Experience stories for 'Satoicochi Home Experience,' an online experiential return gift for Furusato Nozei, have been released.
NEWSBOARD / LOUNGE
May 30, 2020

Experience stories for 'Satoicochi Home Experience,' an online experiential return gift for Furusato Nozei, have been released.

ROOTs Inc., which operates "Satoicochi," a Furusato Nozei portal site enabling instant booking of experiential return gifts with date selection, has launched "Ouchi Experience," an online Furusato Nozei experiential gift allowing users to participate in regional experiences nationwide from home. They have released accounts of actual experiences, including feedback from participants and host businesses.

About the original return gift, "Ouchi Experience":
Participate in regional experiences rooted in various locations, unique to "Satoicochi," from the comfort of your home via online connection.

Experience Flow
1. Find your preferred "Ouchi Experience" plan on "Satoicochi."
2. Select a date and apply through Furusato Nozei (credit card payment only).
3. You will receive a URL for the online experience from the provider (some plans may also include mailed items).
4. Click the URL at the scheduled time and connect with local people online from home to enjoy a regional experience.

Experience lineup connects you to seven municipalities nationwide via video conference from home.

Example Plans:
Online Relocation Consultation Lunch with the Mayor (Miyota Town, Nagano Prefecture)
Directly from a former high school teacher! How to Succeed in Agriculture (Fujimi Town, Nagano Prefecture)
Listen to the Brewer While Enjoying "Yamato Sakura" Sake <Sake Included> (Shonai Town, Yamagata Prefecture)
Direct from the Field - Let's Make Mom's Signature Dish! <Rice, Edamame, Miso Included> (Semboku City, Akita Prefecture)
Asparagus Cooking Class Taught by a Farmer Who Isn't Great at Cooking! <Asparagus Included> (Minamichita Town, Aichi Prefecture)

Experiences Held:
Experience Name: Shonai Town, Yamagata Prefecture - Drink Local Sake While Chatting with the Brewer <3 Types of Local Sake Included>
Organizers: Sajiemon Sato, Representative Director of Sato Brewery; Misuzu Kunimoto, Shonai Town Community Revitalization Volunteer.

Day's Flow and Impressions:
Upon clicking the video conference URL at the start time, we were greeted by Mr. Sato, the brewery representative, and Ms. Kunimoto, the volunteer. Three participants, residing in Tokyo, gathered with the local sake, which had been delivered by mail, paired with their favorite snacks.
"It's time, so let's start with a toast," began Representative Sato, and from there, the conversation flowed, ranging from questions about "the differences between types of sake" to "what are your commitments in making your sake?" The experience proceeded in a convivial atmosphere, with participants and Representative Sato alike enjoying the "Yamato Sakura" sake.
As the session was broadcast live from the actual sake brewery, it concluded with a tour of the facilities, which are not usually seen, lasting over an hour of 'drinking party.'

Learned basic sake knowledge and brewery characteristics. A tour of the brewery was included at the end.

Feedback:
"It was great to feel the essence of Furusato Nozei, connecting with and supporting a region." (30s Male)
"It felt like I was really immersed in the region, and it served as information gathering and preparation for future outings." (30s Female)
"Once the COVID situation calms down, I'd like to actually visit Shonai and meet the brewer in person." (30s Female)
"It's a great promotional event for first-time visitors. I'd be happy if this leads to an increase in loyal fans of the brewery." (Representative Sato)
"It's a wonderful opportunity for people to learn about the town. I hope they will actually visit Shonai." (Volunteer Kunimoto)

Contact Information

ROOTs Inc.
Tel. 03-6441-9084
https://www.satoiko.jp/