Shikinejima has been working on the Shikinejima CoWorkation PROJECT since 2019. The project began with the idea of attracting medium- to long-term visitors through workation to Shikinejima, an island where scenes of "the good old Japan" still remain. Over time, it is hoped that these visitors will gain an understanding of Shikinejima and become "local heroes," fellow residents responsible for the future of the island.

The initiative to welcome people to Shikinejima fully commenced in March 2020, when volunteer members of the island meetings established Shikinejima Area Management, a general incorporated organization, to serve as the project's operating organization.

During the meeting, members discussed what kinds of people should be brought to the island through workation--for example, people who understand the island's rules and treasures, and people who can build collaborative and co-creative relationships with island residents. Ultimately, members decided to hold a program titled "Shikinejima Academy" three times this year. This program will include an online networking meeting to deepen mutual understanding between participants and island residents and an actual workation experience on the island.

The call for participants in the Shikinejima Academy program drew 46 applications in about one week, which was more than quadruple the program's limit of 10 people. Applicants included employees of companies that encourage a completely remote working style, freelance workers, and fans of remote islands.

Going forward, members will consider what can be done to further enhance the hands-on program as the Shikinejima Academy is being held. An overview of the first Shikinejima Academy program will be provided in the next report.