Historical Audio Guide Map 'GURURI' Launches New Content 'Miyoshi Town Walk: Yokai Stroll' in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Gururi Inc. (headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture; CEO: Kensei Nakano), operator of the historical audio content map 'GURURI,' has launched new content in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in collaboration with Miyoshi City Hall and the Miyoshi Tourism Promotion Organization (Miyoshi DMO).

This project was selected as part of the 'The Meet Hiroshima Open Accelerator Gov-Tech Challenge,' hosted by Hiroshima Prefecture in fiscal year 2025.

Project Overview

### Background

In Miyoshi City, the stone-paved street in Miyoshi Town and the adjacent Miyoshi Hon-dori Shopping Street suffer from few stores and low foot traffic, prompting efforts to revitalize the area.

Set in Miyoshi Town and its stone-paved streets, the mid-Edo period tale 'Tsuchimikado Kaidan' recounts the supernatural experiences of Ino Hyōtarō, who encounters demon lords sent to frighten humans.

When Hyōtarō visits Higuma Mountain for a courage test, he is attacked every night for a month starting July 1st by different yōkai (supernatural creatures). On the final night, a demon king appears, speaks to him, and departs after bestowing a wooden mallet. The story is notable for emphasizing enduring fear rather than defeating monsters as the way to overcome trials.

Since its creation, 'Tsuchimikado Kaidan' has been passed down across Japan in various forms such as picture books and illustrated scrolls. Over time, the story has subtly evolved, yet many aspects—such as its original creator, date of creation, and initial title—remain mysterious and unconfirmed.

### Content Details

'Tsuchimikado Kaidan' features real locations still existing in Miyoshi City, centered on Miyoshi Town and its stone-paved streets, as well as historical figures from the era, including protagonist Hyōtarō. This initiative introduces various spots across five themes, including locations tied to the story, as well as those related to Miyoshi Ningyō (dolls) and the tale of the 47 Ronin.

Additionally, at sites associated with 'Tsuchimikado Kaidan,' content features first-person narration by Hyōtarō, the story’s protagonist!

#### Tsuchimikado Kaidan Origins Course

Introduces locations associated with 'Tsuchimikado Kaidan' and its characters, including the Yokai Museum Japan (Miyoshi Yokai Museum) dedicated to Yokai scholar Gōichi Yumoto.

#### Miyoshi Town Exploration Course

Introduces temples, shrines, and numerous alleys created when Miyoshi Town was developed as a castle town in a concentric layout during the early Edo period.

#### Puppet Art Course

Introduces spots related to 'Miyoshi Ningyō,' earthen dolls passed down in Miyoshi since the Edo period, and Tetsu-mura Jūzaburō, a doll artist born in Miyoshi City.

#### 47 Ronin Course

Introduces sites associated with figures linked to the 47 Ronin, including Asano Nagaoki (first lord of Miyoshi Domain), his third daughter Okuri-hime (wife of Asano Naganori, the chief steward of Akō), and Kanegaki Hanzaemon Masatoshi, one of the Akō loyal retainers.

#### Miyoshi Riverside Course

Introduces riverside spots such as Ukai (cormorant fishing), a summer tradition in Miyoshi, and Sekiguchi-yama Park.

Service URL and QR Code

https://gururi-app.com/category

About The Meet Hiroshima Open Accelerator Gov-Tech Challenge

To promote digital transformation (DX) and solve regional challenges, Hiroshima Prefecture hosted the 'The Meet Hiroshima Open Accelerator Gov-Tech Challenge,' matching 16 municipalities within the prefecture with startup companies. Startups with innovative ideas and technologies submitted proposals addressing local challenges, citizen services, and administrative issues. The program is operated by Hirogin Area Design Co., Ltd. under commission from Hiroshima Prefecture, in collaboration with Creww Inc.

▼ Details

https://growth.creww.me/e1912bf9-6e97-11f0-a2eb-a15371714b97.html

▼ Press Release on Selection

https://www.hirogin-areadesign.co.jp/news/list/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2025/12/11/20251212_1.pdf

About GURURI

'GURURI' is a historical audio content map that aggregates historical resources such as castles, temples, shrines, and heritage sites on a map. Users can access museum-like audio guides, posting features, and logs of visited sites. Beyond geographical areas, GURURI integrates thematic content tied to historical figures and events, as well as stories about traditional crafts and 'objects' on the same map. Additionally, the company conducts data analysis on user attributes and location information for municipalities and other stakeholders.

URL: https://gururi-lp.com/

Company Overview

Company Name: Gururi Inc.

Headquarters: 79-1 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

Representative: CEO Kensei Nakano

Founded: August 2, 2022

URL: https://www.gururi-inc.com/

Contact: https://www.gururi-inc.com/contact

Operating 'GURURI,' a historical audio content map, with the mission of 'providing opportunities to experience history up close.' A venture originating from Yokohama National University.