"Relationship Population Lab" #0 "What is Relationship Population, After All?" Successfully Concludes Rebroadcast on June 10; On-Demand Archive Coming Soon, Pre-Registration Now Open

The Japan Local Government DX Promotion Association (hereinafter "the Association") has successfully concluded the rebroadcast of the first session of its new series "Relationship Population Lab" #0, titled "What is Relationship Population, After All?", which was held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in response to popular demand. Concurrently, the Association will begin distributing an on-demand archive of the main program shortly, and has started accepting pre-registrations for viewing.

Session #0 was attended by many local government officials, corporate representatives, researchers, and others from across the country. The post-seminar survey showed that over 90% of all respondents answered "Very useful" or "Useful," bringing the event to a successful close. In response to numerous requests from those who "couldn't make it on the day" or "wanted to watch it again," the Association will now offer an on-demand archive.

The archive distribution will be online, free of charge, and require advance registration. The start date and time of the distribution will be individually notified to those who have registered.

[Archive] Relationship Population Lab #0 Application

Relationship Population Lab #1 Application is here

*If the above links do not open, please apply via email to:
Japan Local Government DX Promotion Association, Relationship Population Lab Office
E-mail: kankei@gdx.or.jp

■ #0 Event Report

In session #0, "What is Relationship Population, After All?", the term "relationship population," which is often discussed in various contexts but remains difficult to grasp, was re-examined by tracing back through accumulated research and historical background.

The session systematically explained domestic and international research and policy trends, the latest developments surrounding the increasingly popular "Hometown Resident Registration System," and the concept of "types" of relationship population, along with references. Many participants resonated with the perspective of accepting the "ambiguity of the definition" as a premise and allowing each local government and business to reinterpret relationship population according to their own objectives.

The survey drew responses from a wide range of participants, from local governments just starting to work on relationship population policies to companies and organizations already engaged in practical efforts. Many responses were grounded in on-the-ground realities, such as "It was reassuring to know that other local governments are struggling with the same issues" and "I want to use this for internal briefings and future policy development."

■ Participant Feedback (from survey)

"It was very easy to understand, starting from the basic knowledge." (Local government official)

"I was able to learn about the reasons behind the emergence of relationship population and the fundamental aspects that are rarely discussed." (Local government official)

"We are working on initiatives to increase relationship population, but we rarely have the opportunity to hear academic perspectives, so this was very educational." (Private organization)

"I was able to learn in detail about the academic positioning of the concept and the background that it originally emerged from the private sector." (Researcher/Student)

"The idea that 'the definition can be ambiguous' really clicked for me. I will use this for internal briefings going forward." (Local government official)

Furthermore, many requests were received for "more specific case studies" and "a deeper dive into the relationship with migration, U-turn, and the Hometown Resident Registration System." The upcoming session #1 will address these requests, with the theme set to "Migration and U-turn."

■ #1 Broadcast Information

Title

Relationship Population Lab #1: Relationship Population x Migration/U-turn

Date & Time

Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Apply for Relationship Population Lab #1 here

*If the above link does not open, please apply via email to:
Japan Local Government DX Promotion Association, Relationship Population Lab Office
E-mail: kankei@gdx.or.jp

■ Series Lecturer: Masato Ito

Lecturer and Researcher, Center for Global Communications, International University of Japan

Graduated from the Faculty of Environmental Tourism, Nagano University, and completed his master's degree at Hitotsubashi University. He has been involved for many years in research and practice concerning the movement of people across regions, including local migration, relationship population, and tourism. He is a leading figure in sociological research on the migration choices of young people.

His books include "Decoding Local Migration Promotion through Numbers and Facts," "Migration and Class," and "A Postwar History of Japan's Local Migration Policy." His co-edited book, "Relationship Population Created by Companies and Regions," is scheduled for publication by Gakugei Shuppansha in June 2026.

*He is scheduled to continue appearing as the series lecturer for session #1 and beyond.

■ About the Japan Local Government DX Promotion Association

The Japan Local Government DX Promotion Association (GDX) is a general incorporated association established in 2023 that supports the DX promotion of local governments through collaboration with private companies. As a hub connecting local governments and businesses, it conducts hearings, matching, and information dissemination, publishes the newsletter "Local Government DX Guide," plans and operates seminars for local governments nationwide, and conducts various fact-finding surveys.

■ Inquiries Regarding This Release and Seminar

Japan Local Government DX Promotion Association, Relationship Population Lab Office

TEL: 03-6683-0106
E-mail: kankei@gdx.or.jp

URL: https://gdx.or.jp/