Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido Announces Official Partnership with Headwaters Inc.

On June 27, Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido, entered into an 'Higashikawa Official Partner Agreement' with Headwaters Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yusuke Shinoda), a company engaged in AI platform services, aiming to strengthen mutual collaboration.

Left: Noboru Kikuchi, Mayor of Higashikawa Town; Right: Yusuke Shinoda, Representative Director of Headwaters Inc.

Higashikawa Town's 'Official Partner Program' aims to build partnerships with corporations to co-create social value that nurtures the future of local communities, Japan, and the world. Under this agreement, Higashikawa Town and Headwaters Inc. will establish a partnership to jointly create new social value by leveraging each party's resources and strengths, contributing to regional revitalization through diverse collaborations.

Moving forward, the partnership will advance initiatives to solve regional challenges using AI and advanced digital technologies, promote administrative digital transformation (DX) to improve operational efficiency and sophistication, and enhance citizen services. Additionally, by utilizing initiatives such as the 'Town of Photography' Higashikawa Shareholder Program and the corporate version of hometown tax donations, the town will widely promote its charm and regional assets, fostering relational population growth and sustainable community development. Furthermore, by combining Headwaters Inc.'s expertise in AI and advanced digital technologies with Higashikawa Town's accumulated urban development know-how, the partnership aims to revitalize the region and co-create new social value.

Statements from Representatives

Yusuke Shinoda, Representative Director, Headwaters Inc.

From my first visit to Higashikawa Town, I was deeply drawn to its abundant water, food, beautiful rural landscapes, refined atmosphere, and culture of innovation. Our company has always aimed to implement cutting-edge technology into society to improve people's lives.

We believe that collaboration with local communities is essential to building a better society. We will leverage AI and digital technologies to reduce burdens and improve efficiency for public administrators and local workers, while challenging new initiatives together with the people of Higashikawa Town.

Noboru Kikuchi, Mayor of Higashikawa Town

Higashikawa Town is a small town with a population of approximately 8,700. Together with its citizens and administration, we have continuously embraced the mindset of 'let's try what we can do' in various town development initiatives. Going forward, it is crucial to preserve Higashikawa's unique concept of 'optimal sparseness' and advance sustainable town development where residents can continue to live richly.

As AI and DX spread throughout society, we will collaborate with Headwaters Inc., which possesses knowledge and technologies we lack, to address regional challenges and improve public services. We hope this initiative will serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

Overview of the Partnership Agreement

Name of the Agreement

'Higashikawa Official Partner Agreement'

Date of Agreement

June 27, 2026

Collaboration Items

(1) Initiatives related to co-creating social value through collaboration

(2) Information exchange and collaboration related to mutual development

(3) Activities related to fostering lifestyles for Headwaters Inc. employees

(4) Utilization of the 'Town of Photography' Higashikawa Shareholder Program and corporate hometown tax donation program

(5) Solving regional challenges using AI and advanced digital technologies

(6) Improving operational efficiency, sophistication, and citizen services through administrative DX

(7) Cultivating next-generation talent and regional digital talent capable of utilizing AI and data

Headwaters Inc.

[Company Name] Headwaters Inc.

[Representative] Representative Director: Yusuke Shinoda

[Established] November 2005

[Capital] 396,396 thousand yen

[Business] AI Platform Services

[Headquarters] 4th Floor, Shinjuku Island Tower, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

[URL] https://www.headwaters.co.jp/