Live Where Histories Cross: Digital Nomad Nagasaki 2025

As the autumn leaves began to turn in Japan, a unique journey unfolded here in Nagasaki. For five weeks, from October 12th to November 14th, 2025, we hosted "Digital Nomad Nagasaki," a monitor tour designed not just to show people around, but to weave them into the fabric of our region.

"Live Where Histories Cross."

Our theme was ambitious: Many visitors come to Japan expecting "difference"—a clash of cultures, languages, and rhythms. But Nagasaki is different. Here, travelers find echoes of their own shared pasts. From Portuguese ships to British missionaries, Dutch merchants to Vietnamese exchanges, the threads of the world have been intertwining here for centuries.

We invited participants to connect these dots—to see Nagasaki not merely as a destination, but as a place where history, identity, and future possibilities meet.

The Response: Seeking "Impact" Over "Influencing"

When we opened applications for our 15 spots, we made a bold decision. We didn't ask for travel influencers; we asked for people interested in "Regional Revitalization." 

The response was overwhelming. We received 632 applications from all over the globe. This proved one thing: global talent is hungry for meaningful connection, not just sightseeing.

By the Numbers: Creating Value Together

The result was a diverse cohort of 23 participants (including our host team) representing 15 nations. What stood out was their professional background—nearly half (46.7%) were Entrepreneurs.

These weren't just tourists passing through. Over 5 weeks, they generated an estimated economic impact of 5.81 million JPY and, more importantly, co-created over 75 experience programs. From deep discussions about Nagasaki’s history to mixing with local students and meeting with the Mayor, the engagement was deep and authentic.

The feedback speaks for itself:

• 91.3% Participant Satisfaction

• 87% Desire to Return

• #1 Rated Charm: "Local Community"

• 75 local connections in total and communicate with nomads

• 250 local connections in total and communicate with nomads

As one participant noted while looking out over the city, the working environment here offers a unique focus—"better than Fukuoka" for those who want deep work and deep connection.

Beyond Tourism: Real Stories of Impact

What does "regional revitalization" actually look like? It’s not just charts and graphs. It’s about the human moments and business breakthroughs that happened during these five weeks.

1. From Idea to Product in 5 Weeks One of our proudest outcomes happened at a local pawn shop. The owner engaged with our digital nomads, listening to their perspectives on Japanese culture. Inspired by their feedback, the shop developed a new upcycled product—"Kimono Happi"—during the program. The nomads didn't just provide the idea; they became the first customers. Unlike cruise ship tourism, where thousands pass through for a few hours, our participants visited the same local shops repeatedly, building trust and co-creating value.

2. A New Perspective for Locals The impact went both ways. When participants visited a pearl farm and a sake brewery, they didn't just take photos. They asked sharp questions about SDGs and business succession. For the local owners, this was a revelation. It helped them realize that their "ordinary" daily work holds extraordinary value and creates deep interest from a global perspective.

3. "I Want to Be a Nomad Too" The ripples reached the next generation and the local community deeply. Students at the Goto Japanese Language School found new motivation to learn English, inspired to tell Nagasaki's story to the world. Perhaps most touchingly, a local single mother living with a disability described the five weeks as "a time like a treasure." Through her interactions with the group, she found a new dream: "I want to become a digital nomad, too".

https://www.instagram.com/nomads_ngs/

A Community Built on Gratitude

A project of this magnitude does not happen in a vacuum. It requires a heartbeat, and for us, that heartbeat was our Community Managers, Shelley and Tam.

To Shelley and Tam: Thank you. You were the glue that held this diverse group together. Your energy, empathy, and tireless dedication turned a group of strangers into a family. You ensured that every participant didn't just visit Nagasaki, but felt Nagasaki.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Goncalo Hall. Though you were connecting with us remotely, your influence was felt daily. Thank you for continuing to introduce us to the right people and for bridging the gap between Nagasaki and the global nomad community. Your support was the catalyst for this success.

The Future is Where We Meet

We have proven that Nagasaki is more than a tourist spot; it is a hub for innovation and historical intersection. The "Digital Nomad Nagasaki" tour has ended, but the relationships formed here are just beginning.

To everyone who joined us: thank you for bringing your stories to ours. Nagasaki will always be the place where our histories cross. See you soon.