Business Partnership with Monou Unyu Co., Ltd.

Mirai Works Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO, Shoji Okamoto; hereinafter 'the Company') announces the establishment of a business partnership with Monou Unyu Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, Isamu Igarashi; hereinafter 'Monou Unyu') regarding the development of professional talent to drive the international expansion of traditional Japanese crafts, as well as sales support for regional enterprises aiming to expand overseas. Additionally, we are pleased to announce the opening of enrollment for the 'Producer Development Program,' designed to promote traditional crafts globally.

Background

The production value of Japan’s traditional crafts has declined from 541 billion yen in 1983 to approximately one-sixth of that amount—87 billion yen—by 2020. The number of practitioners has also decreased from a peak of 288,000 in 1979 to 54,000 in 2020, highlighting challenges such as a shortage of successors and skilled artisans. At the same time, the U.S. cross-border e-commerce market (*1) has reached a scale of 1.5 trillion yen, and over 20% of American visitors to Japan purchase traditional crafts, indicating strong and stable overseas demand. However, many regional enterprises currently lack the expertise and know-how to expand into overseas markets or effectively communicate their unique appeal.

In response to these challenges, Monou Unyu, whose mission is 'to amplify Japan’s traditional culture worldwide through the power of storytelling,' has developed a proprietary storytelling methodology and offers end-to-end creation of English-compatible narratives and videos. Meanwhile, Mirai Works aims to 'increase the number of people challenging themselves for Japan’s future,' providing opportunities for professionals to take on meaningful challenges and thereby contributing to the growth and development of businesses not only in urban areas but across Japan.

Through this partnership, Mirai Works will offer Monou Unyu’s systematically structured 'Certified Global Expansion Producer' training program to its network of over 97,500 registered professional talents on a paid basis. Many of these professionals view initiatives such as regional revitalization, startup support, and assisting regional enterprises with overseas expansion as their 'life’s work' (*2), demonstrating strong motivation toward socially impactful endeavors. By offering this program, we aim to present a new opportunity for professionals to engage in the intersection of 'traditional industries × regional revitalization × global expansion,' thereby expanding their skill sets and contributing to the revitalization of local traditional industries—opening a new career pathway. Simultaneously, we will introduce Monou Unyu’s overseas product development and sales support services to regional enterprises seeking international market access, promoting the sustainable development of the traditional crafts industry.

Overview of the First Cohort of the 'Producer Development Program'

Application Period

June 12, 2026 (Fri) – July 31, 2026 (Fri)

Course Duration and Format

September 1, 2026 (Tue) – February 28, 2027 (Sun)

Online, with some in-person sessions planned

Tuition Fee

300,000 JPY (excluding tax)

First Cohort Schedule

June–July 2026: Enrollment opens and online information sessions

September 2026: Program launch

February 2027: Final presentation and certification ceremony

Application Method and Details

http://narrativeproducer.jp

▼ Curriculum

Phase 1: 'Creating Insights and the Core of the Story'

① Decoding Cultural Economics and Overseas Markets

– Systematically understand the current state of Japanese traditional crafts, trends in the global luxury market, and theories of value enhancement

② Interview Techniques that Touch the Subconscious

– Master coaching methods to uncover artisans’ true intentions, observational skills during site visits, and contextual 'listening techniques'

③ Story Design (Blueprint of the Narrative)

– Learn narrative structures using mythological frameworks (e.g., the Hero’s Journey) and develop the ability to articulate brand identity

Phase 2: 'Expression and Market Implementation'

④ Emotional Creative

– Master cinematic smartphone filming, emotionally engaging editing techniques, and copywriting that resonates with global audiences

⑤ Global Launch Strategy

– Cover comprehensive knowledge on leveraging overseas crowdfunding (e.g., Kickstarter), building social media communities, and the basics of cross-border e-commerce logistics and tariffs

⑥ Integrated Practice and Production Presentation

– Simulate client proposals, forecast business revenue, and implement skills to build sustainable business models

*1 Cross-border e-commerce refers to online retail businesses targeting overseas customers.

*2 'Life’s work' refers to work that provides personal fulfillment and purpose, the pursuit of dreams and passions, self-actualization, and work worthy of dedicating one’s life to.

Reference: Japan Craft Production Areas Association

https://www.chusho.meti.go.jp/koukai/shingikai/syoukibokihon/2018/download/181012syoukiboKihon04.pdf

Fiscal Year 2023 Report on Market Research on Electronic Commerce

https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2024/09/20240925001/20240925001-1.pdf

METI Explanatory Materials, July 2022, Manufacturing Industries Bureau, Traditional Crafts Industry Division

https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkashingikai/bunkazai/kikaku/r03/09/pdf/93743201_06.pdf

≪About Monou Unyu Co., Ltd.≫

Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Representative Director Isamu Igarashi

Founded: August 2022

Capital: 18,000 thousand yen

URL: https://monoun.jp/

Business Activities:

・'Narrative Platform'—an e-commerce site promoting the charm of Made in Japan globally

・'Utsuwa Sommelier'—a program to learn and utilize traditional culture

・'Japan Culture Studio'—a traditional cultural experience site for inbound tourists

≪Overview of Mirai Works Inc.≫

Headquarters: Tokyo HQ: Minato-ku, Tokyo

Other Offices: Kansai Branch / Kyushu Branch / Tohoku Branch

Representative: President and CEO Shoji Okamoto

Founded: March 2012

Stock Code: 6563 (Tokyo Growth Market)

Capital: 94,910 thousand yen (as of March 31, 2026)

URL: https://www.mirai-works.co.jp/

Business Activities:

・Professional Talent Services

Freelance and contract work / Side jobs and contract work / Full-time employment

Over 97,500 registered professionals, 9,400 client companies (as of May 31, 2026)

・Consulting Services

・Practical Reskilling Programs

・Open Innovation Initiatives

・Regional Revitalization Projects

・Sustainability Management Support

https://mirai-works.co.jp/service/

Subsidiary: Greenroom Co., Ltd.

https://greenroom.eco/