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FISHPASS Proposes a "New Standard" for Recreational Fishing Permits ― No. 1 in Partner Cooperatives, Expanded to 411 Rivers Nationwide. Changing Fishing Norms with Insurance Inclusion and DX ―

FISHPASS: The New Standard for Recreational Fishing Permits

FISHPASS Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture; Representative Director: Shigehiro Nishimura), a company driving Digital Transformation (DX) for inland water fishery cooperatives, announced on January 7 the definition and full details of a "New Standard for Recreational Fishing Permits" within their "FISH PASS" platform. This initiative aims to provide an environment where anglers can truly focus on their fishing.

The company also revealed that it has grown into the leading digital fishing permit platform in Japan (based on internal research), having surpassed 328 partner cooperatives/associations and 411 partner rivers (including those currently preparing for sales).

■ "Buy, Prepare, Prove" All via a Single Smartphone

Three New Standards for Fishing Permits

The "Three New Standards" advocated by FISHPASS are as follows:

  1. The Standard for Convenience: Permits can be purchased via the app 24 hours a day, from anywhere. GPS automatically identifies the relevant cooperative jurisdiction, eliminating the hassle of searching for physical vendors early in the morning.
  2. The Standard for Peace of Mind: All fishing permits come with free "Death/Hospitalization Insurance" and "Rescuer Expense Coverage." The insurance is activated simply by tapping the "Use" button in the app.
  3. The Standard for Focus: By linking GPS and purchase data, supervisors can remotely verify permit possession (available only with participating cooperatives). This reduces interruptions, creating an environment where anglers can fully immerse themselves in the sport.

■ Awareness of Digital Permit Purchasing Exceeds 70%

Survey on Awareness of Recreational Fishing Permit Purchasing

According to a survey conducted by the company, the awareness rate regarding the ability to purchase fishing permits online has reached 71.2%. Furthermore, it was found that approximately 80% of those aware actually utilize online purchasing.

"Peace of mind due to included insurance" ranked third as a reason for choosing the service, highlighting that users seek the added value of "safety" in addition to the efficiency of digitalization. FISHPASS states that it will return the revenue generated through the app to the fishery cooperatives, contributing to sustainable "river creation for the future."

■ About the ICT Startup League
This support program was launched in FY2023, sparked by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Project to Support the Creation of Startups through Advanced Research and Development."
The ICT Startup League supports startups through four main pillars:
1. R&D Funding / Hands-on Support
Up to 20 million JPY in R&D funds is provided in the form of subsidies. Additionally, regarding hands-on support, the selection evaluation committee members involved in choosing the league members remain engaged after selection to promote growth. For companies that evaluators rated as "must-select," a dedicated support system—likened to "Oshi-katsu" (enthusiastic fan support)—is established, where the evaluators themselves provide continuous support, including advice on business plans and offering growth opportunities.
2. Discovery & Development
The league provides opportunities for learning and networking to accelerate the business growth of league members.
It also expands its scope by discovering and developing those who aim to launch startups in the future.
3. Competition & Co-creation
Serving as a venue for positive competition similar to a sports league, the structure allows startups to learn together and improve through friendly rivalry while competing for necessary funding (up to 20 million JPY). It also provides a space for co-creation where league members can collaborate to expand their businesses through various opportunities, such as sessions with selection evaluation members.
4. Dissemination
The initiatives of league members are broadcast in collaboration with media outlets! By making these businesses known to a wider audience, the league aims to expand opportunities for new matching and chances.

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For more details on STARTUP LEAGUE's startup support, please see here.