Mypl x Hakodate University Industry-Academic Collaboration: Regional Revitalization Project Begins

Launch of Industry-Academic Collaboration Project

Futurelink Network (FLN), which operates the regional information platform "Mypl" covering 893 municipalities, and its partner Yokoyama Sekiyu, operator of "Mypl Hakodate/Hokuto," have launched a collaborative project with the Business Planning Laboratory of Hakodate University (Nomata Gakuen).

Faced with the challenges of declining birthrates and youth outflow in Hakodate, this project aims to foster regional contribution, sense of belonging, and career development through student-led information dissemination. A special page on "Mypl Hakodate/Hokuto" was launched in April 2026, where Hakodate University students plan and write content, while Yokoyama Sekiyu manages operations for a one-year trial.

Background: Promoting Retention Through Youth Power

Hakodate has seen continuous population decline, with the outflow of the younger generation becoming increasingly apparent. Both Yokoyama Sekiyu and Hakodate University identified this as a major challenge. The initiative emerged from a desire to create a space for students to rediscover and communicate the region's charm, fostering local pride and ultimately aiming to attract more young people to Hakodate and boost the university's appeal.

The Business Planning Laboratory (Adviser: Masayuki Takahashi) was chosen for this initiative. Students work in teams and groups to engage with practical business activities.

Project Highlights

The project targets two cities and four towns in southern Hokkaido: Hakodate, Hokuto, Nanae, Mori, Shikabe, and Kikonai. Students are responsible for selecting interview subjects, negotiating, conducting interviews, and writing articles to be published on the "Mypl Hakodate/Hokuto" website. Yokoyama Sekiyu supports the students' reporting activities, Hakodate University manages student participation and project promotion, and FLN provides technical system support.

Future Development

The goal is to publish 50 articles over one year starting April 2026. The schedule includes content on Nanae and Shikabe in May, Hakodate in June, Hokuto and Kikonai in July, and Mori in August. Beyond digital dissemination, the project aims to create a condensed printed regional map to be placed in municipal offices, serving as a tool for local revitalization.