【Kinki District Council】 'Engage Before Moving': New Talent Circulation Model! 'Talent x Regional Enterprise Matching Pitch' to be Held in Kusatsu, Shiga on August 2!

The Happy Society Development Conference of the JCI Kinki District Council (2026 President: Hirotsugu Ishikawa) will host a regional collaboration project, 'Talent x Regional Enterprise Matching Pitch: Circulating Future Talent to the Region,' on August 2, 2026, at 'Kirarie Kusatsu' in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, aimed at resolving the deepening talent shortage in local SMEs and creating regional relationships.

Currently, regional businesses are facing 'talent shortages' not only in simple labor but also in professional areas such as digitalization and new business development. Meanwhile, enthusiasm from skilled side-job talent who wish to work on regional projects while based in urban areas, as well as student interns seeking practical growth opportunities, is at an all-time high, driven by government policies like 'dual-residency.' This project aims to create a concrete first step of 'engaging on a project basis' before crossing the high psychological and physical hurdle of full migration.

On the day of the event, after a 'Lifestyle Talk' by practitioners of dual-residency, a 'Theme-based Booth Pitch' will be held where side-job talent and students can directly appeal their skills to regional companies. By setting up six professional areas directly linked to business transformation, such as DX, marketing, and new business development, the event will generate a 'co-creation experience of immediate assets' beyond mere introductions.

[Project Overview] ■ Date and Time: August 2, 2026 (Sun) 17:00–20:00 ■ Venue: Kirarie Kusatsu (Kusatsu City Citizen General Exchange Center) 6F Large Conference Room ■ Address: 2-1-35 Oji, Kusatsu City, Shiga 525-0032 ■ Participation Fee: Free ■ Organizer: JCI Kinki District Council, Happy Society Development Conference