[Nagano Prefecture × Zukutchie] Recruitment Begins for 'Tourism Human Resource Development Program for High Value-Added Tourism Industry'
Zukutchie Co., Ltd. has been commissioned by Nagano Prefecture to operate the secretariat for the 'Tourism Human Resource Development Program for High Value-Added Tourism Industry' and began accepting applications on June 1, 2026. This practical program, lasting approximately 8 months, aims to develop next-generation tourism management professionals.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 10:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 10:41 (41 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 22:59 (60h 18m after Collected)
Zukutchie Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture; Co-CEOs: Satoru Ota and Yutaka Wada), whose mission is to 'update the tourism industry in rural areas,' has been commissioned by Nagano Prefecture to operate the secretariat for the 'Tourism Human Resource Development Program for High Value-Added Tourism Industry' for the fiscal year 2026 (Reiwa 8).
Accordingly, recruitment of participants for this program began on June 1, 2026.
This program is a practical human resource development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of tourism management professionals who will drive the high value-added transformation of Nagano Prefecture's tourism industry. In addition to members of Zukutchie, who are at the forefront of resort facility management and revitalization, the program will feature top-tier lecturers from across Japan with extensive experience in tourism and regional management. Through lectures and group work, participants will acquire practical knowledge and skills to lead the development of their own companies and regions.
Program Overview
Tourism is an essential core industry for regional revitalization throughout Nagano Prefecture. However, due to drastic changes in the market environment, 'conventional methods' are no longer effective. This program is a practical, free initiative designed to cultivate next-generation tourism management professionals capable of thriving in an era of rapid change. It is structured around two main pillars:
- Management Framework Lectures
Participants will systematically learn frameworks for strategy, finance, marketing, and other areas essential for tourism revitalization and new business creation.
- Practical Group Work
Based on knowledge gained from lectures, participants will acquire skills to refine each region's 'hidden assets' into specific, attractive tourism resources.
The program runs for approximately 8 months, from July 2026 to February 2027. In addition to lectures and a final成果報告会 (results presentation meeting) (10 sessions total), group work with mentoring from Zukutchie members will be conducted. Ultimately, each participant will formulate a business concept and plan, and present it at the成果報告会.
Significance of Zukutchie's Operation and Support System
The greatest significance of Zukutchie operating this program lies in our ability to directly pass on the 'living, on-site know-how' we practice daily to the participants. We go beyond mere desk-based consulting, having promoted the planning, development, operation, and management consignment of local resort facilities, as well as the revitalization of numerous resort operating companies.
In this era demanding transformation beyond the extension of 'conventional methods,' Zukutchie members, with their proven track records at the real front lines of tourism management, will provide thorough, hands-on support to help participants powerfully drive the development of their own companies and regions.
Introduction of Lecturers
This program is led by Zukutchie representative Yutaka Wada as the project director and main lecturer, and also features top runners from various fields with proven track records at the forefront of tourism and regional management.
(In no particular order)
Lecturer
Yutaka Wada
Co-CEO, Zukutchie Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Discovery of regional tourism resources (hidden assets), value redefinition, and other lectures
Profile
Served as President and Representative Director of Iwatake Resort Co., Ltd. until October 2023. Assumed current position in December of the same year. Has concurrently served as a director of Snow Peak Hakuba Co., Ltd. since 2018 (current position). Advisor to the Japan Snow Sports & Resorts Council (from April 2024). Also serves as an expert for the Prime Minister's Office 'Tourism Strategy Execution Promotion Council,' a member of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's 'Study Group on Improving the Investment Environment for Snow Resorts,' and a prefectural snow resort reconstruction advisor, engaging in the revitalization of the tourism industry centered on snow resorts from both public and private perspectives.
Lecturer
Keisuke Sato
Managing Director, Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization (General Incorporated Association)
Responsible Lectures
Overall tourism challenges facing Nagano Prefecture and past initiatives by the prefecture and tourism organization
Profile
Joined Dentsu Inc. in 2002. Was seconded to the Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization in July 2018, involved in management reform and the launch of the tourism site 'Go NAGANO.' Appointed Management Reform Promotion Advisor in April 2021, transferred to the Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization in April 2022, and assumed the position of Managing Director.
Lecturer
Tomoyuki Yuasa
President and CEO, Revamp Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Initiatives for strengthening the local tourism industry
Profile
Joined Revamp at its founding in 2005 and led the revitalization of a food service company as a principal in his 20s. Subsequently, under the management philosophy of 'revitalizing companies from the core,' he has led over 100 'Revamp' projects. Appointed President and CEO (current position) in 2016. In recent years, as a committee member for the Japan Tourism Agency and the Transport Research Institute (General Incorporated Foundation), he has been promoting mechanisms for ensuring economic viability, marketing support, and true regional revitalization aimed at acquiring regional fans.
