Kitakyushu City Launches Portal Site Showcasing Two Years of Initiatives by Japan's First 'Generation Z Division'

Kitakyushu City (Mayor: Kazuhisa Takeuchi) has launched a portal site summarizing two years of initiatives by the 'Generation Z Division,' the first of its kind in Japan. The site introduces policy-making and project examples driven by youth voices, promoting a new co-creation model between administration and Generation Z.

◆Portal Site:
https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/page/zsedai/index.html

■What is Japan's First 'Generation Z Division'?
The Kitakyushu City Generation Z Division was established in April 2024 as the 'first in Japan' department. It aims to learn about changing needs and values from the cutting-edge young generation and respond quickly to these changes, thereby making Kitakyushu City's future sustainable.

Special Site Top Page
Initiatives of the Generation Z Division

(1) Embracing the 'Aspirations' of the Young Generation
Projects like the 'Generation Z Contest' are implemented to support the free ideas and challenges of the young generation.

(2) Learning from the 'Reality' of the Young Generation
The entire community learns about changes in the times from the values, behaviors, and backgrounds of the young generation.

(3) Connecting the Community
Through dialogue and co-creation with companies, organizations, citizens, and the young generation, Kitakyushu City aims to update itself into a city resilient to change.

■'Visualizing' Two Years of Initiatives
The newly launched portal site systematically organizes past initiatives, introducing them in an easy-to-understand manner:
・Projects supporting youth challenges: 'Generation Z Contest'
・Mechanisms for dialogue with youth: 'On Z Chishin' (connecting old wisdom with today, learning from Generation Z, and understanding new values)
・Examples of co-creation projects: 'KOKURA DANCE STATION,' a space where anyone can freely enjoy dance
・Policy reflection process: 'Generation Z Division Partners'

Reflecting the unique perspectives and voices of Generation Z in urban development. Introduction of some Generation Z Division Partners.

■Why Generation Z Now?
The environment surrounding society is undergoing significant changes, such as population decline and shifts in industrial structure. In this context, it has become more important than ever to correctly understand changes in people's values and lifestyles through the young generation and apply them to urban development.
Based on this idea, Kitakyushu City aims to embrace the voices and aspirations of the young generation, support their challenges, learn from their perspectives, and continuously respond quickly to change.

'KOKURA DANCE STATION' born from youth voices. Data analysis of Generation Z values and trends (Commentary: Ryuji Nakatake).

■Staff Comment
"The Generation Z Division positions young people not as 'targets' but as 'partners.' Through this portal site, we hope many people will learn about these initiatives and that new co-creation will emerge."

■Generation Z Division Portal Site
https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/page/zsedai/index.html

Project List (from special site) 'Generation Z Contest' Key Visual

◆Distributor
Kitakyushu City Hall, Policy Bureau, Generation Z Division
(1-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City)

◆Inquiries
https://ttzk.graffer.jp/city-kitakyushu/smart-apply/surveys-alias/zpotal