NoMaps2026 Kickoff Event Held in Tokyo: Ideas from Across Japan Set to Move in Sapporo, a New Co-creation Model Born from Public-Private Collaboration

The NoMaps Executive Committee held a kickoff event for "NoMaps TeamTOKYO," its Tokyo base, on April 13th (Monday), in preparation for the "NoMaps2026" urban complex festival scheduled for September 2026. At this event, the significance and potential of combining diverse resources from across Japan with Hokkaido's field to bring positive change to real society were shared. ■ From "Acceleration" to "Implementation" in Regional Revitalization: The Role of NoMaps Toshio Morimura, who assumed the position of Secretary-General this fiscal year, defined NoMaps not merely as a festival but as "a platform for implementing advanced technologies and creative ideas into actual cities and society." He articulated a policy aimed at solving regional issues across Japan and creating new industries by connecting the knowledge and capital concentrated in Tokyo to Sapporo, the stage for social implementation. ■ Co-creation by Diverse Players, as Seen from Last Year's Achievements During the talk session, it was shared how projects born from TeamTOKYO last year led to regional implementation. Fusion of Tradition x Advanced Technology: An example where a puppet show x generative AI project, led by artists, demonstrated a new fusion of technology and performing arts. Problem Solving through Collaboration with Administration: An example where a marriage support project, born from on-site dialogue, developed into actual collaboration with local governments. These initiatives are not limited to one-off events but lead to continuous social implementation. ■ A "Dialogue" Forum to Materialize Participants' Ideas In the latter half of the public planning meeting, multiple new project proposals set in Sapporo were presented by participating creators and entrepreneurs. The management, including the Secretary-General, provided immediate feedback on the feasibility and necessary resources for these ideas in Sapporo. This demonstrated a sincere attitude of "not ending with consideration, but seeking clues for realization through dialogue," serving as an impetus for several projects to concretely move forward towards NoMaps2026. The implementation of "NoMaps Flight Grand Operation 2026," which transforms travel between Tokyo and Sapporo from mere "transportation" into a "place for co-creation," was also announced. ■ Towards NoMaps2026 NoMaps2026 will be held for five days from September 23rd (Wednesday/Holiday) to 27th (Sunday), 2026, at various venues in central Sapporo. Starting with this kickoff, TeamTOKYO will accelerate community building in Tokyo and promote new value creation connecting Hokkaido and the entire nation. 【NoMaps2026 Event Outline】 Period: September 23rd (Wednesday/Holiday) – 27th (Sunday), 2026 Location: Various venues in central Sapporo Official Website: https://no-maps.jp/ ■ Information on Sponsorship and Collaboration NoMaps is currently seeking sponsoring companies and partners who would like to create new challenges together for the 2026 event. NoMaps is a co-creative event where diverse players such as companies, government, universities, creators, students, and citizens interact to generate new value and projects from Sapporo and Hokkaido. Recommended for those who: Want to disseminate their initiatives Want to create contact points for new businesses and regional co-creation Want to be involved in shaping the future of Sapporo and Hokkaido If you are a relevant company or organization, please feel free to contact us. Contact us here ■ What is NoMaps? NoMaps is an urban complex festival where people with the ambition to make the world more interesting and better through tech, entertainment, and creativity gather and interact from Sapporo and Hokkaido. ・Activation of creative industries and their ripple effect on other industries ・Promotion of startup support, new industry creation, and investment ・Cultivation of creative civic culture ・Enhancement of Sapporo and Hokkaido's international recognition and appeal ・Realization of "SAPPORO, one of the world's leading innovative cities" In 2025, its 10th year, various sessions and events were held at 86 venues in central Sapporo, attracting over 58,000 visitors. NoMaps2026 is scheduled to be held from September 23rd (Wednesday/Holiday) to 27th (Sunday). NoMaps Official Website: https://no-maps.jp/topics/nomaps2026/