The “Miyakojima Co-creation Forum 2026,” which connects Miyakojima City in Okinawa Prefecture with companies in the Greater Tokyo Area, will be held on November 19 in Yurakucho, Tokyo (Deadline: November 12)

We are pleased to announce that JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshito Kazama), which has been commissioned to organize the “Miyakojima Co-creation Forum 2026—Pioneering the Island’s Future Together”—hosted by Miyakojima City—has begun accepting applications from participating companies.We welcome participation from individuals employed by companies who have ties to or an interest in Miyakojima City, as well as those interested in projects that address regional challenges in tourist destinations and remote islands through co-creation with local government.

For details on the “Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026” and to apply, please click here.

■ Background
of the “Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026” Miyakojima City is a remote island located approximately 1,800 km from Tokyo and about 300 km from the main island of Okinawa, surrounded by beautiful seas and coral reefs known as “Miyako Blue.”
Over the past decade, Miyakojima City has experienced rapid growth, with the number of visiting tourists increasing approximately 2.8-fold and tourism revenue rising approximately 5.4-fold*, establishing itself as one of Japan’s leading resort islands.However, while tourism has grown dramatically, various challenges have arisen, such as balancing the preservation of the natural environment and landscape with the promotion of tourism and economic development; securing groundwater—the island’s sole water source due to the absence of major rivers; utilizing and preserving agriculture, fisheries, and traditional culture; and ensuring housing for those who wish to live on the island.
While some of these challenges are difficult to resolve through the efforts of municipalities and local businesses alone, leveraging the expertise, interest, and funding of diverse companies from outside the island could lead to new business opportunities for these companies, as well as enhance corporate value and employee engagement through social contribution.
Against this backdrop, this forum serves as a platform to advance island development that balances economic growth with environmental conservation, in collaboration with companies from the Greater Tokyo Area.
This forum represents a unique initiative in which a single municipality conducts a large-scale government pitch, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for companies interested in or wishing to support Miyakojima City to gather.We look forward to welcoming a wide range of participants, including
executives and those responsible for CSR, sustainability, and related areas.
*From FY 2014 to FY 2024, the number of visitors to the island grew from 430,000 to 1.19 million, and tourism revenue increased from 19.7 billion yen to 107.3 billion yen.

■ Benefits
of Participating in the “Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026” The “Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026” will feature a greeting from the mayor,six government pitches by city officials, and business pitches by three local companies and organizations. Through these sessions, we will directly convey Miyakojima City’s regional challenges to companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area and foster new exchanges and networks.
1. Learn
about Miyakojima City’s appeal and regional challenges 2. New opportunities
for collaboration with government and businesses 3. Networking with companies interested in Miyakojima City

■ Overview
of the “Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026”At the “Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026,” we will feature six “government pitches” by Miyakojima City staff members—presentations on local challenges and areas for co-creation with businesses—as well as three business pitches by private-sector companies engaged in initiatives that contribute to Miyakojima City’s development.
The networking reception that follows will feature tastings of Miyakojima City’s specialty products and a special live performance by an artist from Miyakojima City. If requested at the time of
registration, we can also arrange one-on-one consultations with representatives from Miyakojima City and local businesses.

For details on the “Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026,” please click here.

<Examples of Featured Projects and Local Companies>
During the business pitch session hosted by Miyakojima City, we will introduce a project seeking donations through the Corporate Hometown Tax Program and initiatives seeking ideas and expertise from companies.By utilizing the Corporate Hometown Tax Program (Regional Revitalization Support Tax System), companies can engage in social contribution activities with an effective financial burden of as little as 10 percent, while also enhancing their track record and image in ESG and sustainability initiatives and fostering new connections*.

Miyakojima City aims to build ongoing relationships not only by receiving donations but also through reporting back to and engaging with donors, as well as facilitating site visits and training opportunities.
Furthermore, regarding initiatives that solicit ideas and expertise from companies, we will work on concrete solutions to specific challenges based on proposals from the corporate sector, which will serve as an opportunity to build ongoing relationships and create new business opportunities.
*Donations through the Corporate Hometown Tax Program are available to companies headquartered outside Miyakojima City. Please check the Cabinet Office website for details on the program.

“Carrying Our Passion for Water into the Future: Underground Dam Museum Educational Promotion Project” (Rural Development Division)

In the past, Miyakojima City—which has neither mountains nor large rivers—was constantly plagued by water shortages and frequently struck by droughts. Beginning with the Minafuku Underground Dam in 1979, three of the world’s largest underground dams were constructed, irrigating farmland that accounts for half of the city’s area and leading to the development of industries, particularly agriculture.At a time when warnings are being sounded about “water bankruptcy”—a state where water systems become irreversibly damaged due to overuse and climate change—we believe that the wisdom Miyako City has demonstrated in overcoming water shortages and sustaining the water resource cycle offers important insights for both the island and the wider world.Using donations from companies that support Miyakojima City, we will renovate the exhibits in the museum and further publicize the history and initiatives of Miyakojima City, which has coexisted with its water resources.

Support for Couples Raising Children to Settle Permanently: Low-Cost Housing Proposal Project (Hometown Revitalization Division)

In Miyakojima City, the rapid growth in tourism demand has caused housing prices to skyrocket, leading to major issues such as the exodus of young people from the island and a lack of housing for newlyweds.To ensure that the younger generation—who wish to settle on Miyako Island to work and raise a family—can live with peace of mind, we will utilize donations from companies supporting Miyako City. In collaboration with local businesses, we will construct low-cost housing units, offer tours of the buildings, and publish information regarding their construction. Through these efforts, we aim to promote the widespread adoption of low-cost housing as a means of supporting couples with children in settling on the island.
In the business pitch segment, we will introduce three local companies and organizations engaged in initiatives that contribute to the development of Miyakojima City.
• Umi-Sora-Midori-to-Machi / Taira Port and Harbor Green Space PPP Project
• Former Taira Government Building Project / Community Development through the Utilization of Public Facilities
• Miyakojima University Ekiden “Wai-do Zumi” Executive Committee / Top Ekiden Schools Gather on the Island!

■ Contact Information For inquiries regarding the
Miyakojima Co-Creation Forum 2026, please contact the Secretariat (miyakojima_event@tourism.jp).