Future Link Network Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, President: Takeharu Ishii, hereinafter FLN), which promotes the creation of related population, held an online briefing session for the "Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team Recruitment" called "Real Talk" Regional Jobs Salon on June 17, 2026 (Wed) as part of the "Otaru City Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team Recruitment and Acceptance Services" commissioned by Otaru City, Hokkaido.

This briefing session received 57 applications from across the country, and the participants asked many questions, indicating a high level of interest in working and living in Otaru City.

Background of the Event

As depopulation and labor shortages are common challenges in regional cities across the country, it is an urgent task to secure personnel who can promote the charm of the region and lead to new residents, permanent residents, and the creation of a related population.

Otaru City, Hokkaido, once had a population of over 200,000, but it is now approximately 102,000, making it a depopulating city with an outflow of young people and a shortage of workers in regional industries.

On the other hand, it is a bustling tourist city visited by 8 million tourists annually. However, many of them are day-trippers, and there is a challenge in establishing a system that leads to spending during longer stays, as well as understanding the needs of the increasing number of foreign workers living in the city.

Amidst this situation, Otaru City is recruiting Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team members in three fields: tourism promotion, immigration promotion, and public relations/information dissemination.

FLN, with its track record of supporting over 60 recruitment projects for Regional Revitalization Cooperation Teams, undertook this project and planned and executed this briefing session as part of its recruitment PR, aiming to convey the "reality of work and life" through the voices of those involved, which is difficult to convey through job postings alone.

Application Status and Participant Trends

This briefing session is for those considering a major decision involving relocation and career change, such as applying for the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team.

Despite this, 57 applications were received from across the country, and Otaru City, which is recruiting team members, expects many applicants.

The trends of the applicants are as follows, with a focus on those in career transition and those with a high interest in contributing to the region.

Age: Approximately 80% of the total applicants were 40 years old and over, with those in their 50s being the largest group, followed by those in their 60s and over, and then those in their 40s. This indicates a group of mature individuals in career transition or with a strong interest in contributing to the region.

Current Situation: The largest group were company employees, with applications also received from freelancers and sole proprietors. Applications from a diverse range of people exploring new ways of working were also noticeable.

Place of Residence: Following Hokkaido, there were many applications from Tokyo, suggesting a high level of interest in relocating from urban areas such as the Tokyo metropolitan area and engaging with the region.

Reasons for Participation: "I want to know the specific duties of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team" and "I am attracted to the region of Otaru" were common responses, strongly indicating a desire to deepen their understanding of the region and the job content.

Content of the Day

On the day of the event, Mayu Torii, a current Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team member, participated in a talk session. She frankly shared "the gap between expectations before taking the position and the reality" and "the reality of living and working in Otaru," conveying "real talk" that cannot be obtained from job postings alone to the participants.

▽ Interview with Current Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team Member, Ms. Torii

https://nativ.media/108283/

Following this, representatives from each of the three mission areas explained their roles and the desired candidate profiles.

Tourism Promotion Field (Otaru Tourism Association): "Experience Content Producer" who plans and executes new ways to enjoy Otaru beyond the usual tourist spots as experience-based content.

▽ For details on the recruitment in the Tourism Promotion Field, click here:

https://nativ.media/108435/

Immigration Promotion Field (Otaru City, Minatomachi Information Co., Ltd.): "Otaru Immigration Promoter" who, as an immigrant themselves, communicates "Otaru, a place you'll want to live" in their own words.

▽ For details on the recruitment in the Immigration Promotion Field, click here:

https://nativ.media/108417/

Public Relations/Information Dissemination Field (Otaru City): Responsible for information dissemination and life support for Vietnamese residents in Otaru, utilizing their Vietnamese language skills.

▽ For details on the recruitment in the Public Relations/Information Dissemination Field, click here:

https://nativ.media/108387/

In the latter half, during the Q&A session, many questions were received from participants both in advance and on the day, and the speakers provided honest answers based on their real experiences.

<Day's Schedule>

12:00 Opening & Purpose Explanation

12:05 Talk Session | Current Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team Member Mayu Torii Shares the Reality of Otaru

12:30 Explanation of 3 Mission Areas (Tourism Promotion / Immigration Promotion / Public Relations/Information Dissemination)

12:45 Q&A

12:55 Announcements & Closing

Future Outlook

The proceedings of this briefing session will be made available as archived content to applicants, and will also be utilized in recruitment articles and on social media to continuously deliver the charm of Otaru and recruitment information to those who could not attend on the day.

FLN positions this briefing session not merely as a "step in the hiring process" but as an "entry point to connect with the region."

In partnership with Minatomachi Information Co., Ltd., a joint operator, we will provide comprehensive support from recruitment assistance in each field to post-term settlement and career development, contributing to the creation of a related population and permanent residents in Otaru City.

We are currently accepting applications for viewing the archived video for those who could not attend on the day.

We will send the viewing URL to those who apply through the form below.

▼ Application Form for Archived Video Viewing

https://tayori.com/f/honne9archive

Event Overview

Item

Details

Title

[9th "Real Talk" Regional Jobs Salon Special Edition] Hokkaido Otaru City Holds Recruitment Briefing for Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team - "3 Missions to Build the Future of the Town"

Date and Time

June 17, 2026 (Wed) 12:00 - 13:00

Format

Online (Zoom Webinar)

Participation Fee

Free

Organizer

Otaru City, Future Link Network Co., Ltd.

Related Article

https://nativ.media/108217/

Contact Information for Inquiries

Future Link Network Co., Ltd.

Related Population Creation Department Inquiry Form: https://link-anywhere.futurelink.co.jp/

《About FLN's Related Population Creation Business》

Since its founding, FLN has been fully engaged in the creation of a related population business, leveraging its know-how and expertise in regional revitalization. By combining "people x experience x base," we design individual-specific ways to engage with regions for those who do not live there but have had more than a one-time connection. We support the creation of a related population through multifaceted approaches, including the Machi Spa Cha Project, the related population creation media "Nativ.media," "MyPl@ce Local Gifts" through the distribution of local products, and industry-academia collaboration.

Company Overview

Company Name: Future Link Network Co., Ltd.

Location: Nishi Funabashi Narushima Bldg., 4-19-3 Nishi Funabashi, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture

Representative: Takeharu Ishii, President and Representative Director

Business Activities: Regional Information Distribution Business (Operation of regional information platform "MyPl@ce"), Public Solutions Business, Related Population Creation Business

URL: https://www.futurelink.co.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 地域活性化