Otetsutabi Signs Partnership Agreement with Shima City, Mie Prefecture, the First Such Agreement in Mie Prefecture

Otetsutabi Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo; CEO: Rina Nagaoka, hereinafter "Otetsutabi"), which operates "Otetsutabi," a human resource matching service combining "helping" and "travel," has signed a partnership agreement with Shima City, Mie Prefecture (Mayor: Masayoshi Hashitsume). The purpose of this agreement is to resolve labor shortages in the city, create and expand related populations, and promote sustainable development of the regional economy through the promotion of future migration and settlement. This is the first partnership agreement between a local government and Otetsutabi in Mie Prefecture.

The agreement signing ceremony was held at Shima City Hall on June 29, 2026 (Mon.), followed by an "Otetsutabi Utilization Seminar" in the afternoon for businesses in the city (accommodation facilities, primary industries, etc.) facing labor shortages.

Background of the Agreement: Resolving "Labor Shortages" in the Ise-Shima Area and Creating "Regional Fans (Related Populations)"

Shima City boasts rich nature and food, as well as world-class tourist resources represented by the Ise-Shima National Park. However, on the other hand, temporary labor shortages in accommodation facilities during specific seasons (peak periods) and a future shortage of successors in primary industries such as agriculture and fisheries are major regional issues.

These issues are difficult to solve with temporary job postings alone, and the existence of "related populations" who are continuously involved from outside the region is essential.

This agreement will utilize the network of "Otetsutabi," which has approximately 100,000 registered users nationwide, to attract motivated workers from all over the country by using "travel" as a hook, thereby resolving the "labor shortage" facing the region. Furthermore, it will create a virtuous cycle where participants who become fans of Shima City (related populations) through their stay will lead to continued visits and future "migration and settlement."

Contents of the Partnership Agreement: Making Shima City an "Otetsutabi" Holy Land

Resolving labor shortages in businesses through the employment of diverse people involved with the city.

Creating related populations through stays and employment in the city.

Promoting continuous visits through the creation and expansion of related populations.

Promoting migration and settlement to the city.

Promoting sustainable development of the regional economy.

Matters necessary to achieve the objectives of this agreement.

"Otetsutabi Utilization Seminar" Held

On the afternoon of the same day as the agreement signing ceremony, an information session was held for businesses in Shima City and organizations involved in tourism and regional development.

The seminar introduced the mechanism of Otetsutabi and real-life utilization examples in the accommodation industry (front desk, serving, etc.) and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries (harvesting, processing, etc.) nationwide. In addition, Hyakugo Bank also gave a presentation. From the perspective of a financial institution, they shared the benefits of introducing Otetsutabi, such as "reduction of recruitment costs and labor" and "flexible response to peak periods," as well as the real challenges faced by local companies, which garnered significant interest from many participants.

Comment from Masayoshi Hashitsume, Mayor of Shima City, Mie Prefecture

I am extremely pleased and encouraged to have signed a municipal partnership agreement with "Otetsutabi," the first of its kind in Mie Prefecture. Shima City possesses rich nature and food, as well as world-class tourist resources represented by the Ise-Shima National Park. However, on the other hand, temporary "labor shortages" in accommodation facilities that occur during specific seasons, and a "shortage of successors" to pass on primary industries such as agriculture and fisheries to the future, are serious regional issues. This collaboration is not intended to be a mere temporary "filling of labor gaps." We want visitors from all over the country, who come to Shima prompted by "travel," to actually enter the field and work alongside local residents. Through this, it is an innovative initiative to allow them to experience firsthand the true appeal of working and living in Shima, rather than just being external visitors. Through this project, we aim to increase "regional fans and companions (related populations)" nationwide who will love Shima City as if it were their second hometown. We will then build a self-sustaining virtuous cycle model where these connections lead to continuous visits and future "migration and settlement," and firmly pass on Shima City's treasured industries to the future, 10 and 20 years from now.

Comment from Rina Nagaoka, Representative Director and CEO of Otetsutabi Inc.

Shima City, filled with many attractions such as delicious food and beautiful nature, is a beloved place where I have many fond memories from visiting many times in my childhood. I am truly happy and encouraged to be able to sign this first partnership agreement in Mie Prefecture, my home prefecture.

We believe that the regional "pinch" of labor shortages is the best opportunity for travelers nationwide to meet the region. Through Otetsutabi, participants will dive into Shima City with the role of "helping out," work alongside local residents, and become deeply involved. Through such experiences that cannot be obtained through tourism alone, we want to make Shima City a "special region" for them and create many fans nationwide who will want to visit again and again.

Even as the population decreases, we want to work with the people of Shima City to create a future where Shima City's wonderful industries and culture are passed down to the next generation as much as possible, with people from inside and outside the region joining hands!

What is "Otetsutabi"

"Otetsutabi" is a human resource matching service that combines "helping" and "travel." It matches regional businesses struggling with labor shortages with travelers who want to "travel while working."

