[First in Fukushima] Showa Village Launches 'Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO' to Solve Local Issues and Create Relationship Populations

Showa Village, Fukushima Prefecture, and Alyawmu Inc. (Headquarters: Sapporo; CEO: Hiroaki Hatanaka), a company specializing in regional revitalization using DAOs and NFTs, will launch the 'Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO' in June 2026. This initiative aims to revitalize the region by combining the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad with a digital community (DAO), fostering collaboration between local residents and DAO participants to solve regional issues and create 'relationship populations.' (1) Introduction of Personnel and Scope of Work Personnel Introduction Craft Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture. After becoming independent as a web content creator and SEO consultant, moved to Showa Village, Fukushima, to take on the challenge of regional development using digital technology. Using the digital skills cultivated in previous business ventures, Craft aims to promote Showa Village's traditional specialty, 'Karamushi' (ramie) weaving, and historical buildings, while challenging to increase the 'relationship population' through new initiatives. Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad Member: Craft [Comment on this initiative] Showa Village Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad Member: Craft Showa Village was born in the 2nd year of the Showa era, the 'beginning of Showa,' as the name suggests. Even today, buildings from the early Showa period, a culture that values human connections, and the warmth of handmade work remain in daily life. In particular, the culture of 'Karamushi weaving,' where many processes from thread making to weaving are done by hand, embodies values that are the opposite of the 'efficiency' that modern people have forgotten. As such, the charm of Showa Village is something that cannot be conveyed without actually visiting. That is why I want to use Web3 and digital technology to create 'opportunities to know and visit Showa Village.' I will challenge myself to increase the relationship population through a 'digital x analog' cycle: disseminating information via digital technology and making people fans of Showa Village through analog experiences. [Comment from Fumihiro Watanabe, Mayor of Showa Village] Since the village system was implemented in the 2nd year of Showa, Showa Village has walked while carefully protecting and polishing local treasures such as Karamushi weaving. On the other hand, we are facing issues unique to mountain village areas, such as population decline, aging, and a shortage of local successors. By utilizing the 'Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO' mechanism this time, we hope it will become a new opportunity for diverse people inside and outside the village to take an interest in, engage with, and participate in regional development together. I believe that digital technology is not just a means to pursue convenience, but a tool to connect people with people, people with regions, and to pass on the lifestyle and culture of Showa Village to the future. To ensure that Showa Village remains Showa Village 100 years from now, I look forward to this leading to sustainable village development, with the help of supporters outside the region, together with the villagers. Fumihiro Watanabe, Mayor of Showa Village [Comment from Yusuke Kobayashi, Planning and Creation Section, General Affairs Division, Showa Village] Showa Village has been promoting regional development with human resources from outside the region through the Karamushi weaving experience program, accepting new farmers for baby's breath, and the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad system. This 'Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO' is an initiative to further expand that flow with the power of digital technology. The charm of Showa Village lies not only in tourism resources and specialties, but in the lives of the people who live there, the culture that has been passed down, and the relationships with people involved in the region. Through the DAO mechanism, we want to create a form where not only those living in the village but also those outside the village who want to support and engage with Showa Village can participate in solving regional issues and creating new value. Because we are a small municipality, we can challenge ourselves to create a 'relationship population' that combines digital and analog while valuing face-to-face relationships. We want to grow this initiative as a practice of 'co-creation' unique to Showa Village. [Purpose of this initiative] Solving regional issues through collaboration between local residents and DAO participants Creating a 'relationship population' (2) About the DAO and Project 1. What is a DAO? A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a digital community where participants gather from all over the country via the Internet. Participants can actively engage as members of the project rather than just fans, and it is characterized by the fact that everyone can participate in planning and decision-making on an equal footing. 2. Benefits of a DAO Introducing a DAO creates a mechanism where people outside the municipality can actively participate in solving regional issues. Fresh perspectives and knowledge create a chemical reaction with the thoughts of local residents, creating innovative solutions. Through proactive activities, it deepens understanding and attachment to the region, creating a strong 'relationship population.' 3. Budget We will utilize the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad system and implement it within the 'Special Local Allocation Tax' (10/10). We provide three services: 'Recruitment and Selection of Suitable Personnel,' 'Support During Tenure,' and 'Provision of Digital Technology' in an integrated manner, supporting the establishment of the DAO while reducing the burden on municipal staff. 4. Introduction Status and Future Plans - FY2025: 15 municipalities introduced - FY2026: 23 municipalities planned We have received numerous inquiries from municipalities across the country, including summer/autumn starts due to supplementary budget responses and starts with next fiscal year's initial budget. Municipalities and regional stakeholders considering introduction are welcome to contact us. (Example of Yoichi Town, Hokkaido: Held activity events utilizing local resources and invited participants from outside the region) (Example of initiative in Yoichi Town, Hokkaido: Issued the above image as an NFT that serves as a webinar completion certificate. Provides an experience that carves memories and experiences.) 