HIS Participates in "Gunma Sustainable Tourism Fund" Utilizing Dormant Deposits

HIS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as HIS) will participate in the "Gunma Sustainable Tourism Fund" established by Gunma Regional Co-creation Partners Co., Ltd., which has been selected for the "Dormant Deposit Utilization Project" (*1) by the Japan Organization for Employment of the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Job Seekers.

Gunma Prefecture is blessed with diverse and attractive tourism resources, including Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Minakami. On the other hand, challenges such as changing tourism needs, labor shortages, and business succession are becoming apparent for regional businesses, increasing the importance of integrated regional initiatives in collaboration with the public and private sectors.

The "Gunma Sustainable Tourism Fund" is a social impact investment (*2) fund with the theme of "creating sustainable tourism destinations," aiming to bring about positive changes in the local community, economy, and environment while maximizing the region's potential. This is the first initiative in Japan to establish a fund focused on tourism revitalization at the prefectural level for impact investment utilizing dormant deposits, involving prefectural organizations, multiple regional financial institutions, and tourism-related businesses. To address challenges in regional revitalization such as labor shortages and economic reasons, this initiative will support regional businesses and external stakeholders who wish to challenge themselves in the region, in collaboration with local financial institutions, regional tourism and commerce organizations, and government bodies, to create a significant ripple effect in the region.

HIS is committed to creating sustainable solutions for regional issues, not just temporary ones, and to fostering the region's "earning power." Through its involvement in regional revitalization projects, HIS deeply resonates with the theme and awareness of challenges addressed by the "Gunma Sustainable Tourism Fund" and the philosophy of social impact investment, leading to its participation. Beyond mere financial contribution, HIS aims to contribute to accelerating business growth and maximizing social impact as a co-creation partner, and to contribute to building sustainable regions for future generations in collaboration with like-minded partners.

"Gunma Sustainable Tourism Fund" Overview

Fund Name

Gunma Sustainable Tourism Investment Limited Partnership

Total Fund Amount

1 billion yen

General Partner (GP)

Gunma Regional Co-creation Partners Co., Ltd.

Limited Partners (LP)

Japan Organization for Employment of the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Job Seekers, The Gunma Foundation of Tourism and International Exchange, HIS Co., Ltd., The Gunma Bank, Ltd., The Towa Bank, Ltd., Kitagunma Shinkin Bank, Kiryu Shinkin Bank, Shinonome Shinkin Bank, Tonegun Shinkin Bank

Investment Targets

1. Funds for the reuse of vacant houses and shops in tourist areas within Gunma Prefecture.

2. Funds for initiatives to reduce environmental impact, such as renewable energy.

3. Funds for supporting the stable employment of foreign workers through educational program development and operation.

Fund Website

https://www.g-rasp.co.jp/fund/sustainable-fund/

*1: A system based on the "Act on the Utilization of Dormant Deposits for the Promotion of Private Public Interest Activities," which utilizes deposits with no transaction history for 10 years or more to solve social issues and promote private public interest activities.

*2: An investment method that aims to achieve both economic returns and solutions to social issues.