Celebrating 100,000 Registered Users! "1st Otetsutabi Awards" Winners Announced

Otetsutabi Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Rina Nagaoka; hereinafter referred to as "Otetsutabi"), which operates "Otetsutabi," a human resource matching service that combines "helping out" and "travel," has decided and announced the winning businesses for the "1st Otetsutabi Awards," which honor businesses across the country that host "Otetsutabi" participants, in commemoration of reaching 100,000 registered users.

This award is not a competition, but an initiative to express gratitude to businesses that have created wonderful encounters with participants in their respective regions, with the concept of "There are people and places you want to return to and see. A journey to find a second hometown."

Under our company's philosophy of "Creating a world where truly good people, good things, and good regions across Japan are properly valued," we have selected winners from diverse perspectives, including participant satisfaction, repeat participation rates, and warm engagement within the community.

"1st Otetsutabi Awards" Special Site: https://otetsutabi.com/lp/award/2026

What Otetsutabi Values (Selection Criteria)

Based on our company's philosophy of "Creating a world where truly good people, good things, and good regions across Japan are properly valued," we have selected winners with the following six perspectives, prioritizing the "connections" with participants:

Participant Satisfaction: We value the satisfaction and feedback participants actually feel through their "helping out" and travel experiences.

Number of Hosts: We value the achievements of businesses that have attracted many participants to their regions, creating numerous connections.

Acceptance of First-Time Participants: We value the creation of an environment where first-time "Otetsutabi" participants can challenge themselves with peace of mind.

Repeat Hosting: We value the creation of relationships and experiences that make participants want to visit again.

Local Initiatives: We value initiatives that expand the appeal, lifestyle, and industrial background of the region.

Engagement with Participants: We value hosting that goes beyond just work, fostering human connections.

[Accommodation Category] Winning Businesses

We selected "Otetsutabi" hosts who delivered their accommodations not just as a place to work, but as an opportunity to connect with local people and places during their stay.

▼ Grand Prize

Tenngoku Onsen Kake Nagashi no Yado Hotel Ogawa (Toyama Prefecture, Shimoniikawa District, Asahi Town | Population approx. 11,000)

Winning Comment: "Initially, we started hosting not only to alleviate labor shortages, but also with the desire to 'hear directly from visitors from outside the region about how they perceive this area.' It's already our fifth year, and we've had wonderful encounters with 151 staff members, and the number of repeat visitors who come back multiple times has increased. Our inn is a secluded establishment in the mountains, and by no means a major tourist destination. However, we are always encouraged by the sight of our guests not only enjoying their stay here but also discovering and fully appreciating the charms of local tourist spots and hot springs even more than we do."

▼ Winners (4 Businesses)

Sasayamajokamachi Guesthouse quolo/inosica (Hyogo Prefecture, Tanbasasayama City | Population approx. 39,000)

Shin Iya Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi (Tokushima Prefecture, Miyoshi City | Population approx. 21,000)

SKY-HILL HOTEL Izu Kogen (Shizuoka Prefecture, Ito City | Population approx. 60,000)

Ougino Yado Ougihoukak (Mie Prefecture, Toba City | Population approx. 15,000)

[Primary Industry, Food & Beverage, and Other Categories] Winning Businesses

We selected "Otetsutabi" hosts who conveyed the appeal of the region's food, agriculture, lifestyle, and town through their daily work and interactions with people.

▼ Grand Prize

Otsuka Farm (Hokkaido, Ishikari District, Shinshinotsu Village | Population approx. 2,600, Organic Farming)

Winning Comment: "My encounter with Otetsutabi began when I was moved by CEO Nagaoka's appearance on TV and registered. Having energetic and motivated people come to help has been a great relief, and it has brightened up the entire farm, bringing a sense of vitality. We spend time enjoying ourselves along with work, such as having young people come over to share Genghis Khan with us and going to hot springs in the snow. Thanks to everyone's support, we are able to continue our organic farming with a positive outlook."

▼ Winners (4 Businesses)

Miyamoto Engei (Wakayama Prefecture, Gobo City | Population approx. 20,000, Agriculture)

Teppan Okonomiyaki Masaya (Hokkaido, Furano City | Population approx. 19,000, Food & Beverage)

JA Satoura Farm & Tokushima Prefecture Naruto City (Tokushima Prefecture, Naruto City | Population approx. 52,000, Agriculture, Municipal Collaboration)

Nishino Nouen (Tokyo Metropolis, Miyake Island | Population approx. 2,100, Agriculture)

See the Otetsutabi Award Winners

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

There are many fascinating businesses (Otetsutabi hosts) across Japan that I cannot introduce all of them here. The Otetsutabi Awards were launched to express our heartfelt gratitude to the businesses that have warmly welcomed participants in their own ways in their respective regions, creating many "people I want to see again."

