Community Hub 'Coqu' to Showcase Local Charm at Kawatana Station

As part of its 'ekinico' initiative to create sustainable station vibrancy by utilizing unused spaces in unmanned stations with the local community, JR Kyushu is launching a new project. A hub for showcasing regional charm, 'Coqu,' will be established at Kawatana Station on the Omura Line. A pre-opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, 2026, ahead of the full opening in winter 2026.

**1. About 'Coqu'**

'Coqu' is a regional charm dissemination hub developed at Kawatana Station through the collaboration of the Kawatana Tourism and Town Development Council, Kawatana Town, and JR Kyushu. Positioning the station as the 'first point of contact' with Kawatana Town and a 'trailer' that condenses the town's attractions, it will showcase the blessings of the sea, mountains, and rivers, as well as its food, culture, and the warmth of its people. It aims to be a place where visitors who experience the town's atmosphere and value at the station are encouraged to explore the 'main feature'—the town itself—fostering relationships that lead to return visits.

*The name 'Coqu' embodies the hope that it will become a cherished symbol of Kawatana Town, much like Mt. Kokuuzo, known as the 'Matterhorn of Kyushu.' It also aims to warmly welcome visitors to Kawatana Station and serve as a connector between the region and its people.*

**2. About the Pre-Opening**

As a first step, a gallery exhibition will be launched in the Kawatana Station waiting room, introducing local producers and community leaders. On the day, the following activities will be held to provide an opportunity to experience the charm of Kawatana Town starting from the station.

◆ Date and Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ◆ Venue: Omura Line Kawatana Station Waiting Room and Station Plaza ◆ Content: - Serving and selling drinks made with Kawatana's specialty products - Exhibition and sale of products, centered on the local product brand 'Kawatana Local Collection (Kawa-Colle)'

On the same day, a JR Kyushu Walking event*¹ and the 'Kurashi no Hitotana' market*² will also be held at and around the station.

**3. About the Grand Opening (Scheduled for Winter 2026)**

A new light food and drink counter will be established in the former ticket window space, planned as a place to enjoy the town's ingredients. *The perspective drawing is an image of the finished space; actual specifications and design may vary.*

**4. About the Kawatana Tourism and Town Development Council**

The Kawatana Tourism and Town Development Council is an organization where the administration, businesses, and local residents collaborate to promote tourism and regional revitalization in Kawatana Town. Through refining local resources, disseminating information, and developing local product brands, it aims to transform Kawatana from a 'pass-through town' to a 'destination town.' At 'Coqu (ekinico Kawatana),' the council will be the main operator, promoting initiatives to foster new relationships between the region and people in collaboration with JR Kyushu and Kawatana Town.

**5. About Kawatana Town**

Kawatana Town is located in the center of Nagasaki Prefecture, a temperate town facing the calm Omura Bay. The Kawatana River, originating from Mt. Kokuuzo, flows through the center of the town, creating a landscape where mountains, rivers, and the sea harmonize in close proximity. In this environment, Kawatana Station has welcomed people from both inside and outside the town as its gateway. The regional charm hub at Kawatana Station is expected to become a foundation that connects people and the town by disseminating its attractions and serving as a base for tourism, exchange, and community activities, in addition to its transportation function.

**6. About 'Kawatana Local Collection (Kawa-Colle)'**

This is a local product brand for Kawatana Town established by the Kawatana Tourism and Town Development Council in fiscal year Reiwa 7. It embodies the concept of the town's strengths and values, such as its natural environment of sea, mountains, and rivers, the food and culture nurtured there, and the lives of its people. It carefully selects and introduces products created by the hands of people who produce, process, and work within the town. The goal is to openly communicate the region's value so that not only visitors but also residents can rediscover and feel proud of Kawatana's charm. In the Kawatana Station waiting room, Kawa-Colle will visualize the region's value, convey the thoughts and backgrounds of the creators, and implement initiatives that connect tourists, local residents, and businesses.