"Let's Connect Through 'Otagai-sama' (Mutual Support)." Launching Gunma's Relationship Information Center 'Dan-Base'

The Gunma Prefectural Tourism and Products International Association (Location: Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, Director: Masato Iwasaki) is launching Gunma's Relationship Information Center, 'Dan-Base(*)', as one of the new initiatives under its 'First Medium-Term Management Plan ~ Towards the Future of Exciting GUNMA ~'. This center will serve as an information hub where people connected to Gunma Prefecture and regions can find support for their concerns and connect through mutual support ('otagai-sama'). 'Dan-Base' allows individuals, organizations, and regions connected to Gunma Prefecture to register as 'members'. It also provides a consultation desk for people to discuss their 'difficulties'. Even problems that cannot be solved alone can be addressed with the help of 'Dan-Base', where people, organizations, and regions connect to become 'companions' and transform challenges into enjoyable experiences, taking a step towards resolution. We are pleased to announce that applications for membership registration for 'Dan-Base' will begin today.

*'Danbe' / 'Danbe-' in the Jōshū dialect is a widely used sentence-ending particle in Gunma Prefecture. It corresponds to the standard Japanese expressions '~ darou' or '~ desho' (probably, isn't it?) and is used to express conjecture or agreement. It is used to confirm something with the listener in a friendly manner or to state one's own prediction. The keyword 'Danbe-' / 'Tanbe', familiar to Gunma residents, evokes an invitation to 'Let's do it together!'. It also embodies the excitement and sentiment of strategy meetings like 'How can we make this fun?' and the warmth of being welcomed with 'Welcome back'. These feelings are all embedded in 'Dan-Base'.

[Overview of Gunma's Relationship Information Center 'Dan-Base'] ① Creating Opportunities to Engage with Gunma Prefecture We aim to create 'opportunities to engage' by establishing an information hub that fosters connections between people and organizations who wish to engage with Gunma Prefecture in various ways beyond just tourism, and the attractive regions and people of Gunma. The objective is to guide the resolution of challenges faced by individuals and regions, involving visitors to Gunma, and to connect involved individuals with the overall growth of the region.

② Challenging New Forms of Connection with Regions In recent years, 'relationship population' has become a keyword for new forms of connection with regions. This concept refers to people who engage with a region and its people from various angles, distinct from 'resident population' (those who have moved in) or 'exchange population' (tourists). At 'Dan-Base', individuals and organizations who feel attracted to Gunma Prefecture will register as 'players and supporters growing with Gunma'. We will then focus on creating sustainable engagement with regions, such as resolving issues, by providing opportunities for interaction with local communities and learning that leads to personal growth. We aim to create a base for exploring new ways to actively connect with regions, going a step further than just visiting for tourism.

③ Creating a Hub for Diverse Information At 'Dan-Base', we will also solicit consultations regarding people's and regions' 'difficulties' and needs for 'collective effort'. We welcome consultations not only from those directly facing 'difficulties' but also from members who notice someone else's 'difficulties'. Your 'awareness' might help someone, potentially leading to the first step in revitalizing Gunma. We aim to create an environment where your contributions bring new stimulus to 'Gunma' and where those involved can grow, by creating opportunities to solve regional issues together enjoyably, as people living in and visiting Gunma interact.

For more details, please visit the official website of Gunma's Relationship Information Center 'Dan-Base'. https://dan-base.gunma-kanko.jp/