Announcement of 'Shimane DAY in TOKYO': Discovering New Ways to Engage with Shimane from Urban Areas

An interactive event titled '□■Shimane DAY in TOKYO■□ Why I Commute to Unnan City from Tokyo: Toward a New Way of Connection with 'Everyone’s Hometown' is being held at the Minato City Industrial Promotion Center for residents of the capital region who are interested in Shimane and regional development.

"I’d like to get involved with rural areas someday, but I don’t yet have a clear image of multi-location living or relocation…" "What can I do for my beloved Shimane while staying in Tokyo?" To those who hold such thoughts:

There are people who, while living in Tokyo, repeatedly visit Unnan City in Shimane Prefecture and have built deep connections—almost like a 'second hometown.'

It’s neither relocation nor tourism. This new way of engaging with regions is called 'relational population.' At this 'Shimane DAY in TOKYO,' we invite local stakeholders from Shimane and real-life 'relational population' guests who commute from Tokyo to uncover the genuine reasons behind the question: "Why do I, in Tokyo, keep going to Unnan City?"

We welcome not only those originally from Shimane but also those interested in regional revitalization or those who wish to apply their skills in local communities for personal growth. Why not experience the warm atmosphere of Shimane while staying in Tokyo and explore comfortable new ways to connect with rural regions together?

□■Shimane DAY in TOKYO■□ Why I Commute to Unnan City from Tokyo: Toward a New Way of Connection with 'Everyone’s Hometown'

▢ Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 18:30–20:30 ▢ Venue: Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, 5-36-4 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Sakanotstsuji Square 10F, Training Room 1 (4-minute walk from Tanimachi Station Tsubame Exit <West Exit> on JR, 2-minute walk from Mita Station Exit A2 on Toei Mita Line/Asakusa Line) ▢ Capacity: 30 participants ▢ Participation fee: JPY 1,100 (tax included) Soft drinks and snacks will be provided

Event Program (tentative) ・ Opening ・ What is 'relational population'? Introduction to 'Shimatchi!', Shimane’s relational population matching and networking site ・ Guest Talk Hearing from both local residents and supporters from outside the region to deepen understanding of engagement methods ① Local resident’s story ② Supporter’s story ・ Case studies from 'Shimatchi!', Shimane’s relational population matching and networking site ・ Networking time Exchange with guests and other participants over soft drinks and snacks ・ Closing (Introduction to upcoming Shimane-related events)

For details and registration, visit the official website.

Recommended for: ◎ Those who love or are curious about Shimane ◎ Those who want to try something new in Shimane ◎ Those who have friends or acquaintances in Shimane ◎ Those originally from Shimane or whose families are from there ◎ Those considering rural relocation or wanting to learn more about rural areas ◎ Those interested in regional revitalization or supporting rural communities ◎ Those seeking personal growth through regional engagement

Solo participants are especially welcome, including those who haven’t had much chance to engage with Shimane before or want to learn more about it. Shimane relationship guides will introduce relevant information and people tailored to your interests.