Even after the "Otetsutabi" experience ends, they maintain connections by saying, "You can always come back anytime," leading to people revisiting the area multiple times, or even coming back as guests with their families. We are always deeply encouraged by the warm episodes and connections that everyone creates in their communities.

As the population declines across Japan, I believe that instead of competing for people between regions, we should "share" them and create many "opportunities for engagement" where one person can be involved in multiple roles in a region, thereby building a system of mutual support. This is crucial for ensuring that the diverse regions of Japan can be passed on to the next generation as much as possible. Moving forward, together with our valued partners, the businesses, and our participants, we want to deliver the charm of "truly good people, good things, and good regions" found throughout Japan!

Seeking Businesses Facing Labor Shortages

Otetsutabi is currently recruiting regional businesses (farmers, hotels, inns, etc.) across the country that are struggling with labor shortages. If you have concerns such as "We can't get applications even if we post job openings," "There are no workers in the local area," or "We need extra hands only during peak seasons," please feel free to contact us. Registration and job posting are free of charge.

Currently, the number of registered businesses has surpassed 2,800, primarily in accommodation (hotels and inns) and primary industries like agriculture and fisheries. However, recently, the scope has expanded to diverse industries including guesthouses, campgrounds, sake breweries, seafood processing, and restaurants.

Post a Job Listing on Otetsutabi

What is "Otetsutabi"?

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

Travelers can earn remuneration by working at their travel destination, which reduces the economic burden of travel, although transportation costs to the location are borne by the traveler. Furthermore, through interaction with local people, they can enjoy the region's culture and lifestyle more deeply.

Regional businesses can attract workers from all over the country by offering remuneration and accommodation (such as dormitories) to workers from outside the region, and there is no need to cover transportation costs. The recruitment period can be as short as 1 night and 2 days or as long as less than 2 months, and employment periods, working hours, and job duties can be flexibly set. Additionally, by allowing workers to sightsee in the region during their days off or free time, it is expected to revitalize the local economy.

View the Otetsutabi Site

Travel for Work in Rural Areas as an Entry Point to "Related Population"

The average stay duration for "Otetsutabi" is about two weeks. By actually working in the region, travelers build connections with people and relationships with the community that cannot be obtained through simple tourism. Such experiences not only help alleviate short-term labor shortages but also contribute to the creation of a "related population" that maintains continuous ties with the region.

In fact, the post-Otetsutabi survey shows the following results:

80% stayed in a region (municipality) they had no plans to visit without "Otetsutabi."

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

70% answered that it was their "first time" visiting the region (municipality).

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

National Examples: From "Otetsutabi" to Employment, Dual Residence, and Relocation/Settlement

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

Read Otetsunagi Articles Here

▼ "Somewhere Other Than Tokyo" - Retired Early at 54. A Journey to Find an Ideal Place to Relocate

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

▼ After Much Worry, I Quit My Company. A 51-Year-Old Chasing Dreams, a Journey of Starting a Radish Business in Naruto

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

▼ Married into an "Otetsutabi" Host Family and Became the "Young Innkeeper" - Trusting My Intuition, I Chose a New Path

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

▼ Developing Skills Found Through Travel - A Dual-Location Lifestyle. 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 Relocated to Tottori Shares Her 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/

100,000 Registered Users Reached. Users in their 50s and Above are Rapidly Increasing

As of June 2026, the number of registered users has reached 106,000. Needs to save on travel expenses due to rising prices, the increasing feasibility of lifestyles not bound by time or place due to the spread of telework, and growing interest in relocating to rural areas are driving the trend of using "Otetsutabi" as a "trial relocation."

Particularly noteworthy is the increase in users aged 50 and over. While approximately half of the participants are Gen Z (teens and 20s), in today's "100-year lifespan era," the number of users in their middle and senior years, such as those who have taken early retirement or housewives who have finished raising their children, is rapidly increasing. Against this backdrop, "Otetsutabi" is seeing significant expansion not only among young people but also among seniors.

Collaboration with Municipalities

Otetsutabi is collaborating with over 70 municipalities through agreements, led by Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture, Yamanouchi Town in Nagano Prefecture, and Hokuei Town in Tottori Prefecture. We support businesses together with municipalities, aiming to resolve labor shortages and create a "related population."

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Collaboration Agreement with Naruto City

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

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Collaboration Agreement with Takaharu Town, Miyazaki Prefecture

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

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

▼ Otetsutabi Signs Collaboration 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 Collaboration and Cooperation with "Saku Wide Area Union" in Nagano Prefecture | First Collaboration with a Municipal Union Nationwide

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

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

For Corporations, JA, and Other Collaborations: https://form.run/@otetsutabi-collaboration-attract-cm

View Site for Municipalities 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 busy periods. We are active in various regions across Japan, so if you are interested, please feel free to contact us through the form below. We also welcome consultations during the planning stages.

Otetsutabi Inc. Public Relations 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 430-0007

Established: July 2018

Capital: 70,286,500 Yen

URL: https://otetsutabi.com/