Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Seeks People to Revitalize the City!!! New Project "Ota Related Population Creation and Expansion Exchange Promotion Project Subsidy" Now Accepting Applications!!

Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, began accepting applications for the "Ota Related Population Creation and Expansion Exchange Promotion Project Subsidy" on Wednesday, April 1, Reiwa 8 (2026). This program certifies projects aimed at creating and expanding related populations, providing partial support for project implementation costs and public relations. It encourages initiatives that connect people, goods, and activities within the city with those from outside. The application period runs until Friday, April 24, Reiwa 8 (2026). Applicants can be from within or outside the city! We look forward to projects that create new value for the region!

Project Overview

Project Purpose

This project aims to create and expand related populations by certifying projects that generate human flow to Ota City, create vibrancy, and contribute to securing supporters for regional initiatives, providing partial support for project implementation costs and public relations. "Related population" refers to people who engage with a region and its residents in diverse ways, distinct from "resident population" (those who have moved in) or "exchange population" (tourists).

Examples of eligible projects

・Mutual exchange between urban residents and the region through agricultural experiences

・Attracting external vendors and fans through events

・Revitalizing local events in collaboration with students, etc.

Eligible Applicants

Those who fall under any of the following and have received certification for their project plan. *Applicant's location does not matter.

・Organizations with legal personality

・Voluntary organizations

・Individuals

Eligible Projects

Projects that meet all of the following requirements.

・Projects to be completed by the end of February, Reiwa 9 (2027)

・Projects aimed at creating and expanding related populations

・Projects where efforts to acquire related populations are not temporary but foster continuous rich relationships

Project Period

From the date of subsidy grant decision until Sunday, February 28, Reiwa 9 (2027)

Subsidy Amount

Up to one-half of the eligible expenses (maximum 200,000 yen)

Contact Us

Ota City Hall, Public Relations & Brand Division, Brand Promotion Section

TEL: 0276-47-1863

MAIL: 005810@mx.city.ota.gunma.jp

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/otacitymovie

X:https://x.com/gunma_ota_pr

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gunma_ota_official?igsh=eDQ0aGZjaWdlZGxr

Overview of Ota City

Ota City is located in the northern part of the Kanto Plain, in the southeastern part of Gunma Prefecture. It is one of Japan's leading industrial cities, centered on automobile manufacturing, while also being a city rich in green spaces from the Tone River and Watarase River, and the Kanayama and Hachioji Hills.

It is situated around the "neck" of Gunma Prefecture, often described as "a crane dancing" in the Jomo Karuta card game. It is within 90km of the Tokyo metropolitan area, and the Kita-Kanto Expressway passes through the northern part of Ota City, connecting to the Kan-Etsu and Tohoku Expressways. Furthermore, access from the city center is excellent, taking about 1.5 hours from Asakusa Station or Kitasenju Station to Ota Station using Tobu Railway's Limited Express Ryomo or Liberty Ryomo.

Characteristics of Ota City: A City of Manufacturing

Ota City has developed as a castle town for SUBARU, primarily through automobile manufacturing. Currently, it has expanded its scope to a wide range of fields including food, home appliances, and outdoor goods, boasting the highest value of manufactured product shipments in Northern Kanto as one of Japan's leading manufacturing cities.

A City of Sports

Ota City is the hometown of the men's professional basketball team "Gunma Crane Thunders." Additionally, SUBARU's track and field club and hardball baseball club are active based in Ota City. The new arena "OPEN HOUSE ARENA OTA," completed in spring 2023, features Japan's top-class center vision and sound system, becoming a major sports hub in Ota City.

A City of History

Ota City is associated with Nitta Yoshisada, a famous general who appeared in the classical literature "Taiheiki" and lived through the late Kamakura and Nanboku-cho periods. The Nitta-no-sho ruins, scattered throughout the city, are designated as a National Historic Site. Also, the "Kanayama Castle Ruins," a famous impregnable castle that repelled fierce attacks from powerful Sengoku daimyo, is a popular spot as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles.

A City of Culture

Ota City's proud cultural facility is the Ota City Museum & Library in front of Ota Station. It features special exhibitions centered on contemporary art, a collection of picture books and children's books from around the world, and art books and magazines on design, art, and architecture. Visitors can enjoy the architecture with slopes and spiral staircases while browsing like window shopping. There is a cafe on the first floor and a rooftop garden on the top floor, offering a relaxing time.

A City of Agriculture

Ota City's specialty products include yamatoimo (Japanese yam), small watermelons, yayoi-hime (strawberries), and Brix Nine (tomatoes). In addition, spinach, moroheiya, and green onions also boast high production volumes. Livestock farming is also very active, including dairy farming, beef cattle fattening, pig farming, and poultry farming.