Rental of "Kokkoheli" Transmitters to Begin at Two Facilities in Shirakami-Sanchi World Natural Heritage Site

AUTHENTIC JAPAN Inc. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City; President: Kazusou Kuga; hereinafter referred to as "the Company"), which operates "Kokkoheli," a search service that locates missing persons in mountains and at sea, is pleased to announce that Kokkoheli transmitters will be available for rent for four months from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the "Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center" and "Aqua Green Village ANMON" in Aomori Prefecture.

Shirakami-Sanchi is a mountainous area spanning southwestern Aomori Prefecture and northwestern Akita Prefecture, and is a World Natural Heritage site with vast primeval beech forests. Through this initiative, Kokkoheli transmitters will be rented to hikers and walkers visiting Shirakami-Sanchi for 550 yen per day. A total of 30 transmitters will be available at each facility: the "Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center" and "Aqua Green Village ANMON."

This is the second time the Company has provided safety measures in a World Natural Heritage area. This year's program will be conducted as a demonstration test, and based on usage and operational challenges, the Company aims to make the carrying of safety equipment mandatory in Shirakami-Sanchi in the future.

Initiative Overview

Implementation Period: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Saturday, October 31, 2026

Rental Facilities: Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center, Aqua Green Village ANMON

Rental Equipment: Kokkoheli Transmitter

Rental Fee: 550 yen/day

Number of Units: 30 units per facility

Target Audience: Those planning to hike, walk, or trek in the Shirakami-Sanchi area

Rental Facilities

【Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center】

This facility serves as a hub for disseminating information about the attractions and nature of Shirakami-Sanchi and promoting nature interaction activities. Visitors can learn about the formation of Shirakami-Sanchi and the ecosystem of the beech forests, and it is also used for gathering information before hiking or walking.

Location: 61-1 Tateda, Kami-da, Nishimeya Village, Nakatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture

【Aqua Green Village ANMON】

This is a complex facility located at the gateway to Shirakami-Sanchi. Nearby are the "World Heritage Trail Beech Forest Promenade," developed within the World Natural Heritage registered area, and routes towards the Anmon Valley, making it a base for experiencing the nature of Shirakami-Sanchi.

Location: 417 Okawa-zoe, Kawaradake, Nishimeya Village, Nakatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture

Background: Making Safety Measures Accessible for Hiking and Walking in the Shirakami-Sanchi World Natural Heritage Site

Shirakami-Sanchi is one of the first areas in Japan to be registered as a World Natural Heritage site and possesses a precious natural environment with vast primeval beech forests representing East Asia. Areas where hikers and tourists can enjoy nature, such as the Anmon Falls, the Beech Forest Promenade, Mt. Shirakami, and the Juniko Lakes, are scattered around Shirakami-Sanchi.

On the other hand, Shirakami-Sanchi is a mountainous area with risks stemming from its natural environment, including sudden weather changes, getting lost, falls, rockfalls, and encounters with wild animals. Furthermore, in core areas, designated routes require advance notification for entry, and some sections have limited trail maintenance and signage. Visitors are required to check the latest local information and act according to their physical condition and experience, carrying appropriate equipment.

Considering this environment, the Company is establishing a system where visitors to Shirakami-Sanchi can use Kokkoheli transmitters as a safety measure locally. By providing a point of contact for those who have not subscribed to Kokkoheli in advance to rent a transmitter when needed, we aim to make safety measures for hiking and walking more accessible.

This year, as a demonstration test, rentals will be offered at two facilities to verify user needs, rental/return operations, and coordination with local facilities. Based on the results, we will consider more effective safety measures for Shirakami-Sanchi and aim to make the carrying of transmitters mandatory in the future.

What is "Kokkoheli"?

"Kokkoheli" is a membership-based "private helicopter search service" that can locate mountain accident victims by helicopter. While mountain insurance covers rescue costs by private organizations like mountain lodges or private search costs conducted after public agencies cease their search efforts, "Kokkoheli" functions as a search service that can increase the survival rate of accident victims.

By utilizing the radio waves from transmitters and helicopters/drones, "Kokkoheli" significantly reduces search time compared to traditional "visual searches" and can pinpoint the victim's location to within 0 meters, meaning "right here." Its characteristic is that it does not prolong the search time.

Kokkoheli members are each lent a dedicated transmitter, and members must wear the transmitter when hiking. In the event of an accident, preparations are made to dispatch a helicopter to the mountain area specified in the hiking plan. By equipping helicopters and drones with receivers and establishing "direct communication" with the transmitter worn by the member, rapid searches are possible even in mountain areas where smartphones may be out of range. This high performance in "saving lives" has earned strong support from climbers, with membership exceeding 170,000.

▲ Kokkoheli Transmitters (Left: Basic, Right: GPS+)

Company Profile

AUTHENTIC JAPAN Inc.

President: Kazusou Kuga

Head Office: 1-6-15-4F Akasaka, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

URL: https://www.authjapan.com/

Business Activities: Development and operation of the mountain search service "Kokkoheli," etc.

Biography of President Kazusou Kuga

Born in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, in 1978. Graduated from Seinan Gakuin University, Faculty of Letters, Department of Foreign Languages, English major. Joined Panasonic System Networks in 2002, and was seconded to a UK subsidiary as head of the SCM department. Returned to Japan after 10 years and transferred to the product planning department. Founded AUTHENTIC JAPAN in 2011 and resigned from his previous company. Currently serves in this role.