NTT West Appoints Two New "Regional Revitalization Advisors" to Accelerate Regional Creation

NTT West Corporation (Representative Director and President: Ryota Kitamura, hereinafter "NTT West") and Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute Inc. (Representative Director and President: Hidenori Kigami, hereinafter "Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute") are pleased to announce the appointment of two new experts as Regional Revitalization Advisors, effective April 1, 2026.

NTT West and the Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute are committed to addressing diverse regional challenges by leveraging human and intellectual assets beyond ICT, and by practicing regional revitalization through co-creation with local governments, universities, and regional companies. With these new advisor appointments, they aim to further deepen their existing initiatives.

(Reference) Regional Revitalization Advisor Introduction Page (Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute Official Website):

https://codips.jp/advisors/

1. Newly Appointed Advisors (Effective April 1, 2026)

Atsunobu Kimura

Representative Director, Japan Living Lab Network General Incorporated Association

Associate Professor, Faculty of Urban Life Studies, Tokyo City University

<Main Themes>

Living Lab, Wellbeing Policy Design, Regional Revitalization, Design Science, Information Science

<Biography>

While engaged in research and development in information science and design science, and business development for the NTT Group at NTT Laboratories, he felt the limitations of R&D and business development confined within a single company. He then launched social design/living lab research and practice projects that co-create with stakeholders and local communities. After joint experimental projects with Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and establishing a regional intermediate support organization, he was involved in the establishment of the Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute in 2021 and joined it. In 2023, he established the Japan Living Lab Network*1 General Incorporated Association and assumed the role of Representative Director. From 2026, he will be an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Urban Life Studies, Tokyo City University, and lead the Social Design Research Lab. His publications include "First Steps in Living Lab" (NTT Publishing | 2025) and "Future Vision of Information and Communication Technology Lifestyles in 2030" (NTT Publishing | 2015).

*1 https://jnoll.org/

<Comment>

From my experiences in Omuta City and joint research with Denmark and Kamiyama Town, Tokushima Prefecture, I believe the essence of regional revitalization and local government policy is to create a situation where local people can proactively co-create beyond their existing roles. Leveraging the Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute, which is committed to facing regions and society long-term without being constrained by short-term business or results, we aim to realize regional and town development that people feel is their own responsibility.

Shuichi Yoshida

Representative, Office Yoshida

Consultant for Vocational Life of Persons with Disabilities

<Main Themes>

Promotion of employment for persons with disabilities, Retention support

<Biography>

After working at three special subsidiary companies, NTT Claruty, Pasona Heartful, and NTT West Lucent (as Representative Director), he became independent. Currently, as the representative of "Office Yoshida," he is involved in supporting the employment and active participation of persons with disabilities.

<Comment>

I believe regional revitalization is closely linked to creating an environment where diverse individuals can demonstrate their strengths. I hope to utilize my practical knowledge to support regional development where everyone can participate, through the initiatives of the Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute.

2. Future Outlook

NTT West and the Regional Revitalization Co-design Institute will continue to leverage the expertise of the Regional Revitalization Advisors, further deepen collaboration within and outside the NTT West Group, and promote problem-solving and value creation tailored to regions through cooperation with experts across various fields and positions.

※The information described in the news release is as of the announcement date. Please note that it may change, and we ask for your understanding and caution.