Tackling depopulation in Japan with the Kyoso App and digital credentials

Kyoso DAO LLC has officially launched its Kyoso App this month, a new platform designed to revitalise local communities by combining Web3 technology with the user-friendly interface of LINE. The application aims to tackle pressing regional issues such as depopulation and an ageing population by making community participation more accessible and rewarding.

The platform addresses the chronic shortage of participants in local activities, a significant challenge in many parts of Japan. It allows organisations to list opportunities for assistance and local experiences, which users can join through their existing LINE accounts. This approach is designed to lower the barrier to entry, especially for those unfamiliar with specialised applications. The core philosophy is to shift community problem-solving from a mindset of “someone will do something” to one where “everyone will do something together.”

A key innovation of the Kyoso App is its use of Web3 technologies to create a verifiable record of an individual’s contributions. Participation is recorded as “contribution tokens,” and advanced features like Decentralised IDs (DID) and Verifiable Credentials (VC) will be implemented to create a secure, unalterable proof of a person’s skills and activity history. This digital credential could be used in the future for employment support or grant applications, building a new form of trust-based economy within the region. The app seeks to transform initial interest into deeper, long-term relationships, moving users from “trial participation” to “continuous engagement.”

The app will have its first major field test during the “NEO Shikoku 88 Festival,” a large-scale regional event held across all four prefectures of Shikoku in July and August. The festival, which offers a modern take on the traditional Shikoku Pilgrimage, will use the app for event management, volunteer recruitment, and to pilot the contribution-proof functions. Participants will be able to engage in unique local programmes, such as scientific experiments using deep-sea water in Muroto or visiting a traditional “Houtaori” weaving workshop in Takamatsu City.

This project aligns with national policies, including the Cabinet Office’s “Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation” concept, which promotes using digital technology to “solve local social issues.” It also supports the government’s “Furusato-zukuri” (hometown creation) policy, which focuses on the growing relationship populations.