5. 'Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO' Service Details This is a solution that provides three services: 'Recruitment and Selection of Suitable Personnel,' 'Support During Tenure,' and 'Provision of Digital Technology' in an integrated manner within the scope of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad system, providing the support necessary for the establishment of a DAO by the municipality. (1) Recruitment and Selection of Suitable Personnel Motivation for regional revitalization and regional activation Interest in community management Interest in cutting-edge technologies such as Web3 (NFT/DAO) and AI We utilize the only 'Migration DAO Manager' registration system in Japan to match personnel who meet the issues of the municipality. (2) Support During Tenure - Daily consultation on DAO practical work - Support for information dissemination of member activities We strongly back up member activities with the knowledge cultivated in our 'Shin Chiho DAO' (New Regional DAO) and our ability to disseminate information via SNS, Voicy, etc. (3) Provision of Digital Technology - Optimization, functional addition, and operation support of Discord - Support for NFT issuance, distribution, and utilization (URL link acquisition type, NFT experiences that carve memories, etc.) 6. Information on Free DAO Seminars for Municipalities We hold free online seminars on solving regional issues using DAOs at any time. - Main examples of questions I want to know the details of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO How can a DAO be used to solve regional issues? Duration: Approximately 1 hour (can be adjusted individually). Please feel free to contact us. - Contact Inquiries on the Alyawmu official website https://alyawmu.com/contact/ * Even municipalities not covered by the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad system can implement similar initiatives by utilizing the new 'Regional Economy and Living Environment Creation Grant.' Therefore, our DAO free online seminar is aimed at all municipalities. [Seminar Content] - Company Introduction - NFT Overview - DAO Overview - DAO Examples - Explanation of communication tool Discord - Introduction to Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO - Discussion 7. Terminology Explanation Web3.0 A concept that aims for a more secure and decentralized Internet using blockchain technology. Personal information management and transaction transparency are increased, enabling a user-centric web experience. NFT Abbreviation for 'Non-Fungible Token.' It grants unique value to digital data and is used within the community as a membership card, benefit, or target for voting/lottery. Discord A free app that allows chat and calls. Many NFT communities use it for operation, and it has various functions such as emoji, image/video sharing, and voice chat. ▼ Click here for the link to join the DAO | Anyone can feel free to join. https://lit.link/alywamu-dao 8. About Alyawmu Alyawmu Inc. is a startup based in Sapporo that promotes 'regional revitalization through NFTs.' We provide Hometown Tax NFT, Tourism NFT, Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO, and TOKKEN (high-value-added NFT sales platform) solutions to municipalities nationwide, supporting the creation of new financial resources and city promotion that utilize local charm. In Hometown Tax NFT, we provide NFTs that contain the unique charm and cultural value of the region as return gifts. In Tourism NFT, we are working to create innovative tourism experiences using digital technology. In the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO solution, we support the construction of sustainable regional communities through the mechanism of a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). In TOKKEN (high-value-added NFT sales platform), we unearth local resources, develop high-value-added products, and sell them. The company name 'Alyawmu' means 'today' in Arabic. We support municipalities and regions that are about to take on new challenges from today with cutting-edge technology to realize 'regional development that continues to be supported.' Regional Revitalization Cooperation Squad DAO Introduction Municipalities (as of May 2026) 9. Related Articles on Regional Revitalization Cooperation DAO [Recruitment of Migration DAO Managers] Creating relationship populations and solving regional issues with the power of digital communities created in the region https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000142.000091165.html [FY2024 Introduction Municipalities: 6 Municipalities] Yoichi Town, Hokkaido https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000096.000091165.html Funahashi Village, Toyama Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000100.000091165.html Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000107.000091165.html Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000098.000091165.html Mashike Town, Hokkaido https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000114.000091165.html Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000128.000091165.html [FY2025 Introduction Municipalities: 9 Municipalities] Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000151.000091165.html Sekikawa Village, Niigata Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000157.000091165.html Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000158.000091165.html Monbetsu City, Hokkaido https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000160.000091165.html Asagiri Town, Kumamoto Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000161.000091165.html Mukawa Town, Hokkaido https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000175.000091165.html Jinsekikogen Town, Hiroshima Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000172.000091165.html Kyogoku Town, Hokkaido https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000218.000091165.html Kawakami Village, Nagano Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000237.000091165.html 10. Company Overview of Alyawmu Inc. - Company Name: Alyawmu Inc. - Representative: Hiroaki Hatanaka - Location: Katran Asabu 302, 6-2-23 Kita 38-jo Nishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo - Established: November 18, 2020 - Capital: 164.49 million yen (including reserves) - Business Content: Regional revitalization consulting and development using NFTs - URL: https://alyawmu.com - X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/alyawmu - Voicy: https://voicy.jp/channel/3545 Inquiries on the Alyawmu official website https://alyawmu.com/contact/