Charichari Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City; President and CEO: Kentaro Iemoto; hereinafter "Charichari"), which operates the share cycle service 'Charichari', has expanded its service area to the "Kyomachi/Torikai Area" and the "Mii/Kokubu Area" starting at noon on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in response to strong usage in the Kurume area and customer requests. With this expansion, 18 new bicycle parking ports have been installed, increasing the service area from 19.8 square kilometers to approximately 26 square kilometers.

Kurume Area Development Status

Charichari, as a share cycle service providing public mobility, began operations in Fukuoka in February 2018. To date, it has grown steadily, with over 47 million cumulative uses (as of this release).

In the Kurume area, service commenced in April 2024, with 380 bicycles in operation. Ports have been established at transportation hubs such as JR Kurume Station and Nishitetsu Kurume Station, as well as at public and commercial facilities. The service area was expanded to the "Aikawa/Mii Area" in November 2024 and to the "Miyanohijin/Komorino Area" in October 2025.

We are steadily increasing usage in cooperation with Kurume City, our official partner Chikuhō Bank, and local companies and partners.

(Left) Kentaro Iemoto of Charichari, (Right) Mr. Shingo Haraguchi, Mayor of Kurume City

Expansion to Two New Areas: "Kyomachi/Torikai" and "Mii/Kokubu"

We have now expanded our service area to the western "Kyomachi/Torikai Area" and the eastern "Mii/Kokubu Area," which have been particularly requested, increasing the service area from 19.8 square kilometers to approximately 26 square kilometers.

In conjunction with this expansion, 18 new bicycle parking ports have been installed, bringing the total number of ports in the Kurume area to 130. Specifically, ports have been newly established at transportation hubs such as the "Mii-machi Bus Stop" and "Midoshima Park" near the Kurume Interchange highway bus stop, as well as near student rental apartments. This is expected to improve convenience for students and staff at Kurume University Mii Campus.

Furthermore, in response to strong requests from "Kurume University Medical Center and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Officer Candidate School," a port has been established at the "Kurume University Medical Center."

The medical center is a comprehensive hospital that balances advanced specialized medical care with community-based care, supporting healthcare in the eastern part of Kurume City. The Officer Candidate School is the only institution in Japan that trains Ground Self-Defense Force commanders, with 500-600 individuals entering each year, making it a valuable mode of transportation for personnel and candidates.

We are confident that this port installation will further facilitate daily transportation for hospital staff, Self-Defense Force personnel, and the local community.

Charichari will continue to work closely with Kurume City as a "share cycle service supporting community mobility" and contribute to the sustainable development of Kurume City.

Port List for Expanded Areas (As of June 30, 2026)

Lunarias (2161-1 Mii-machi, Kurume City)

Nahe (1683-8 Mii-machi, Kurume City)

Shin-hajime (2040-6 Mii-machi, Kurume City)

Mii-machi Bus Stop (Mii-machi, Kurume City)

Kokubu Park (Kokubu-machi, Kurume City)

Keirin Stadium (North Gate) (2 Nonaka-cho, Kurume City)

Keirin Stadium (Parking Lot No. 5) (Nonaka-cho, Kurume City)

Midoshima Park (4-7-8 Higashi-Aikawa, Kurume City)

Okuma Park 1 (Umemitsu-machi, Kurume City)

Okuma Park 2 (Umemitsu-machi, Kurume City)

Tsufuku Station Bicycle Parking (1650-2 Tsufuku-honmachi, Kurume City)

Shu Corporation Umemitsu Warehouse (275-1, Dounai, Umemitsu-machi, Kurume City)

Kurume University Medical Center (155-1 Kokubu-machi, Kurume City)

Takumure Citizen Center (2259-3 Mii-machi, Kurume City)

Hakusanchō Monthly Parking (392-2 Hakusan-machi, Kurume City)

Mii Sōen (1756-1 Mii-machi, Kurume City)

Premier Kokubu (568-1 Kokubu-machi, Kurume City)

Lawson Kurume Tsufuku Store (1313-1 Tsufuku-honmachi, Kurume City) *Opening July 1

About Charichari

"Charichari" is a share cycle service that allows users to easily unlock dedicated red bicycles using a smartphone app. The basic plan costs 6.5 yen per minute, and electric-assist bicycles cost 20.5 yen per minute, aiming to provide an experience where users can ride whenever and wherever they want.

Service began in Fukuoka in February 2018, and has grown to over 47 million cumulative uses.

It is currently available in 9 areas: Fukuoka (Fukuoka City, Nakagawa City, Shime Town, Kasuya Town), Nagoya City, Tokyo, Kumamoto (Kumamoto City, Kikuyo Town), Kurume City (Fukuoka Prefecture), Kuwana City (Mie Prefecture), Saga City (Saga Prefecture), Amakusa City (Kumamoto Prefecture), and Kyoto City/Otsu City (Shiga Prefecture).

With its per-minute pricing and easy-to-use app interface, it is primarily used for everyday short-distance travel in each area.

Charichari Original Bicycle Helmet

We are selling a safe helmet, certified by the Product Safety Association's SG standard, that can be easily stored in bags or backpacks, on our official online store for Charichari and bicycle users.

The helmet features a subtle, cute Charichari logo mark in a subdued color that matches both business suits and casual wear. It comes with a purchase bonus of Charichari ride tickets.

Proceeds from helmet sales will be used to fund Charichari's safety awareness and education activities, contributing to the creation of a safe and secure community.

Online Store: https://charichari-online.stores.jp/

Charichari Web & SNS Information

【Charichari】

https://charichari.bike

【Official Accounts】

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/charichari_bike

Instagram: https://instagram.com/charichari_bike

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charichari_official

Charichari is Recruiting Port Owners

Would you like to utilize your unused space, such as the entrance of your store or office, or a portion of your parking lot, as a Charichari port? Charichari ports can be installed in small spaces of 5 bicycles or more. Let's utilize unused locations to create new value.

【Port Owner Recruitment Details】

https://charichari.bike/portowner

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: サービス拡大