AI and People Can Make a Town Even More Interesting.

The fourth feature introduces Kazuki Akiyoshi, a member of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team promoting DX in Kotohira.

Since taking up his post in November 2024, he has been working on improving operational efficiency through AI and building digital communities using DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations).

The terminology may sound complex,but Mr. Akiyoshi's goal is simple: to create "an open online town square where anyone can be a main character."
(For details on DAOs, please refer to official announcements. And if it's unclear, just ask Mr. Akiyoshi!)

Mr. Akiyoshi also regularly hosts AI and digital study sessions and talks within the town.

— From here, we present the interview.

What is the charm of Kotohira?

First of all, after living here, I strongly feel the warmth of the people.
And of course, there is Kotohira-gu Shrine, the symbolic heart of the town.
In spring, you can experience traditional culture through Konpira Kabuki.
I was fascinated by the mechanisms—actors appearing from below the stage and the revolving stage itself.

What motivated you to join the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team?

I run a business alongside my role as a cooperation team member, and through a co-founder who is from Kotohira,
I became connected with a company in the same field called Aruyoumu.
That led to an opportunity to speak with the mayor,who was looking for DX talent.
I emphasized my experience with AI and DAOs and was selected.

At the time, I had never visited Kotohira,but I'd heard it was a good town, so I wasn't worried.
With my background as a systems engineer,I also felt that ‘as long as there's internet, I can work anywhere', which made applying an easy decision.

What does town development using DAOs look like?

In short, it's an online town square where you can talk anytime, anywhere, with anyone.
Until now, there were LINE open chats and Facebook groups, but they had limits in participation and how information flowed.
So we're building a two-way community using Discord that connects people inside and outside the town.

For example, a shop can post, 'We're holding an event soon—come join us', or someone visiting can casually ask, 'I'm coming to Kotohira this weekend—any recommendations?'
It's like adding 'one more place for interaction and announcements' alongside TV, newspapers, and social media.
I'd be happy if people think, 'If those community members are there, I want to visit Kotohira'.

What digital tools bring to the community

There are two missions: improving operational efficiency with AI, and revitalizing the region through DAOs.

For the first, we're creating safe environments where town hall staff can use AI suited to their needs.
This includes preparing usage guidelines and holding tool-specific seminars.
By reducing desk work in areas like environment and disaster prevention, I want staff to have more time to engage directly with residents.

For private businesses too, I want to spread the experience of lowering the hurdles for communication and planning through AI.
Our weekly Thursday seminars are building a foundation for energizing the whole town.
In a few years, I want people to clearly feel that many more can work effectively with AI as an ally.

Kotohira is a tourism town.
That's why we value real, in-person time at shops, while letting AI support us behind the scenes to make the town even more attractive.

What is challenging about your work?

Thanks to AI, the tasks themselves are easier, but ideas keep coming, so managing tasks and priorities is the hard part.
I'm always conscious of balancing what needs to be done and what I want to do.

Motto and policy

I value 'sanpo-yoshi'—good for myself, good for others, and good for customers.
If even one person is overburdened, relationships don't last.
And then there's 'just try it'.
With AI, the cost of experimentation is lower.
If it works, great. If not, you can find an alternative.

Try small, learn, and move closer to success.
That's the mindset I hold dear.

Goals going forward

First, I want to further advance operational efficiency in both the town office and the private sector.
Then, I want to expand the digital community into a place where residents and 'Kotohira fans' can interact at any time.

Someone might ask, 'I'm going to Kotohira—where should I stay?'
and everyone naturally responds—that's the atmosphere I want to create.

A DAO is an organization where everyone has decision-making and execution power.
So I want this to be a place where someone who says 'I want to try hosting an event!' can become the organizer.
A community where 'let's do it together' flows naturally—that's the ideal.

What Writer Haruto Learned

From Mr. Akiyoshi's story, I realized that what ultimately remains is not the technology itself, but connections between people.
Digital tools increase points of contact, AI lightens administrative work, and that makes real, face-to-face time richer.
Designing two-way interaction—that's DX, and the main characters are always people.

Even challenges that seem difficult, move forward by trying small steps and learning along the way.
Kotohira's digital promotion is progressing with that positive mantra.

Kazuki Akiyoshi (Kotohira Town Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team, DX / DAO Promotion)

Activities:
AI environment development, seminars for staff and businesses, Discord community management, and more

One word:
"Let's build an 'online neighborhood association' where anyone can be a main character—together."