Lecturer
Yoshihiro Yajima
President and Representative Director, Ikenotaira Hotel & Resorts Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Approach to solving area-wide issues comprehensively (methods for building collaboration with external players and the region)
Profile
After serving as General Manager of the Corporate Planning Office and Vice President, assumed current position in April 2011. Also serves as representative of the asset management company for the Shirakaba Lake area (Shirakabamura Co., Ltd.) and the land operator organization overseeing ski resort collaboration in the Shirakaba Highland area (8peksResort Co., Ltd.). Chairman of the Nagano Prefecture Inbound Council, among other roles.
Lecturer
Yoshinori Oka
President and Representative Director, WAKUWAKU Area Management Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Regional community development and finance
Profile
As the first investment target of the 'ALL Shinshu Tourism Revitalization Fund' established by all financial institutions in the prefecture, including the Hachijuni Bank, and the Regional Economy Vitalization Corporation of Japan (REVIC), he began full-scale operations of WAKUWAKU Yamanouchi Co., Ltd. in August 2015. Engaged in managing regional revitalization funds, operating community development companies, and producing new businesses. Within the prefecture, he serves as President and Representative Director of WAKUWAKU Area Management Co., Ltd. (which absorbed WAKUWAKU Yamanouchi Co., Ltd.) and also acts as a fund manager for the SHIWASHIN Regional Support Fund.
Lecturer
Taku Kitayama
President and Representative Director, Hakodate West Community Re-Design Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Finance (basics of profit/loss calculation and cash flow management) / Business plan creation for solving regional issues / Effective use of subsidies
Profile
In 2020, as a joint project with Hakodate City, Hokkaido, he established Hakodate West Community Re-Design Co., Ltd., leading the enhancement of brand value and community development in the old downtown area of Hakodate City, and assumed the position of President and Representative Director. He has implemented development utilizing idle assets, event attraction, and fundraising support for local venture companies. He led the base town development of the Hakuba Iwatake area with current Zukutchie members.
Program Schedule (Planned)
The program consists of 6 steps: 'Acquiring Perspective' → 'Formalizing Thinking' → 'Setting Questions' → 'Conceptualizing Business' → 'Planning Co-creation Structure' → 'Realizing the Concept.' Through lectures (9 sessions) + a results presentation meeting + multiple group work sessions, participants will complete a business concept for their own company or region.
Application Guidelines
- Eligible Participants
- Individuals currently employed in a management position in the tourism industry within Nagano Prefecture, or those who are expected or have the intention to work in a management position.
- Individuals who understand the necessity of management reform and new business creation and have the motivation to develop their business continuously and progressively.
Accordingly, recruitment of participants for this program began on June 1, 2026.
This program is a practical human resource development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of tourism management professionals who will drive the high value-added transformation of Nagano Prefecture's tourism industry. In addition to members of Zukutchie, who are at the forefront of resort facility management and revitalization, the program will feature top-tier lecturers from across Japan with extensive experience in tourism and regional management. Through lectures and group work, participants will acquire practical knowledge and skills to lead the development of their own companies and regions.
Program Overview
Tourism is an essential core industry for regional revitalization throughout Nagano Prefecture. However, due to drastic changes in the market environment, 'conventional methods' are no longer effective. This program is a practical, free initiative designed to cultivate next-generation tourism management professionals capable of thriving in an era of rapid change. It is structured around two main pillars:
- Management Framework Lectures
Participants will systematically learn frameworks for strategy, finance, marketing, and other areas essential for tourism revitalization and new business creation.
- Practical Group Work
Based on knowledge gained from lectures, participants will acquire skills to refine each region's 'hidden assets' into specific, attractive tourism resources.
The program runs for approximately 8 months, from July 2026 to February 2027. In addition to lectures and a final成果報告会 (results presentation meeting) (10 sessions total), group work with mentoring from Zukutchie members will be conducted. Ultimately, each participant will formulate a business concept and plan, and present it at the成果報告会.
Significance of Zukutchie's Operation and Support System
The greatest significance of Zukutchie operating this program lies in our ability to directly pass on the 'living, on-site know-how' we practice daily to the participants. We go beyond mere desk-based consulting, having promoted the planning, development, operation, and management consignment of local resort facilities, as well as the revitalization of numerous resort operating companies.
In this era demanding transformation beyond the extension of 'conventional methods,' Zukutchie members, with their proven track records at the real front lines of tourism management, will provide thorough, hands-on support to help participants powerfully drive the development of their own companies and regions.
Introduction of Lecturers
This program is led by Zukutchie representative Yutaka Wada as the project director and main lecturer, and also features top runners from various fields with proven track records at the forefront of tourism and regional management.
