Shikokutogether

Shikokutogether is a label used to describe cooperative initiatives across Shikoku, the island comprising Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima prefectures in Japan. It is not a single organization but an umbrella term for diverse projects led by local governments, businesses, universities, and nonprofit groups to promote regional connectivity, sustainable tourism, and cultural exchange.

The term appears in contemporary regional development discourse and is applied to initiatives that cross prefectural borders, aiming to pool resources and coordinate promotional efforts for the Shikoku region. Projects under the Shikokutogether banner often seek to create shared travel routes, organize cross-prefectural events, and develop collaborative marketing and information platforms.

Common activities include joint travel campaigns highlighting circumnavigation routes, co-hosted festivals, and digital platforms that offer itineraries and experiences across prefectures. Additional efforts focus on heritage preservation, nature conservation, and community-based programs that engage residents and visitors alike.

Governance for Shikokutogether tends to be decentralized. Coordination is usually provided by prefectural tourism boards, municipal offices, industry associations, and multi-stakeholder coalitions formed for specific initiatives. Funding sources may include public subsidies, private sponsorships, and government or grant programs.

Impact and reception vary by project but generally aim to distribute visitor traffic more evenly, support rural economies, and strengthen regional identity. Proponents emphasize the potential for sustainable growth and cultural exchange, while critics note that success depends on effective collaboration and consistent implementation across the four prefectures.

See also: Shikoku, Tourism in Japan, Regional development in Japan.