Circulation Awarded 'FY2026 Prefecture/Municipality DX Promotion System Development Project' by Yamagata Prefecture
Circulation, in partnership with 77 Research & Consulting, has been awarded the 'Prefecture/Municipality DX Promotion System Development Project' by Yamagata Prefecture. The project covers all 35 municipalities, aiming to support the implementation and internal development of DX through professional talent utilization and regional consulting expertise.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 09:54 (23 min after Collected)
## Overview of the Yamagata Prefecture DX Promotion System Development Project
Circulation Co., Ltd. (hereinafter 'Circulation'), which operates a pro-sharing business, has been awarded the 'FY2026 Prefecture/Municipality DX Promotion System Development Project' (hereinafter 'the Project') by Yamagata Prefecture, in partnership with 77 Research & Consulting Co., Ltd. (hereinafter '77 Research & Consulting'). This project aims to establish a sustainable DX promotion framework for all 35 municipalities in Yamagata Prefecture through collaboration between the prefecture and local governments.
## Background: Beyond System Standardization
Following the enactment of the 'Act on the Standardization of Information Systems for Local Governments' in September 2021, municipalities have been working toward transitioning to standardized systems by the end of FY2025. The next phase, however, focuses on how to leverage these systems to enhance resident services and streamline operations. Small municipalities, in particular, face critical shortages of talent, expertise, and operational structures needed to drive DX. In line with Yamagata Prefecture's 'Yamagata Prefectural Happiness DX Vision,' securing professional talent to support the implementation, adoption, and internal development of DX has become a priority.
## Specific Initiatives
Combining Circulation’s network of over 30,000 professionals with 77 Research & Consulting’s strong ties to local government and industry, the Project will focus on three key areas:
### 1. Hands-on Support for Prefecture/Municipality Collaborative Projects
Support will be provided for joint procurement of electronic contracting systems and regional DX promotion. This includes designing communication channels tailored to each municipality's scale and maturity, and providing implementation support focused on internal development.
### 2. Operation of Municipal DX Consultation Services
Fully customized support will be offered to address the diverse issues across all 35 municipalities. Depending on the needs, such as generative AI utilization, business process reengineering (BPR), or digitalization, appropriate professional experts will be assigned.
### 3. Validation of DX Promotion Framework Construction
Collaborative governance and cost-sharing rules for joint municipal initiatives will be validated. Furthermore, a 'Two-Tier Digital Talent Pool' will be designed and tested to create mechanisms for securing, deploying, and nurturing digital talent, ultimately providing a roadmap for full-scale deployment starting in FY2027.
## Comments from Stakeholders
Nobuyuki Kasashima, Head of the DX Promotion Division, Yamagata Prefecture, stated, 'We have positioned the promotion of regional DX through collaboration between the prefecture and municipalities as a symbolic project. We expect effective support from the joint venture to realize DX that centers on the happiness of our residents.'
Yu Fukuda, President of Circulation, remarked, 'By expanding the pro-sharing model into the public sector and working alongside our regional partner, 77 Research & Consulting, we aim to root valuable expertise within the region. We are committed to making this initiative a replicable model for DX in municipalities across Japan.'
Circulation Co., Ltd. (hereinafter 'Circulation'), which operates a pro-sharing business, has been awarded the 'FY2026 Prefecture/Municipality DX Promotion System Development Project' (hereinafter 'the Project') by Yamagata Prefecture, in partnership with 77 Research & Consulting Co., Ltd. (hereinafter '77 Research & Consulting'). This project aims to establish a sustainable DX promotion framework for all 35 municipalities in Yamagata Prefecture through collaboration between the prefecture and local governments.
## Background: Beyond System Standardization
Following the enactment of the 'Act on the Standardization of Information Systems for Local Governments' in September 2021, municipalities have been working toward transitioning to standardized systems by the end of FY2025. The next phase, however, focuses on how to leverage these systems to enhance resident services and streamline operations. Small municipalities, in particular, face critical shortages of talent, expertise, and operational structures needed to drive DX. In line with Yamagata Prefecture's 'Yamagata Prefectural Happiness DX Vision,' securing professional talent to support the implementation, adoption, and internal development of DX has become a priority.
## Specific Initiatives
Combining Circulation’s network of over 30,000 professionals with 77 Research & Consulting’s strong ties to local government and industry, the Project will focus on three key areas:
### 1. Hands-on Support for Prefecture/Municipality Collaborative Projects
Support will be provided for joint procurement of electronic contracting systems and regional DX promotion. This includes designing communication channels tailored to each municipality's scale and maturity, and providing implementation support focused on internal development.
### 2. Operation of Municipal DX Consultation Services
Fully customized support will be offered to address the diverse issues across all 35 municipalities. Depending on the needs, such as generative AI utilization, business process reengineering (BPR), or digitalization, appropriate professional experts will be assigned.
### 3. Validation of DX Promotion Framework Construction
Collaborative governance and cost-sharing rules for joint municipal initiatives will be validated. Furthermore, a 'Two-Tier Digital Talent Pool' will be designed and tested to create mechanisms for securing, deploying, and nurturing digital talent, ultimately providing a roadmap for full-scale deployment starting in FY2027.
## Comments from Stakeholders
Nobuyuki Kasashima, Head of the DX Promotion Division, Yamagata Prefecture, stated, 'We have positioned the promotion of regional DX through collaboration between the prefecture and municipalities as a symbolic project. We expect effective support from the joint venture to realize DX that centers on the happiness of our residents.'
Yu Fukuda, President of Circulation, remarked, 'By expanding the pro-sharing model into the public sector and working alongside our regional partner, 77 Research & Consulting, we aim to root valuable expertise within the region. We are committed to making this initiative a replicable model for DX in municipalities across Japan.'
FAQ
Why is it difficult for municipalities to promote DX independently?
Due to declining staff numbers, diversified administrative needs, and the difficulty of securing necessary professional expertise and operational know-how locally.
What are the strengths of this project?
The ability to fuse expert knowledge from professionals with regional consulting relationships to provide tailored, hands-on support.
How long will this project last?
It is an FY2026 project, with the goal of full-scale deployment from FY2027 based on the roadmap developed.