What is the 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL' event?

It is an event where young talents working in the region articulate their work and initiatives, receive multifaceted evaluations from supervisors and local stakeholders, and are provided with opportunities for career recognition and growth.

For what social issue was this event organized?

It was organized to address the issue of 'retention of young talents after hiring in regional areas' by alleviating feelings of isolation and lack of growth, and by helping them rediscover the meaning of their work to prevent job turnover and career changes.

Who won the grand prize?

Ryo Ka Wada from Sawamura Co., Ltd. (Shiga Prefecture) won the grand prize and the Punctual Award.

What is the mission of ROIL Co., Ltd.?

ROIL Co., Ltd. aims to 'shine a light on local careers,' create role models for young employees challenging themselves in the region, and work towards a society where working in the region is a source of pride.

What was the status of the 2025 event?

The event was held in 8 regions across the country, and the winners from each region gathered in Hida City.

Visualizing Local Youth Challenges: 200 Gather in Hida for 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL'

Published May 22, 2026 5:30 PM ・ Updated Jun 14, 2026 8:10 AM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

ROIL Co., Ltd. hosted 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL' in Hida City, an recognition event aimed at retaining young talent working in regional enterprises. Young professionals from eight regions across Japan gathered to create growth opportunities through multi-faceted evaluation.

ROIL Co., Ltd. (HQ: Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture; CEO: Mao Uchida) held 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL,' an event to visualize and evaluate the efforts of young talent working in regional areas, at the Hida City Cultural Exchange Center.

Approximately 200 people attended, with about 80% visiting from outside the Hida region. The initiative is gaining attention from both inside and outside the local community as a method to address the challenge of 'post-recruitment retention' for young talent in regional areas through recognition and dialogue.

Why this is necessary now While recruitment support for regional areas is advancing, support for young employees to settle into their workplaces and communities after recruitment is nationally insufficient. Many small and medium-sized enterprises in regional areas lack cohorts of peers, creating environments where young employees easily feel isolated and lack a sense of growth, factors often cited as contributing to turnover and career changes.

Event Overview 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL' is not merely an awards ceremony; it is structured so that young professionals articulate their work and initiatives, receiving multi-faceted evaluation from supervisors, management, regional stakeholders, and external participants. Opportunities for supervisors to provide recommendations and for young professionals to present function as venues for 'organizing the meaning of work' and 'gaining recognition beyond corporate boundaries.' In fiscal 2025, the 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL Regional Competitions' were held in eight regions, bringing together local winners and other entrants. The event featured supporters of the rookies, students from Hida-Takayama, and other stakeholders.

List of Award Winners - Grand Prize: Ryoka Wada (Sawamura Co., Ltd., Shiga Prefecture) - Regional Problem Solving Award: Mai Mitsui (NPO Miyazaki Bunka Hompo, Miyazaki Prefecture) - Role Model Award: Haruka Ikemoto (LTS Inc., Shizuoka Prefecture) - Empathy Award: Sho Omata (Nagaoka Chuo Seika Co., Ltd., Niigata Prefecture) - Punctual (Title Sponsor) Award: Ryoka Wada (Sawamura Co., Ltd., Shiga Prefecture)

ROIL's Mission ROIL adheres to the mission of 'Shining a light on local careers,' aiming to realize a society where working in regional areas is a source of pride by creating new role models for young employees challenging themselves in those regions. Through initiatives like 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL,' they connect young professionals, companies, and local communities, building an ecosystem that supports such endeavors.

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: Event
Organizations: ㈱Edo

Visualizing Local Youth Challenges: 200 Gather in Hida for 'Rookie of the Year in LOCAL'

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