Minamiuonuma Matchbox, Supporting Local Employment, Enters its 4th Year with Achievements Including Over 350 Hires Per Month on Average

Matchbox Technologies Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture; President and CEO: Hiroaki Sato; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") provides the system for "Minamiuonuma Matchbox," the official employment platform operated by Minamiuonuma City (Mayor: Shigeo Hayashi). The platform will enter its fourth year of operation under a comprehensive partnership agreement starting April 2026.

The Company has so far developed and provided unique spot work platforms for local governments to 9 prefectures and 58 municipalities, including Niigata and Osaka Prefectures. This marks the first time that the Company's collaboration with a local government will continue in the form of a comprehensive partnership agreement.

Through its operations, "Minamiuonuma Matchbox" has seen its utilization in the region expand, resulting in an average of over 350 hires per month, and has become a foundation supporting Minamiuonuma City's employment initiatives. The Company will continue to strengthen its collaboration with Minamiuonuma City, the operating entity, and focus on solving local employment challenges.

Minamiuonuma Matchbox: https://matchbox.jp/niigata/minamiuonuma

（From left）Mayor Shigeo Hayashi, Company President and CEO Hiroaki Sato

What is Minamiuonuma Matchbox - Initiatives and Achievements to Date - "Minamiuonuma Matchbox" is an official spot work platform launched by Minamiuonuma City in October 2023 with the aim of securing human resources for local businesses and realizing diverse working styles. Businesses in the city can post spot work job openings for free, and job seekers nationwide can apply for jobs in the city on an hourly or daily basis.

In Minamiuonuma City, the declining birthrate, aging population, and population decrease have led to chronic labor shortages for local businesses. At the same time, the number of local residents who find it difficult to commit to fixed working hours due to childcare, eldercare, or academic reasons has been increasing. Based on these local conditions, the city took the initiative to launch this platform as a system to provide flexible employment opportunities, allowing people to work for short periods whenever they wish.

Since its launch, job openings from various industries supporting the local economy, such as the accommodation, agriculture, and food manufacturing industries, have been posted. Currently, 227 businesses and 2,752 individuals are registered, with over 3,900 cumulative matching achievements. The total wages paid within the region so far amount to approximately 20 million yen, creating a cycle of employment within the local area. Furthermore, individuals residing outside the city and students returning home for breaks are also finding employment, contributing not only to the creation of local employment but also to the expansion of related population. *The achievements above are as of the end of February 2026.