TSUNAGU CITY in NAGO 2027: January 29–30, 2027 — An Urban Festival Evolving to Attract Companies to Nago
“TSUNAGU CITY in NAGO” is an experiential event held over two days, January 29–30, 2027, in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. Entering its fifth edition, the event will undergo a major renewal, evolving into an urban festival focused on attracting companies to the city and creating new business opportunities. This article explores the potential business opportunities the event offers to companies from outside Okinawa.
A Major Renewal: From an Experiential Event to an Urban Festival
Organized by Nago City since 2023, this event has provided opportunities to experience digital transformation (DX) across a wide range of fields, including smart cities, tourism, education, health, and sports. At the February 2026 edition, approximately 3,500 people attended over two days.
For its fifth edition in 2027, the event will build on its foundation as an experiential event while introducing a new concept: an urban festival designed to help attract companies to Nago City. While Nago Civic Hall will serve as the main venue, side events will take place throughout central Nago, along with site visits that allow participants to experience the city’s business environment firsthand. Through these initiatives, the event aims to evolve into a signature event connecting Nago with companies from outside Okinawa.
Nago Civic Hall: A Main Venue Bringing Together Next-Generation Startups
The new event theme is “NEW STARTUP CHAOS.” Set in Nago City, home to an Economic and Financial Revitalization Special Zone, the event will bring together innovators from diverse fields, including technology, business, children and families, entertainment, and regional development.
As Japan’s startup ecosystem enters a period of change, the event aims to generate energy and momentum from Nago as an emerging hub for the next generation of business.
1. Participatory Side Events Across Nago City
A wide range of official side events will be held at restaurants, shopping streets, and other locations throughout Nago City. The program includes a certification scheme that jointly promotes events planned by local businesses, as well as a 24-hour hackathon using artificial intelligence for development projects. Startup companies will also have opportunities to pitch their business ideas, followed by an awards ceremony.
The program will also include a pre-event celebration and evening receptions, turning the city itself into an extended event venue. Participants will be encouraged to explore Nago on foot while interacting with local residents, businesses, and other attendees.
2. Business Environment Tours for Companies from Outside Okinawa
Business tours will be offered to executives and planning managers from companies outside Okinawa that are considering expanding into Nago. Participants will visit facilities related to the Economic and Financial Revitalization Special Zone, industrial support facilities, remote-work hubs, and educational institutions to experience Nago’s business environment firsthand.
The tours will also provide opportunities to speak with representatives from Nago City Hall, organizations promoting smart-city development, and companies that have already established operations in Nago. Through these exchanges, participating companies can gain a more practical understanding of the city’s business infrastructure and potential for future expansion.
3. Out of KidZania in Nago: A Career Experience Program for Children
The event will continue to offer programs that allow children to experience local jobs and emerging technologies. Through career experiences provided by companies in Nago, children receive “Naguu,” a currency created specifically for the event, which they can then use to participate in simulated economic activities.
The program aims to help children gain a deeper understanding of local industries while encouraging them to think about their future careers.
TSUNAGU CITY 2027 in NAGO “NEW STARTUP CHAOS”
Event name: TSUNAGU CITY 2027 in NAGO “NEW STARTUP CHAOS”
Dates: January 29–30, 2027
Venue: Nago Civic Hall (Main Hall, Medium Hall, and Courtyard) / Nago Central Public Hall
Organizer: Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Admission: Free (advance registration required)
Official website: https://tsunagucity-nago.com/
