[Fuji City Endorsed] The Era When Regional Cities Need AI Talent is Here – AI Talent Development Event Held in Fuji City Aiming to Solve Regional Issues and Create New Businesses

The international fund project 'AI BLOOM JAPAN' (operated by Manabiya mom Inc.) will hold a free event on June 23, 2026 (Tuesday) at 'i/HUB', a regional innovation hub in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, to learn how to utilize generative AI, targeting local companies, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

This event, endorsed by Fuji City and hosted by i/HUB, aims to explore new possibilities through AI utilization for regional challenges such as labor shortages, business succession, and new business creation in regional cities, connecting the local Fuji City community with a nationwide network.

AI BLOOM JAPAN Generative AI Free Course

■Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 13:00 - 15:00 ■Participation Fee: Free [Endorsed by: Fuji City]

■Venue: i/HUB (Sawada Building, 31-31 Omiya-cho, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture)

■Target Audience: Individuals interested in AI / Business owners / New business creators / Aspiring entrepreneurs / Those involved in regional revitalization

■Application: AI BLOOM JAPAN Course Application Form

Background of the Fuji City Event – Towards Solving Regional Issues with Generative AI Utilization –

While the utilization of generative AI is rapidly advancing, a gap in AI adoption exists between regions and companies, with large corporations having an AI adoption rate of 64.7%, compared to only 23.7% for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, 62% of companies in regional areas have stated they have 'no plans for adoption.' In regional cities facing population decline and labor shortages, AI is expected not only to improve operational efficiency but also to be an effective means for creating new businesses and solving regional challenges.

This event will host a reskilling course by 'AI BLOOM JAPAN,' which conducts regional events for AI talent development, providing an opportunity for Fuji City residents to learn the basics of AI (such as Google Gemini) through practical application and connect it to new challenges.

Source: Luxus Inc. Reference: [Survey on AI Utilization by Companies] 60% of SMEs 'Have No Plans for AI Adoption' – Large corporations' AI adoption rate is 64.7%, while SMEs remain at 23.7%.

AI Event at Maruten Sangyo Co., Ltd. in Nagoya City (March 2026) at NOBUNAGA CAPITAL VILLAGE in Gifu City (May 2006)

Event Ambassador

Shinya Tanaka

Representative Director, Dot Found Inc.

Operations Manager, Fuji City Regional Innovation Hub 'i/HUB'

AI BLOOM JAPAN Fuji Ambassador

Supports regional challenges through the operation of i/HUB.

As an ambassador for the AI BLOOM JAPAN Fuji event, he will promote AI utilization and co-creation among local companies and entrepreneurs.

'AI holds great potential not only for urban areas but also for companies and communities in regional areas. Through this event, I hope it will serve as an opportunity for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Fuji City to feel that AI is accessible, leading to new challenges and collaborations. As i/HUB, we will continue to promote the creation of spaces for learning and co-creation in the region.'

Support System Unique to the Fuji Venue

At the Fuji venue, Kou Kawashima and Koudai Oda, former interns of the Fuji City Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team and currently active as student entrepreneurs, will participate as venue supporters.

On the day, they will support participants with computer operations and generative AI utilization, providing an environment where even AI beginners and those unfamiliar with digital tools can learn with peace of mind.

Furthermore, by involving young local talent in creating a learning space, it will also serve as a catalyst for intergenerational exchange and new challenges.

Mission and Initiatives of the International Fund Project 'AI BLOOM JAPAN'

'Launch of the '5,000 People Free AI Training Project AI BLOOM JAPAN''

AI BLOOM JAPAN is an AI reskilling project operated by Manabiya mom Inc. It is an adopted project of the 'AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific,' an international fund supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organized by AVPN, Asia's largest social investment network. It aims to create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender or region, can learn and utilize AI, and is working to develop AI talent that supports local communities and SMEs through online learning and real-world events.

AI BLOOM JAPAN's Regional Collaboration Spreading Nationwide

Following the event in Fuji City, AI BLOOM JAPAN plans to hold satellite events in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, utilizing the local exchange hub 'Kokokorin,' with the endorsement of the local government.

Additionally, a satellite event is scheduled for July 22, 2026, at 'STATION Ai' (Nagoya City), one of Japan's largest open innovation hubs, expanding collaborations with local governments, community groups, and startup support centers nationwide.

Diverse Experts Participate as 'Official Ambassadors,' Accelerating the Formation of AI Communities Rooted in Regions

Furthermore, official ambassadors from various regions across Japan, including Shizuoka, Aichi, Saitama, Miyagi, Shimane, and Ibaraki prefectures, are participating. They are promoting the formation of AI talent development communities rooted in their respective regions by leveraging their expertise in areas such as public relations, IT education, digital utilization support, career support, and regional revitalization.

Moving forward, centered around regional hubs such as Fuji City's i/HUB, Handa City's Kokokorin, and STATION Ai, we will deploy local satellites across Japan to create an environment where anyone can learn and utilize AI, regardless of their place of residence.

Manabiya mom Inc.

Since its establishment in 2013, Manabiya mom Inc. has been promoting sustainable employment creation by developing collaborative projects with companies and local governments, focusing on its vision to 'create a society where women can utilize their abilities and take on challenges based on their own individuality,' supporting female entrepreneurs, second career support, and entrepreneurship education for students. Representative Director: Kiyono Yagami

Inquiries Regarding This Press Release and Interviews

Manabiya mom Inc. AI Bloom Japan Project Public Relations Manager: Ayako Kubo

TEL: 080-4530-3729 Email: press@manabiyamom.com

Manabiya mom Inc.

2-11-2 Shinsakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 460-0007 https://manabiyamom.com