity per worker in rural areas to the same level as in the Tokyo metropolitan area and utilizing artificial intelligence and digital technology to solve regional issues. Other policies to be implemented before the end of fiscal 2034 are also outlined in the draft, which is expected to be approved by the Cabinet as early as mid-June. A comprehensive strategy is to be formulated by the end of this fiscal year. A similar strategy was compiled in 2014, when Ishiba served as minister for regional revitalization, with a focus on countermeasures against population decline. The current plan, 'Regional Revitalization 2.0,' aims for economic growth based on the assumption of population decline. To encourage young people to relocate to regional areas, the government will expand the scope of its support to include those working in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector as well as the medical and welfare industries. The government, meanwhile, will solicit ideas from municipalities on the relocation of ministries and agencies to outside Tokyo. It has also proposed the establishment of a cross-prefectural framework for public-private partnerships. Under the 'remodeling of the Japanese archipelago in the Reiwa era,' the government aims to create an environment that will attract investment in semiconductors and data centers. It will support small and midsize enterprises in regional areas with exports and overseas expansion and improve productivity in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector by utilizing AI and digital technology.
