Implementing the Future of Tourism with Student Creativity: Future Society Design Contest 2026 Announced!

The Future Society Design Institute (FSDi, Tokyo, Representative Director: Katsuya Wakizaka) is launching the 'Future Society Design Contest 2026,' a co-creation project designed to solve complex challenges faced by regional societies and the tourism industry by incorporating the flexible perspectives of the next generation of students.

Background and Purpose FSDi was established to build a sustainable future society through strong industry-academia-government collaboration. In cooperation with members of the Tobu Top Tours Allied Ryokan and Hotel Association and the Transportation and Tourism Facility Association, this project aims to design the future of the tourism industry. By having students tackle real-world challenges in tourist destinations, FSDi aims to inject new ideas into the industry, foster excellent talent, and drive innovation.

Contest Themes 1. [Nagano, Shiga Kogen] Redefining the National Park and creating high-value experiences. 2. [Fukui, Tojinbo] Creating mechanisms for 'stay and tour' to attract young visitors.

Benefits and Schedule The top two teams for each theme will be invited to a local inspection program and given the opportunity to present at the final proposal event. Application period: June 8 – July 20, 2026 (Tojinbo starts June 11). Final presentation: Scheduled for September 10, 2026.