(In no particular order)
Lecturer
Yutaka Wada
Co-CEO, Zukutchie Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Discovery of regional tourism resources (hidden assets), value redefinition, and other lectures
Profile
Served as President and Representative Director of Iwatake Resort Co., Ltd. until October 2023. Assumed current position in December of the same year. Has concurrently served as a director of Snow Peak Hakuba Co., Ltd. since 2018 (current position). Advisor to the Japan Snow Sports & Resorts Council (from April 2024). Also serves as an expert for the Prime Minister's Office 'Tourism Strategy Execution Promotion Council,' a member of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's 'Study Group on Improving the Investment Environment for Snow Resorts,' and a prefectural snow resort reconstruction advisor, engaging in the revitalization of the tourism industry centered on snow resorts from both public and private perspectives.
Lecturer
Keisuke Sato
Managing Director, Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization (General Incorporated Association)
Responsible Lectures
Overall tourism challenges facing Nagano Prefecture and past initiatives by the prefecture and tourism organization
Profile
Joined Dentsu Inc. in 2002. Was seconded to the Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization in July 2018, involved in management reform and the launch of the tourism site 'Go NAGANO.' Appointed Management Reform Promotion Advisor in April 2021, transferred to the Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization in April 2022, and assumed the position of Managing Director.
Lecturer
Tomoyuki Yuasa
President and CEO, Revamp Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Initiatives for strengthening the local tourism industry
Profile
Joined Revamp at its founding in 2005 and led the revitalization of a food service company as a principal in his 20s. Subsequently, under the management philosophy of 'revitalizing companies from the core,' he has led over 100 'Revamp' projects. Appointed President and CEO (current position) in 2016. In recent years, as a committee member for the Japan Tourism Agency and the Transport Research Institute (General Incorporated Foundation), he has been promoting mechanisms for ensuring economic viability, marketing support, and true regional revitalization aimed at acquiring regional fans.
Lecturer
Yoshihiro Yajima
President and Representative Director, Ikenotaira Hotel & Resorts Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Approach to solving area-wide issues comprehensively (methods for building collaboration with external players and the region)
Profile
After serving as General Manager of the Corporate Planning Office and Vice President, assumed current position in April 2011. Also serves as representative of the asset management company for the Shirakaba Lake area (Shirakabamura Co., Ltd.) and the land operator organization overseeing ski resort collaboration in the Shirakaba Highland area (8peksResort Co., Ltd.). Chairman of the Nagano Prefecture Inbound Council, among other roles.
Lecturer
Yoshinori Oka
President and Representative Director, WAKUWAKU Area Management Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Regional community development and finance
Profile
As the first investment target of the 'ALL Shinshu Tourism Revitalization Fund' established by all financial institutions in the prefecture, including the Hachijuni Bank, and the Regional Economy Vitalization Corporation of Japan (REVIC), he began full-scale operations of WAKUWAKU Yamanouchi Co., Ltd. in August 2015. Engaged in managing regional revitalization funds, operating community development companies, and producing new businesses. Within the prefecture, he serves as President and Representative Director of WAKUWAKU Area Management Co., Ltd. (which absorbed WAKUWAKU Yamanouchi Co., Ltd.) and also acts as a fund manager for the SHIWASHIN Regional Support Fund.
Lecturer
Taku Kitayama
President and Representative Director, Hakodate West Community Re-Design Co., Ltd.
Responsible Lectures
Finance (basics of profit/loss calculation and cash flow management) / Business plan creation for solving regional issues / Effective use of subsidies
Profile
In 2020, as a joint project with Hakodate City, Hokkaido, he established Hakodate West Community Re-Design Co., Ltd., leading the enhancement of brand value and community development in the old downtown area of Hakodate City, and assumed the position of President and Representative Director. He has implemented development utilizing idle assets, event attraction, and fundraising support for local venture companies. He led the base town development of the Hakuba Iwatake area with current Zukutchie members.
Program Schedule (Planned)
The program consists of 6 steps: 'Acquiring Perspective' → 'Formalizing Thinking' → 'Setting Questions' → 'Conceptualizing Business' → 'Planning Co-creation Structure' → 'Realizing the Concept.' Through lectures (9 sessions) + a results presentation meeting + multiple group work sessions, participants will complete a business concept for their own company or region.
Application Guidelines
- Eligible Participants
- Individuals currently employed in a management position in the tourism industry within Nagano Prefecture, or those who are expected or have the intention to work in a management position.
- Individuals who understand the necessity of management reform and new business creation and have the motivation to develop their business continuously and progressively.
FAQ
What is the purpose of this program?
To cultivate the next generation of tourism management professionals who will drive the high value-added transformation of Nagano Prefecture's tourism industry.
How long is the program?
Approximately 8 months, from July 2026 to February 2027.
Who is eligible to participate?
Individuals currently employed in a management position in the tourism industry within Nagano Prefecture, or those who are expected or have the intention to work in a management position.