Yamashiro Junior Chamber Implements Kizugawa City Metaverse Project to Connect Historical Culture with Future Community Development

The Yamashiro Junior Chamber (President: Tetsuya Kataoka; Address: inside the Ide Town Community Development Center Tsubakizaka Exchange Building, 44 Ide Ishibashi, Ide-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto Prefecture; Activity Area: 8 municipalities in southern Kyoto Prefecture [Kyotanabe City, Kizugawa City, Yawata City, Ide Town, Seika Town, Wazuka Town, Kasagi Town, Minamiyamashiro Village]) will host a regional revitalization event titled 'Kizugawa City Metaverse Project: Connecting History and Culture to Future Community Development' in Kizugawa City.

This initiative aims to showcase the charms of Kizugawa City beyond physical distances, utilizing recent advances in digital technology. By reproducing the historic buildings of Kizugawa City within 'Roblox,' a global online gaming platform, participants can explore them in a digital space and learn about the region's history and culture in an engaging way.

The goal of this project is to raise awareness of Kizugawa City's appeal through digital technology, enabling local children and residents to rediscover regional values and foster civic pride. It is hoped that the virtual experience will serve as a gateway to physical visits and interest in local development.

In addition, a lecture titled 'Leveraging History and Culture for Community Development in the AI Era!' will be delivered by Tomohiro Suzuki of the general incorporated association IKIZAMA, highlighting the importance of regional history and culture to the public. For the generation that will lead the region's future, this project demonstrates the possibilities of technology-driven community development. Please stay tuned for this endeavor to connect Kizugawa City's historical culture with the future in virtual space.

● Project Background

Discover the history and culture of Kizugawa City to love our community even more!
Although Kizugawa City possesses abundant cultural assets in Kyoto, it has faced rapid population growth due to new housing developments, leading to a lack of interest in the local area among many residents. This project was planned to use a popular game tool among elementary school students to help them learn about and appreciate the excellence of Kizugawa City in a fun way.

■ Event Overview

Event Name: Kizugawa City Metaverse Project: Connecting History and Culture to Future Community Development
Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 10:00 - 12:30 (Reception opens at 9:30)

[Part 1] (10:00 - 11:40)
Experiencing Virtual Kizugawa City together!

[Part 2] (11:50 - 12:15)
Lecture by Tomohiro Suzuki, Representative of IKIZAMA
Theme: 'Leveraging History and Culture for Community Development in the AI Era!'

Venue: JUNOPARK Adjacent Grand Hall (6-6-4 Kabutodai, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Registration URL: https://x.gd/G2Br3 (Capacity: 200 people; lottery if applications exceed capacity)
*Recruitment for creation team has ended.

■ Inquiries regarding this matter

Yamashiro Junior Chamber
Contact: Atsushi Moriguchi
Mail: 2026yamashiro.jc@gmail.com

Office
Ide Town Community Development Center Tsubakizaka Exchange Building, 44 Ide Ishibashi, Ide-cho, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto Prefecture 610-0302
TEL: 0774-82-6711 FAX: 0774-82-6721
E-mail: yjc@yamashiro-jc.org

■ About the Junior Chamber (Kinki District Council)

We, the Junior Chamber (abbreviated as 'JC'), were established in 1949 as Japan rebuilt from the war, driven by young citizens with a shared resolve that 'reconstructing the new Japan is the work of youth.'

Since then, the Junior Chamber has promoted the ideal of 'realizing a bright and wealthy society.' Members join based on free individual will regardless of race, nationality, gender, occupation, or religion. The Japan Junior Chamber bases its activities on 'individual training,' 'service to society,' and 'friendship with the world,' working to contribute to social development through collaboration with local communities. Having experienced practical training in the JC, graduates and members act as local leaders and have entered various fields including politics and business.

The Kinki District Council of the Junior Chamber International Japan covers two prefectures and four prefectures in the Kinki region, serving as a coordinating body to support local JCs while expanding various movements in Kinki.

◆ Kinki District Council Official Instagram Account
https://www.instagram.com/kinkidc.jci/?hl=ja