To commemorate the signing of a tripartite collaboration agreement between Shizuoka University, Minna no Care Joho Gakkai, and Matsuzaki Town, the General Incorporated Association Minna no Care Joho Gakkai (Director: Yoichi Takebayashi) will hold a special symposium titled "Regional Innovation Connecting Matsuzaki Town's Strengths to the Future" on July 12, 2026 (Sun.) starting at 1:00 PM. The event will take place at the Matsuzaki Town Environmental Improvement Center Culture Hall (Kamo District, Matsuzaki Town, Shizuoka Prefecture) and will also be streamed online. Participation is free. Based on a keynote speech by Yuichiro Anzai, former President of Keio University, and Shizuoka University President Kazuyuki Hizuume's vision for Shizuoka University's future creation, we will consider regional co-creation connecting mushroom science, strawberry tourism, mushroom experience agriculture, learning, care, and AI/XR. Organizer: General Incorporated Association Minna no Care Joho Gakkai https://cihcd.jp/ Overview Diagram of the Special Symposium ■ Background of the Event Amidst the global AI revolution significantly changing work and life, a new flow of people from urban to rural areas is emerging. Matsuzaki Town possesses rich nature and historical culture, close-knit human relationships, regional resources around the roadside station "Hana no Sanseien Izu Matsuzaki," the potential for strawberry tourism and mushroom experience agriculture, and wisdom rooted in daily life. On the other hand, it also faces challenges common to small municipalities in Japan, such as population decline, aging population, labor shortages, succession of regional industries, and the creation of related populations. This symposium is held as a starting point for regional co-creation that connects Matsuzaki Town's existing strengths to the future, while addressing these challenges, based on the tripartite collaboration agreement between Shizuoka University, Minna no Care Joho Gakkai, and Mats