Japan is stepping into the digital nomad spotlight with an innovative approach to community building. TADAIMA 2025, a groundbreaking one-month coliving and cultural exchange program launching this November in Shimoda, Shizuoka (2.5 hours from Tokyo), promises to revolutionize how digital nomads integrate with local communities.
Unlike traditional nomad events that focus primarily on networking among remote workers, TADAIMA 2025 takes a deeper approach: fostering meaningful co-creation rather than surface-level cultural exposure, tapping into Shimoda’s legacy as a historical gateway to global exchange.
What Makes TADAIMA 2025 Different
Beyond Surface-Level Cultural Exchange
While most nomad programs offer cultural activities as side attractions, TADAIMA 2025 centers on meaningful co-creation rather than surface-level cultural exposure. The program responds to Japan’s unique challenges: a declining birthrate, aging population, and shrinking rural communities.
The coastal city of Shimoda, historically known as the place where Japan first opened its doors to the world, serves as the perfect symbolic location for this modern “re-opening” focused on cross-cultural collaboration.
Experience the diverse activities of TADAIMA 2025: from traditional sushi workshops and collaborative coworking sessions to beach excursions and community dinners that bring together digital nomads and local residents.
Program Structure and Highlights
Dates: November 2-30, 2025 (Main Week: November 11-17)
Location: Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture (2.5 hours from Tokyo)
Pass Options:
| Pass Type | Duration | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirai Pass | Nov 12-14 | $181 | Conference + dinners (no accommodation) |
| Main Week Pass | Nov 11-17 | $629.30 | Coliving access, meals, tours, workshops |
| Full Month “Fully Enjoy” Pass | Nov 2-30 | $1,819 | Extended coliving, excursions, cultural programming |
Who Should Apply
TADAIMA 2025 welcomes:
- Digital nomads seeking meaningful ways to connect with locals
- Community builders and changemakers
- Individuals interested in collaboration between international talent and local communities
- Anyone curious about the digital nomad lifestyle in Japan
Applications are open via the official TADAIMA SHIMODA website for participants, volunteers, and speakers.
The Main Week Experience
Featured Program Highlights
During the Main Week (November 11-17), attendees participate in keynotes, workshops, unconferences, local dinners, island trips (including Niijima), and immersive cultural sessions. The TADAIMA Mirai Kaigi Conference (November 12-14) brings together local residents, digital nomads, government officials, and changemakers from around the world to explore sustainable collaboration models.
Day 1 Keynote Speakers:
- Orly T. Darnayla (Digital Nomads Association Philippines): “The Potential of Digital Nomads in Tourism”
- John Ho (Alt Chiang Mai): “How Global Talent and Startups Can Spark Local Innovation”
Spotlight Sessions include:
- “Rethinking Rural Education Through Global-Local Collaboration” by Mashio Yamamoto & Stefan Mihaylov (Waspect Co., Ltd.)
- “Revitalizing Rural Japan from a Global Perspective” by Max Forrest (Wayfinder LLC)
Cross-Sector Dialogue
The conference examines collaboration models across diverse cultures and values, creating space for mutual learning and shared vision-building. Sessions are conducted in both English and Japanese, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
Beyond the Conference: Community Integration
Local Impact and Support
TADAIMA 2025 is organized by ELENTO LLC, founded by Elena Tsukada (co-founder of Digital Nomads Tokyo), with the aim to ignite cross-cultural collaboration in rural Japan. The program is supported by an impressive network of partners including:
- Shimoda City and Shizuoka Bank
- Japan Digital Nomads Association
- Coive Fukuoka, Digital Nomads Tokyo, and Fukuoka Startup Collective
- LINNAS Kanazawa, Manabu Hubs, and Seoul Nooks
This collaboration ensures the program benefits both international participants and local communities, not just extracting value from the destination.
The heart of TADAIMA 2025: A vibrant community gathering where digital nomads and local residents come together in Shimoda’s welcoming atmosphere, fostering the deep connections that make this program unique.
Organizer’s Vision
Elena Tsukada, CEO of ELENTO LLC, explains the program’s deeper purpose:
“Japan is facing a rapid population decline, and the shortage of young people in rural areas is becoming critical. Meanwhile, as a digital nomad traveling around, I’ve witnessed how collaboration between global talent and local communities is quietly gaining momentum in many places.
Shimoda is historically known as the town where Japan first opened its doors to the world. I hope that TADAIMA 2025 will serve as a spark for Japan’s own ‘Re-opening’ in the modern era—where cross-cultural collaboration is not limited to major cities like Tokyo, but truly begins to flourish in local regions across the country.”
Practical Information
Application Process
Applications are now open for participants, volunteers, and speakers through the official website: https://tadaima-japan.jp/
Getting to Shimoda
Shimoda is located on the Izu Peninsula, approximately 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train. The coastal location offers stunning natural beauty and a more relaxed pace compared to Japan’s major metropolitan areas.
Program Context
TADAIMA 2025 operates under ELENTO LLC’s broader mission to connect Japan’s regional communities with the world through PR, promotion, and digital nomad exchange programs. Founded in 2020 in Shimoda, ELENTO strives to build global friendships and expand Japan’s “kankeijinko” (community supporters) network.
Why This Matters for the Digital Nomad Movement
As the digital nomad community matures, programs like TADAIMA 2025 represent an evolution toward more sustainable and meaningful travel. Rather than simply consuming destinations, participants contribute to long-term community development while gaining authentic cultural experiences. The program represents a meaningful shift toward sustainable, community-led nomad experiences in rural Japan.
The program’s focus on rural revitalization also aligns with global trends toward distributed work and lifestyle, offering lessons applicable far beyond Japan’s borders.
Research Foundation
The program draws insights from academic research, including studies on regional revitalization and lifestyle diversity, as well as social network analysis examining gentrification effects behind the digital nomad phenomenon.
Registration and Next Steps
With applications now open, early registration is recommended given the program’s unique positioning and limited capacity. The pass options ranging from $181 (Mirai Pass) to $1,819 (Full Month Pass) offer flexibility for different budgets and commitment levels, though participants should budget for travel costs.
For those interested in speaker opportunities, the program actively seeks diverse voices to contribute to workshop sessions and panel discussions.
Official Website: https://tadaima-japan.jp/
Press Release: https://elento.jp/jp/posts/pSRZthxI
TADAIMA 2025 promises to be more than just another nomad gathering—it’s a pioneering experiment in sustainable community collaboration that could shape the future of the digital nomad movement itself.
