Hamamatsu City Launches 'Unaginobori Hour' Initiative to Build Ties with Tokyo Area

The Tourism and City Promotion Division of Hamamatsu City is launching the 'Unaginobori Hour' project, designed to foster new ways of connecting with Hamamatsu while enjoying its appeal in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

This project invites individuals who would like to plan and host events in Tokyo, focusing on themes they love or are curious about, such as Hamamatsu's food, culture, sports, tourism, and community development.

'I want to enjoy delicious Hamamatsu food with someone,' 'I want to learn more about Hamamatsu's craftsmanship and culture,' 'I want to find friends to support Hamamatsu teams from Tokyo,' 'I want to create a reason to visit Hamamatsu someday.'

Starting from such small interests and ideas, the secretariat will provide hands-on support from planning to event management, ensuring a worry-free start.

Participants can also connect with like-minded people through events and exchange information, among other benefits.

While the main recruitment is for planners, anyone is welcome to participate in the events as attendees.

We hope you will choose your level of involvement based on your interests. The goal is to create a time where connections with Hamamatsu are born naturally, leading to new encounters and activities, together with planners and participants.

■ What is 'Unaginobori Hour'?

'Unaginobori Hour' is a project to share a relaxed time loosely connected by the theme of Hamamatsu.

Together with participants, we will create opportunities to experience the charm of Hamamatsu while in the Tokyo area and for people interested in Hamamatsu to meet each other.

It doesn't have to be a large activity. It starts with taking that small 'like' or 'interest' you have and using it as a trigger to host a small event or gathering themed around Hamamatsu.

After the event, those who wish can continue to exchange information and interact loosely through online channels. Furthermore, for those who want to continue their activities, the secretariat will provide ongoing support, including consultation on plans and opportunities to introduce their activities.

Besides planning, you can also participate in events or support operations. The key is that you can be involved in a way that suits you, based on your interests. The name is inspired by the official portal site 'Unaginobori Hamamatsu' of the Hamamatsu City Industrial Department Tourism and City Promotion Division, reflecting the desire to share time where the appeal and happiness of people, things, and events co-create and co-educate, rising together through the project.

Official website: https://unaginobori-meetup.jp/

■ Project Flow

STEP 1: First, casually host a planned event themed around Hamamatsu.

For example, 'A gathering to learn about Enshu Cotton,' 'A tasting party of sweets born in Hamamatsu,' 'A gathering to support Hamamatsu sports teams from Tokyo' – the theme is free.

The secretariat will work with you on planning, venue coordination, and day-of management. Those with no event hosting experience are also welcome.

STEP 2: After the event, a space for those who wish to stay loosely connected.

Those who want to talk more or continue exchanging information after the event can join an online channel.

There is no pressure to continue activities. The aim is to create a space where topics and plans related to Hamamatsu naturally expand according to the interests of the participants.

STEP 3: Support for those who want to continue.

For those who wish to continue their activities after events and online exchanges, the secretariat will provide support through activity introductions, venue consultations, and guidance for new participants. The secretariat will also actively support desires to develop into visit tours to Hamamatsu.

Around February to March 2027, an exhibition to introduce this year's activities is planned at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu / POTLUCK YAESU.

■ Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who want to host small events or gatherings in Tokyo on a Hamamatsu-related theme. Even if you have no experience in launching events, the secretariat will accompany you, so please apply even if you are 'a little interested.'

· People who want to enjoy the charm of Hamamatsu with others.
· People who want to learn more deeply about the food, culture, people, and places they encountered in Hamamatsu.
· People who are already involved in activities related to Hamamatsu.
· People who are interested in Hamamatsu even if they are not from or living there.
· People who want to create a reason to visit Hamamatsu from Tokyo.
· People interested in Hamamatsu's sports, music, manufacturing, food, tourism, relocation, and community development.

■ Themes Are Free

Themes can be anything related to Hamamatsu, such as gourmet food/sweets, tourism, fan activities, sports, health, relocation, community development, or entrepreneurship.

For example, the following types of plans are also welcome:

· A gathering to enjoy Hamamatsu gourmet food other than gyoza.
· A gathering to compare sweets associated with Hamamatsu.
· A gathering to support Hamamatsu sports teams from Tokyo.
· A gathering to plan a trip to Hamamatsu together.
· A gathering for people interested in relocating to Hamamatsu to talk.
· A gathering to experience the crafts and manufacturing of the Enshu region.

Niche themes are also fine. We welcome people who have a theme they think, 'I like this' or 'I want to learn about this with someone.'

*If applications are numerous, the secretariat may select participants.

■ Support Content

To allow anyone to easily challenge themselves with planning, the secretariat provides the following support:

1. Hands-on support for planning and management: We will work with you on organizing plan content, selecting venues, and day-of management.

2. Publicity and recruitment support: We will support announcements and advertisement distribution when the event is held.

3. Activity introduction on the website: We will introduce the planner's thoughts and event content on the official 'Unaginobori Hour' website.

4. Provision of an online channel: We will support the launch of an online channel for those who wish to interact after the event.

5. Consultation for continuation and development: After events and online channel interactions, we will discuss with those who want to continue or develop their activities, offering brainstorming and support for possible measures.

6. Provision of a venue for activity introduction: Around February to March 2027, we will provide an exhibition opportunity to introduce activities at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu / POTLUCK YAESU.

■ 2026 Schedule

2026
June 10 (Wed): Application period begins
July 1 (Wed): 'Unaginobori Hour' kickoff event
July 14 (Tue): Application deadline
July 20 (Mon): Selection result notification
August onwards: Coordination based on desired activities, such as hosting planned events

2027
February to March: Activity introduction exhibition planned at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu / POTLUCK YAESU

*The schedule is subject to change based on progress.

■ Application Form

If you are interested in planning an event on a Hamamatsu-related theme, please apply here.

Application form: https://forms.gle/me28vvg9oh77JAQx7