A new style of programming course, "Pirikaskup," is set to launch in Niseko, Hokkaido, starting in 2022. This course features a "hybrid model," combining a two-month online course with a 6-day, 5-night offline training camp in Niseko, Hokkaido. Participants can learn practical programming skills.

The online classes are held on weekday evenings, designed for working professionals. The Niseko training camp will take place in September. During the camp, an optional tour of Niseko is also available.

――What led to the creation of this course?

I'm in charge of "Brand Strategy and City Promotion Planning" at the Niseko Town Office. When people think of Niseko, I believe they strongly associate it with its famous powder snow and ski resorts. On the other hand, this also presents a challenge, as it makes it difficult for people who don't participate in winter sports to get to know Niseko.

In fact, a survey showed that only about 60% of women in their 20s to 40s in Tokyo knew about Niseko, meaning about 40% were unaware of the town. Therefore, we wanted to reach out to people in Japan who don't do winter sports, a different demographic from the tourists who have visited Niseko so far.

Furthermore, in recent years, Niseko has seen a rise in people moving to the town and starting businesses, and we're feeling the growing demand for 'workations.' With full-time remote work becoming mainstream, side jobs being permitted, and the introduction of four-day workweeks, work styles are undergoing significant changes. At this opportune time, we wanted to build a brand value for Niseko as a town undertaking new initiatives in the business sector. This led to the proposal and planning of 'Pirikaskup,' a programming course featuring a short-term training camp in Niseko.