Imacrea Reappointed for Second Consecutive Year to Support Telework Implementation and Adoption in Hirono Town, Iwate Prefecture

Imacrea Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shingo Suzuki; hereinafter "Imacrea") has been entrusted by Hirono Town, Iwate Prefecture, with the "Telework Implementation and Adoption Support Project" for the second consecutive year.

Imacrea will serve as the overall coordinator of this initiative, continuing its strategic partnership with Forval Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Masanori Nakajima; hereinafter "Forval"). Leveraging both companies’ expertise, the project will comprehensively support local enterprises’ digital transformation (DX) and digital talent development for residents, driving the creation of a sustainable talent circulation system within the community.

Objectives of the Telework Implementation and Adoption Support Project

This initiative aims to explore and establish a new work-style model that integrates Hirono Town’s unique regional characteristics with telework, striving to sustainably achieve the following three goals:

1. Improving workplace comfort and operational efficiency for local businesses

2. Preventing involuntary resignations due to childcare or caregiving responsibilities

3. Attracting and retaining talented individuals—both within and outside the town—who seek flexible work arrangements

Achievements in FY2025: Steady Progress in DX Transformation Toward Telework Adoption at Five Local Companies, Including Manufacturing and Service Sectors

In the previous fiscal year (FY2025), a needs assessment was conducted among local businesses. Based on the results, five companies that expressed interest in support received tailored, hands-on assistance to prepare for telework adoption through DX transformation. The support followed a four-step process: (1) Current Status Assessment and Challenge Identification, (2) Transition Preparation and Planning, (3) Implementation and System Setup, and (4) Stabilization and Impact Evaluation—ensuring consistent guidance throughout. As a result, preparations and initial implementations toward telework adoption have steadily progressed across five local companies, including those in manufacturing and service sectors—industries traditionally considered challenging for telework adoption.

Project Scope for FY2026: Building a Model Case for a “New Way of Working” Through University Collaboration

Through this project, Imacrea aims to realize the concept of “locally grown, locally utilized DX talent,” where digitally skilled residents contribute to solving challenges faced by local businesses.

In the current fiscal year (FY2026), building upon last year’s efforts, the project will deepen two-way support for both businesses and residents while launching a new industry-academia-government collaboration initiative. Under Imacrea’s overall coordination as the primary contractor, the project will proceed through a clear division of roles with Forval, which brings specialized expertise in SME support and regional revitalization. The initiative will focus on the following three pillars:

1. [For Businesses] DX Implementation and Operational Improvement Support Tailored to Each Company’s Needs

Challenges to telework adoption include inadequate IT infrastructure, insufficient understanding of its benefits, and difficulty in task segmentation. Beyond merely introducing tools, the project will promote understanding among both management and frontline employees and foster a DX mindset to ensure sustained adoption. Additionally, for each individual company, analog processes and knowledge concentrated in specific individuals will be systematized, and digital tools will be leveraged to improve operational efficiency and create a more comfortable working environment.

2. [For Residents] From Digital Talent Development to Practical Employment Support

The project will offer workshops designed to help residents acquire foundational digital skills and support their career development for telework. It will also provide post-completion employment follow-up support—including work experience opportunities, career counseling, and access to job assignments via contractor registration—to build a comprehensive local system for digital talent development and employment support.

3. [New Initiative] Establishing the “Hirono Model” Through University Collaboration

Starting this year, a new work-style program will be planned and piloted through a three-party collaboration between Hirono Town, local businesses, and universities. Students will engage practically with local companies’ DX challenges, proposing solutions that leverage their digital skills and youthful perspectives. The goal is to establish a unique “Hirono Model” that promotes next-generation talent development and fosters internal talent circulation within the region.

Imacrea will take full responsibility for project management (PMO), public relations, outreach, and impact evaluation. Simultaneously, it will directly lead its designated areas—“resident-focused digital talent development” and the “university collaboration program”—to realize the establishment of a sustainable “new way of working” in Hirono Town, laying the foundation for “locally grown, locally utilized DX talent.”

Strategic Partnership with Forval Co., Ltd.

Imacrea and Forval established a business alliance in May 2025. This project is part of their collaborative efforts in regional revitalization and talent development, with Imacrea taking the lead in overall coordination and project advancement.

By combining Imacrea’s “regionally embedded telework adoption know-how” with Forval’s “extensive expertise in supporting SMEs and advancing DX,” the partnership maximizes value delivered to local businesses and residents.

About Imacrea Co., Ltd.

Imacrea Co., Ltd. aims to create a society where every individual can thrive regardless of location or life stage. The company delivers outsourcing and consulting services leveraging telework, collaborating with registered professionals residing in over 40 countries worldwide.

The greatest feature of our “Talent Development Program” is its unique framework for “sustainable career development,” going beyond one-time job placements.

Individuals who complete our courses and register with us gain access not only to real-world project assignments but also to ongoing skill-building opportunities through our free community, “Skill-UP LAB.” By supporting long-term growth through the dual engines of “work” and “learning,” we enable “sustainable remote employment” that allows individuals to build their careers even while living in rural areas.

This talent development framework has been highly recognized, earning accolades such as the Cabinet Office’s “Regional Revitalization Telework Award – Minister for Regional Revitalization Prize” and the “Japan HR Challenge Grand Prix – Outstanding Human Resource Service Award (Talent Development Category).” We continue to address social challenges such as child-rearing, caregiving, and regional revitalization through telework-driven innovation.

Imacrea’s Regional Revitalization Support Programs

We primarily offer the following services to address the challenges and policy goals of local governments:

1. Resident-Focused Digital Talent Development Services

2. Generative AI Operation Outsourcing and Utilization Support Services

3. Satellite Office Activation Support Services

4. Grant Application and Review Secretariat Operations

5. Business Attraction Support Services

6. Municipal Work-Style Reform Support (Municipal BPO) Services

<Company Overview: Imacrea Co., Ltd.>

Company Name: Imacrea Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 2F, Daiichi Building, 2-3-5 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Established: July 2007

Representative: Representative Director Shingo Suzuki

Business Activities: Regional revitalization, employment creation support for municipalities, telework implementation consulting, contact center operations outsourcing, outsourcing services, generative AI operation and utilization support

Website: https://www.imacrea.co.jp

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