Travelers bear their own transportation costs to the destination, but they can earn remuneration by working at their travel destination, which reduces the economic burden of travel. They can also enjoy the local culture and life more deeply through interaction with local people.

Regional businesses can attract workers from all over the country by providing remuneration and accommodation (dormitories, etc.) to workers from outside the region, and do not need to pay for transportation costs. The recruitment period can be from a minimum of 1 night and 2 days to less than 2 months, and the employment period, working hours, and job content can be flexibly set. Furthermore, the regional economy is expected to be revitalized as workers visit and sightsee in the region during their days off or free time.

See the Otetsutabi Site

Working in Rural Areas as an Entry Point to "Related Populations"

The average length of stay for "Otetsutabi" is about 2 weeks. By actually working in the region, travelers build connections with people and relationships with the region that cannot be obtained through simple tourism. Such experiences not only help resolve short-term labor shortages but also lead to the creation of "related populations" who maintain continuous connections with the region.

In fact, the post-stay survey for Otetsutabi participants showed the following results:

80% stayed in a "region (municipality) they had no plans to visit if not for Otetsutabi."

49% answered that they "did not know about the region (municipality) until they stayed there."

70% answered that it was their "first visit" to the region (municipality).

85% answered that they "want to visit the region where they stayed again someday."

Nationwide Cases: From "Otetsutabi" to Migration and Settlement

Cases have emerged where "Otetsutabi" has led to actual employment, dual residence, and migration and settlement in rural areas.

See Otetsunagi Articles Here

▼ After early retirement at 54, a journey to find an ideal place to relocate: "Somewhere other than Tokyo"

https://media.otetsutabi.com/20231225-2/

▼ After much deliberation, I quit my company. A 51-year-old chasing his dream, a journey to start a business in Naruto.

https://media.otetsutabi.com/20231227-2/

▼ Married at my Otetsutabi destination and became the "young mistress of the inn." Trusting my intuition and choosing a new path.

https://media.otetsutabi.com/20231208-2/

▼ Dual residence to hone "skills" found during travel. A freelance chef's challenge.

https://media.otetsutabi.com/20240111-2/

▼ In my 40s, I saw myself living a different life through Otetsutabi | A woman who moved to Tottori talks about career choices and Otetsutabi.

https://media.otetsutabi.com/20240704-2/

▼ "I want to learn in this town! Towards my dreams." The choice of "taking a leave of absence x settling down."

https://media.otetsutabi.com/20231201-2/

Exceeding 100,000 Registered Users. Users in their 50s and older are rapidly increasing.

As of June 2026, the number of registered users has exceeded 106,000. The trend of using "Otetsutabi" as a "trial relocation" is spreading due to the need to reduce travel costs amid rising prices, the increased ease of achieving a lifestyle not bound by time or place due to the spread of telework, and the growing interest in relocating to rural areas.

Particularly noteworthy is the increase in users in their 50s and older. While approximately half of the participants are Gen Z (teens and 20s), the number of users in their middle and senior years, such as those who have taken early retirement or housewives whose children have grown up, is rapidly increasing in this "100-year lifespan era."

Local Government Partnerships

Otetsutabi is currently collaborating with over 70 local governments through agreements, including Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture, Yamanouchi Town in Nagano Prefecture, and Hokuei Town in Tottori Prefecture.

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Partnership Agreement with Naruto City

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000120.000036175.html

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Partnership Agreement with Takaharu Town, Miyazaki Prefecture

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000133.000036175.html

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Partnership Agreement with Yamanouchi Town, Nagano Prefecture https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000148.000036175.html

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Partnership Agreement with Hokuei Town, Tottori Prefecture

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000163.000036175.html

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Engagement Partner Agreement with Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000166.000036175.html

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Agreement on Cooperation and Collaboration with "Saku Wide-Area Federation," Nagano Prefecture | First Partnership with a Municipal Federation Nationwide

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000191.000036175.html

For Local Governments and Third Sector Organizations: https://form.run/@otetsutabi-collaboration-attract-lg

For Corporations, Agricultural Cooperatives, and Other Partnerships: https://form.run/@otetsutabi-collaboration-attract-cm

View Site for Local Governments and Third Sector Organizations

Media Inquiries | Available Nationwide

We want more people to know about "Otetsutabi" as a new travel style and a means of securing staff during peak seasons. We are active throughout Japan, so if you are interested, please feel free to contact us through the form below. We also welcome consultations during the planning stage.

Otetsutabi Inc. Public Relations PR Representative Hayakawa

TEL: 080-5010-5175

Email: info@otetsutabi.com

Inquire About Media Coverage

【Company Profile】

Company Name: Otetsutabi Inc.

Representative: Rina Nagaoka, Representative Director and CEO

Location: (Tokyo Office) 2-29-9 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0031

(Shizuoka Office) 1-8-43 Takabayashi, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka 430-0907

Established: July 2018

Capital: 70,286,500 Yen

URL: https://otetsutabi.com/