Charichari Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City; President and CEO: Kenta Iemoto; hereinafter 'Charichari'), operator of the shared cycling service 'Charichari', has launched its service in the Hotoyo area of Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, starting at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

On the same day, Charichari and Karatsu City held a signing ceremony and launch event for their partnership agreement on the 'Regional Shared Cycling Initiative'. The company also plans to expand service to the area surrounding JR Karatsu Station, aiming to launch operations at two hubs by this summer.

Additionally, as part of its local expansion under the 'Karatsu Regional SOIP × Charichari' initiative, Charichari has appointed Shinnosuke Tokugawa, a professional basketball player from Karatsu City, as its official ambassador, aiming to create a community-driven model that connects mobility, tourism, shopping districts, and health through the power of sports.

(SOIP): Abbreviation for 'Sports Open Innovation Platform', promoted by the Japan Sports Agency.

(From left to right): Karawan-kun (Karatsu Castle mascot character), Mayor Tatsuro Mine of Karatsu City, Kenta Iemoto of Charichari, and Shinnosuke Tokugawa (Ambassador, Tokyo United Basketball Club).

The shared cycling initiative in the Hotoyo area aims to enhance visitor circulation and revitalize regional tourism by providing bicycles as an accessible mode of transportation.

The Hotoyo area, home to major tourist attractions such as 'Hotoyo Morning Market' and 'Kotaro', welcomes over 500,000 visitors annually, with 71.7% coming from outside the city as of 2023. However, limited transportation options between key attractions have made it difficult to transition from 'point-based tourism' to 'area-based tourism', posing a challenge for the region.

This shared cycling launch, initiated by local requests and supported by Karatsu City, realizes a sustainable, public-private partnership model for regional mobility.

Launch and Partnership Agreement Ceremony Held

On July 14, 2026, coinciding with the service launch, a partnership agreement signing and launch ceremony were held at Yobai no Yu in the Hotoyo district of Karatsu City, with Karawan-kun, the Karatsu Castle mascot, in attendance.

In the Hotoyo area, 20 electric-assist bicycles will be deployed.

◼️ Hotoyo Area Port List (as of July 14, 2026)

Kotaro Parking Lot (1744-17 Hotoyo, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)

Onokami Ryokan Parking Lot (1413 Hotoyo, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)

Benten Parking Lot (1951 Tonomura, Hotoyo, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)

In front of Asaichi-dori Free Parking Lot (3777 Hotoyo, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)

In front of Hotoyo Public Restroom (3764-32 Hotoyo, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture)

Expansion to JR Karatsu Station Area Begins This Summer

Following the Hotoyo launch, Charichari plans to expand service to central Karatsu City from August 2026. By installing ports near JR Karatsu Station, the service will serve as a secondary transportation option integrated with public transit such as trains and buses, meeting both daily commuting and tourism circulation needs.

With dual-hub operations, Charichari aims to develop tailored service models for two distinct areas: Hotoyo as a tourist destination and central Karatsu as a residential and transportation hub.

Specific port locations and updated area information for central Karatsu will be announced later via Charichari’s official website and app map.

Shinnosuke Tokugawa Appointed Official Ambassador for 'Karatsu Regional SOIP × Charichari'

With the launch in Karatsu City, Charichari has appointed professional basketball player Shinnosuke Tokugawa of the Tokyo United Basketball Club (TUBC) as its official ambassador.

Born in Karatsu City, Tokugawa has deep ties to the community and a strong commitment to contributing to the region through sports. By leveraging a local athlete, Charichari aims to build a 'regional and sports collaboration model' that goes beyond mere transportation, fostering a shared cycling culture rooted in the community.

As ambassador, Tokugawa will participate in launch events and promote the service via social media, acting as a bridge between the local community and Charichari to help energize the service rollout in Karatsu.

Shinnosuke Tokugawa Player Profile

Hometown: Saga Prefecture

Education: Karatsu Higashi High School (Saga) → Tokai University

Career:

2016–17 Shinshu Brave Warriors

2017–20 Fukushima Firebonds

2020–24 Saga Balloons

2023–26 Tokyo United Basketball Club (on loan from Saga Balloons)

2026–27 Tokyo United Basketball Club

About Charichari

'Charichari' is a shared cycling service that allows users to easily unlock dedicated red bicycles via a smartphone app. Basic bikes cost 6.5 yen per minute, while electric-assist bikes cost 20.5 yen per minute, aiming to provide convenient, on-demand mobility anytime, anywhere.

Launched in Fukuoka in February 2018, the service has grown to over 47 million cumulative rides.

Charichari currently operates in nine areas: Fukuoka (Fukuoka City, Naka City, Shime Town, Kasuya Town), Nagoya City, Tokyo, Kumamoto (Kumamoto City, Kikuchi Town), Kurume City (Fukuoka), Kuwana City (Mie), Saga City (Saga), Amakusa City (Kumamoto), and Kyoto City/Shiga City (Otsu). Service in Hotoyo began in July 2026.

With its per-minute pricing and user-friendly app, the service is primarily used for short, everyday trips across all regions.

Charichari Original Bicycle Helmet

Charichari is selling a high-safety helmet certified under the SG standard set by the Product Safety Association. Designed to be compact and easily stored in bags or backpacks, it is available through the official online store for regular cyclists and Charichari users.

The helmet features a subdued color that matches both business and casual wear, with a subtle, cute Charichari logo. Purchasers receive ride ticket discounts as a bonus.

Helmet sales proceeds support Charichari’s safety awareness and education initiatives, contributing to the creation of safer communities.

Online Store: https://charichari-online.stores.jp/

About Charichari Co., Ltd.

Representative: President and CEO Kenta Iemoto

Head Office: 1-1-1 Nagahama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City

Charichari Web and SNS Information

[Charichari (Charichari)]

https://charichari.bike

[Official Accounts]

X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/charichari_bi

FACT BOX

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