Fujinokuni Exchange Meeting - Deepening ties with Shizuoka in the Tokyo metropolitan area -

Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture, Yasutomo Suzuki

On Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, the "2025 Fujinokuni Exchange Gathering" was held at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo. Many people with ties to Shizuoka Prefecture gathered together in a lively and warm atmosphere, reaffirming their ties with their hometown of Shizuoka. There were also many booths set up, allowing people to rediscover the charms of Shizuoka.

■ Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Yasutomo Suzuki gives a report on prefectural affairs

My goal is to "make Shizuoka a shining prefecture once again." To that end, I have made the LGX Declaration, which places emphasis on the well-being of the prefecture's residents and will completely change the structure of the local government.
Currently, Shizuoka has the longest healthy life expectancy in Japan, and therefore the longest in the world. In addition to this asset of "health," we will also accelerate investment in the future. We will support start-up companies that have difficulty securing funding, attract satellite offices using unused space in Izu, and promote cutting-edge technology from Shizuoka, such as the implementation of "flying cars." We also want to focus on hometown tax donations.
We will also take on the challenge of expanding our tea industry overseas and attracting wealthy tourists using the airport as a base. And most importantly, we will focus on people. We will clarify our acceptance policy and welcome foreigners not as labor, but as partners in building the local community.
These efforts are aimed at creating a stage where the next generation of leaders can thrive. Let's work together to create a new Shizuoka.

Interview with Risa Ukita, a second-year student at Tokyo Woman's Christian University, published on December 29, 2025 by Student Newspaper Online

■Networking event Scenes from each booth

■Discover the charm of Shizuoka! ~Student Report~

Through the prefectural government report session, I learned about Shizuoka Prefecture's attitude of continuing to evolve, not only within Japan but also with an eye on the world, and I felt that the prefecture has great potential for the future. I'm sure there are many young people who find Shizuoka an attractive place to live as a dual base.
The event also provided an opportunity to experience the richness of the prefecture's food, which goes beyond tea, and the warmth of its people. It was a valuable opportunity to see how the high level of happiness promoted in the prefecture's policies is reflected in the peace of mind of the people.
Tokyo Woman's Christian University sophomore, Risa Ukita

Governor Suzuki spoke about the prefecture's efforts in a wide range of areas, including supporting start-up companies, re-establishing the value of tea, and creating a multicultural society. It was impressive to see Shizuoka continue to take on new challenges while leveraging its regional appeal.
At each booth, we were also able to learn about various Shizuoka specialties. While tea was the main focus, there were a variety of initiatives that made use of the region's unique characteristics, including not only tea but also seafood and sweets developed in collaboration with high schools, which allowed us to rediscover the charm of Shizuoka.
Shinoda Hinano, second-year student at Tokyo Kasei University

I am originally from Shizuoka Prefecture and thought I was familiar with Shizuoka products, but through the Fujinokuni Exchange Meeting I learned about the charms and corporate efforts of the area that I had not known about.
I also got to hear directly from the people who make the products there and hear their deep love for them, and I realized that this passion is what makes the products so great. I felt that their hard work is what creates the best flavor and appeal.
Kosuke Maeda, second-year student at Komazawa University

Representatives from government and business spoke about local issues, citing specific examples, and it was striking how much emphasis was placed on practical application on the ground. Also, seeing participants from different positions frankly exchange opinions, I got a strong sense of the community's commitment to working together to solve these issues. Even for me as a student, this was a very educational event that allowed me to reaffirm the significance of being involved with the community.
Ayuki Erikawa, 1st year student at the University of Information, Management and Innovation

Kosuke Maeda, second-year student at Komazawa University; Risa Ukita, second-year student at Tokyo Woman's Christian University; Hinano Shinoda, second-year student at Tokyo Kasei University; Ayuki Erikawa, first-year student at the University of Information, Management and Innovation