The Haretoco General Incorporated Association (Location: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Representative Director: Toi Kengo) concluded a "Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement regarding the Dissemination of Municipal Information" with Kurashiki City on June 2, 2026.
This agreement aims to enhance the understanding of municipal information, strengthen the communication of event information, and diversify information provision during disasters, establishing a cooperative system utilizing our web media "Kurashiki Tocotoco".
Purpose and Main Contents of the Agreement
Through this agreement, we will merge the diverse information disseminated by Kurashiki City with our organization's "editing and dissemination capabilities" to promote understanding of municipal information and expand recognition of event information. Additionally, we aim to promote the rapid and clear dissemination of information during disasters and the archiving of local memories.
- Personalizing municipal information through "stories" from the citizen's perspective
Articles about Kurashiki City's policies and systems will be edited from the citizen's perspective by writers. These articles will be presented as stories that readers can relate to their own lives, thereby increasing interest in municipal affairs. - Disseminating event information through multiple channels
Utilizing event information provided by Kurashiki City, we will publish monthly summary articles and a searchable "Outing Map" on "Kurashiki Tocotoco". - Cooperation in the rapid dissemination of emergency information during disasters
In the event of a large-scale disaster, we will use our own media (Web and social media) to quickly and clearly deliver information based on Kurashiki City's official information to citizens, supporting evacuation actions and more. - Improving information reach through secondary distribution to external partner media
We will distribute the articles we create to partner platforms such as Yahoo! JAPAN, LINE NEWS, and SmartNews, spreading information to a wide audience both inside and outside the city. - Archiving local memories
We will continuously publish the articles we create as part of the region's history. This will ensure that information does not become transient, but is preserved as part of the local memory, contributing to the prevention of its fading.
Message from Representative Director Toi Kengo
The web media "Kurashiki Tocotoco" began after witnessing many people passionately involved in supporting disaster-affected areas at the Kurashiki City Disaster Volunteer Center during the heavy rain in July 2018, and feeling a strong desire to ask, "Is there something we can do?"
From the outset, we have prioritized being a "trusted media". The conclusion of this comprehensive cooperation agreement with Kurashiki City is seen as a recognition of our past efforts.
However, our activities still face challenges in terms of financial stability and human resources. The conclusion of this agreement is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new challenge that requires a more responsible operational structure.
Moving forward, we will strive to disseminate regional information while leveraging each other's strengths with Kurashiki City, aiming to become a media outlet that is even more trusted by citizens. At the same time, we will focus on securing income, including strengthening our financial base, to ensure the sustainability of our operations.
Overview of the Agreement
Date of Conclusion:
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Signatories:
Mayor of Kurashiki City Ito Kaori
Representative Director of Haretoco General Incorporated Association Toi Kengo
Main Roles:
Enhancing understanding of municipal information, strengthening communication of event information, and diversifying information provision during disasters.
Release on Kurashiki City's Official Website
▼ Kurashiki City and the Haretoco General Incorporated Association have concluded a "Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement regarding the Dissemination of Municipal Information"
https://www.city.kurashiki.okayama.jp/cityinfo/publicity/1001929/1015657/1026250.html
