Signing ceremony held at mont-bell Co., Ltd.'s headquarters (Nishi-ku, Osaka City). From left: Mr. Isamu Tatsuno, Representative Director and Chairman of the company; Mr. Takamasa Matsudo, Mayor of Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture.

On Monday, July 13, 2026, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, and mont-bell Co., Ltd. signed a comprehensive partnership agreement to promote regional revitalization and improve quality of life through outdoor activities in Matsudo City, particularly centered around the Edo River and Fureai Matsudo River.

The Fureai Matsudo River is a water conservation channel located within the floodplain of the Edo River (a Class 1 river), making it a nationally rare site where a river flows within a river.

The agreement includes seven key initiatives: fostering environmental conservation awareness through nature experiences; cultivating children's resilience; promoting health through outdoor activities; enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities; revitalizing the local economy through promoting regional attractions and eco-tourism; supporting the vitality of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; and encouraging nature participation among seniors and people with disabilities.

As the first initiative following the agreement, both parties are planning outdoor events that simulate disaster-response scenarios to educate participants on emergency survival skills.

mont-bell has previously signed partnership agreements with 197 local governments, public institutions, and educational organizations. However, this marks the first time the company has entered into such a comprehensive agreement with a major urban city with a population of 500,000.

Regarding this partnership, Chairman Isamu Tatsuno stated, "This is our first agreement with such a large urban area. In cities, people often forget about nature. While smartphones are great, I hope children can also learn and value the strength and sensitivity gained from being in nature."

He further expressed expectations: "Matsudo City has an excellent natural environment with the Edo River and Fureai Matsudo River. We hope to develop opportunities for activities such as canoeing, cycling, and walking. Through our mont-bell Club membership, we can also provide access to these outdoor experiences. Through this collaboration, we aim to energize the entire outdoor industry."

Mayor Takamasa Matsudo commented on the future outlook: "Matsudo City is a 500,000-resident city bordering Tokyo. Despite being urban, we have natural assets like the Edo River and the 21st Century Forest Plaza—this is our strength. By partnering with mont-bell, we hope to foster young people's affection for nature and enhance disaster education. We want to further polish Matsudo City's strengths."

▼ Comprehensive Partnership Agreement Items between Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, and mont-bell Co., Ltd.

(1) Promotion of environmental conservation awareness through nature experiences

(2) Cultivation of children's resilience and life skills

(3) Health improvement through nature experiences

(4) Enhancement of disaster awareness and emergency response capabilities

(5) Regional economic revitalization through promoting local attractions and eco-tourism

(6) Revitalization of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries

(7) Promotion of nature experience participation for seniors and people with disabilities

Details of the comprehensive partnership agreement and future collaborative projects will be announced on the official Matsudo City website. Stay tuned!

● Matsudo City Official Website (Edo River & Fureai Matsudo River: Living Creatures Project)

https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/shisei/toshiseubi/ikimono-ikiikiPJ.html

▼ Inquiries regarding this matter

Matsudo City, Public Works Department, River and Clean Stream Section

Address: 387-5 Nemoto, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture

TEL: 047-366-7359 FAX: 047-369-3991

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership