Hiroyuki launches "Noto Reconstruction Support Subscription" service

Made in Japan Co., Ltd. President and CEO Hiroyuki Nishimura　
He is a widely known influencer on the Japanese internet and is also known as one of the founders of 2channel (now 5channel).
His influence is deeply rooted in Japanese internet culture through the "5 Channel" and blogs he runs.
This way of thinking has sometimes sparked controversy and has had a major impact on the development of the Internet and society.
He is also known for his stance on freedom of information and freedom of speech online.

Hiroyuki Nishimura (hereafter referred to as Hiroyuki), one of the founders of 2channel (now 5channel) and CEO of made in Japan Co., Ltd. (Nakanoto Town, Kashima District, Ishikawa Prefecture), has launched a food subscription service as a "new form of support for Noto and Hokuriku.""Noto Reconstruction Support Subscription"The "Noto Reconstruction Support Subscription" service launch event was held on Friday, May 23rd.
What is the reality of Hiroyuki's new support and what are his thoughts on it?

■ Don't let it become a town you can't return to

When roads are damaged or the water supply is cut off, the local government takes care of the issue. However, when local factories or shops are affected, it is outside the jurisdiction of the local government. In the Noto Peninsula earthquake, people who lost their jobs left the prefecture in search of work, and Ishikawa Prefecture's population fell by about 10%. Even if the affected factories try to reopen, it is not an easy decision to invest in repairs if there is no guarantee that the products they produce will sell.
Therefore, we thought that ordering "work" in advance would be the first step in recovery. For example, if there is a pre-order saying, "We will purchase this amount in six months," then we can expect sales for that amount. This increases the chances that repairs will be carried out, which in turn creates new work. We thought that by spreading this system to many companies, work would gradually return to the entire disaster-stricken area.
The reason I called it a "hypocritical business that doesn't make any profit" is because I thought I might as well be the first to say so if people were going to call me that eventually. We collect products from multiple companies, receive them in-house, package them, and deliver them to customers. What's more, with wholesalers now out of business, we have to take on that role as well. To be honest, it's inefficient and we don't make much profit. But still, the most important thing is to get the industry moving through orders.
Areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake recovered relatively quickly. This is because they were originally large cities, such as Sendai and Osaka. However, if Noto does not return to its former state, it will set a precedent as a region that was unable to recover. If it can be properly restored, the next time another disaster occurs, fewer people will think, "I'll leave because I'm not going to come back."

■The goal is for us to no longer be needed

Due to the labor shortage, food may not arrive as scheduled. For this reason, we hope that only those who understand our situation will use our service.
For example, through this service, more people will come to like Noto salt and order it voluntarily. Once distribution is in order and Noto specialties can be purchased at supermarkets and department stores, this service will no longer be necessary. Our goal is to have industry and distribution return to the way it was before the earthquake.
This service requires a lot of work, including ordering, inventory management, and responding to inquiries. When things suddenly get busy, we sometimes find ourselves short-staffed. For this reason, it would be extremely helpful if we could find students willing to help out at the factory during the summer holidays. Also, if even one of the foods we eat every day is from Noto, it will help support the recovery effort. If you share this message, we would be delighted if you would also share it with your family and friends.

■Message to university students

Have fun to your heart's content. Young people today tend to believe that "if you just study, you'll be successful." However, you need to determine for yourself whether what adults say about "studying" is really correct. Even during your university years, you only have a limited amount of time to fully devote to your interests. Gain experience through "play" that you won't be able to do once you enter the workforce. That play will eventually create your own value.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on May 21, 2025 by Mai Wakao, a third-year student at International Christian University

"Noto Reconstruction Support Subscription" Service Information
■ Service name
Noto Reconstruction Support Subscription
■ Site URL
https://shop.modein.jp/pages/subscription
■ Concept
As a new form of support for disaster-stricken areas, this is a subscription-based service that provides economic and sustainable support through specialty products from the Noto and Hokuriku regions.
■ Mechanism
6-month upfront subscription
We purchase specialty products from Noto and Hokuriku at fair prices and deliver them to our supporters every month.
By purchasing products, you support employment and production activities of local businesses.
■About price and shipping
Monthly conversion: 4,300 yen (tax included)
Delivered on the 5th of every month (for 6 months)
■ Point
◎Continuous support through the experience of "supporting and eating delicious food"
◎Indirectly contribute to revitalizing the local economy while enjoying the products
◎It is possible to provide support that will not just be temporary support, but will help broaden the appeal of the region.

Showa Women's University, second-year student Abe Rurika / International Christian University, third-year student Wakao Mai / Tsuda University, third-year student Ishimatsu Karin