Three Events on Business in Tottori City Conclude in Tokyo. New Business Hub 'Katokami' to Open in April.

Shibire Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Midori Suzuki), which advocates a lifestyle not bound by Tokyo under the vision of "OFF TOKYO," was commissioned to promote "Katokami," a new business hub in Tottori City. As part of this, the company held three events in Tokyo. These events introduced the business potential in Tottori City, new ways of working that connect urban and rural areas, and an overview of the hub to urban corporate executives and entrepreneurs.

Guests included diverse players from industry, government, academia, and finance, such as administrative officials from Tottori Prefecture and Tottori City, professors from Tottori University, as well as town development companies, banks, NPOs, startups, and entrepreneur support organizations. This diverse lineup was made possible by the compact yet strong collaboration system that transcends the boundaries of government, universities, and the private sector, uniquely born from Japan's least populous prefecture.

Background and Purpose of the Events

Currently, Tottori City is experiencing changes in its central urban area and business environment, driven by the first redevelopment of the JR Tottori Station area in half a century and the opening of new hubs. However, these developments are often not easily visible from urban areas and are difficult to grasp without being on-site.

Therefore, these events were held with the aim of informing urban business professionals about the current status of initiatives progressing in Tottori City and the activities of its businesses.

Background and Role of "Katokami" Opening

The new business and community hub "Katokami" is positioned by Tottori City, which faces challenges such as youth outflow and the decline of its central urban area, as a central point for comprehensively promoting corporate attraction, startup support, and urban regeneration. It aims to be a place where companies from within and outside the prefecture, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs, can gather, connect, and foster new businesses.

Event Overview

### [First Session] Thursday, January 22, 2026

### "Team Tottori" Discusses Tottori's Present Situation, Challenged by Prefectural, City, and University Collaboration

◾️Guest Speakers

Yuki Yamane, Tottori Prefectural Government, Commerce, Industry and Labor Department, Location Strategy Division Yusuke Endo, Tottori University, Vice Director of Research Promotion Organization, Professor Toshiki Nishio, Tottori City Government, Economic and Tourism Department, Corporate Location and Support Division

◾️Event highlights and content are available in videos/event reports.

・Recorded Videos: Part 1 | Part 2 ・Report: