27th Co., Ltd. Collaborates with Seracho Town, Hiroshima Prefecture to Create Japanese Learning Materials and Short Videos Promoting Seracho's Charm to International Audiences

27th Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiroshi Naramura), which operates the online Japanese conversation service 'gokigen japanese' (Gokigen Japanese), announces its collaboration with Seracho Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, to produce Japanese learning materials and short videos for international Japanese learners. This initiative represents a new regional PR strategy to convey local charm overseas through Japanese language education.

In this project, learning materials and short videos have been created focusing on the natural beauty, cuisine, and culture of Seracho Town—a 'town of flowers' located on the Seracho Plateau in central Hiroshima Prefecture. These materials will be distributed to Japanese learners and potential visitors worldwide, aiming to introduce the lesser-known charms of various regions in Japan through the gateway of language learning.

Background of the Initiative

In recent years, interest in Japanese culture—such as anime, manga, and history—has grown overseas, leading to an increase in Japanese language learners, particularly in North America, Europe, and Oceania. Users of the 'gokigen japanese' online conversation service are primarily from English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Their motivations for learning Japanese are largely driven by 'interest in Japanese culture' (51% in North America, ranking 1st; 42% in Europe, ranking 2nd) and 'planning to visit Japan' (38% in North America, ranking 2nd; 48% in Europe, ranking 1st).

On the other hand, inbound tourism demand remains heavily concentrated in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Effectively conveying the appeal of regional areas to international audiences has become a key challenge for local governments.

Against this backdrop, this initiative aims to connect international Japanese learners with Japanese regions through 'regional PR via learning,' by producing Japanese learning materials and short videos.

Overview of the Initiative

### Partner

Seracho Town, Hiroshima Prefecture

### Collaboration Content

Production of Japanese learning materials and short videos for foreign audiences

### Content Produced

- Japanese Learning Materials: Travel-oriented Japanese language lessons themed around Seracho’s recommended tourist spots, gourmet experiences, and activities (e.g., Sera Winery, Seracho Highland Farm, cycling)

- Short Videos: Short videos introducing Seracho’s seasonal flower fields, highland wines, and local cuisine, with English subtitles

### Distribution Channels

- gokigen japanese Travel Japanese Learning Page (https://gokigen.jp/travel_japanese)

- Official YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@gokigen-japanese), among others

### Target Audience

International Japanese learners and individuals considering visiting Japan, primarily from English-speaking countries

Seracho Town is known as a 'town of flowers' with seasonal flower fields throughout the year and offers nature-based tourism experiences such as wineries and highland cycling. This collaboration aims to further promote Seracho’s unique appeal to a wider audience.

Goals of This Initiative

'gokigen japanese' has long promoted the concept of 'Learn Real Japanese, Unlock the Real Japan,' offering unique learning experiences centered on Japanese culture. Through this collaboration with a local government, the service aims to achieve the following three objectives:

- Introduce the diverse charms of Japan’s regions to international Japanese learners

- Enhance awareness of the local municipality and contribute to inbound tourism

- Establish a new regional PR model that connects 'learning Japanese' with 'visiting Japan'

Going forward, 27th Co., Ltd. will use this initiative as a model case and expand its efforts to promote regional Japanese culture through language learning, exploring collaborations with other municipalities.

About 'gokigen japanese'

'gokigen japanese' is an online Japanese conversation service designed for foreigners interested in Japanese culture (e.g., anime, manga, history). Through one-on-one lessons taught by Japanese instructors fluent in English and over 300 original learning materials covering grammar, articles, travel, and culture, learners can study Japanese efficiently at their own pace—from beginner to advanced levels. The user base is primarily located in the U.S., Japan, the U.K., Canada, and Australia, with steady growth in North America and Europe.

Service Website: https://gokigen.jp/

Company Overview

Company Name: 27th Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Mitsumi D-uplex B’s 4F, 1-3-11 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071, Japan

Representative: CEO Hiroshi Naramura

Founded: April 27, 2022

Business Activities: Operation of the online Japanese conversation service 'gokigen japanese'; Business skills training programs

Company Website: https://27th.co.jp/