Driving Hokkaido's DX: Kukan Supports SMB Digitalization in Sapporo, Furano, and Niseko, Tackling IT Talent Shortage. - クウカン株式会社

2025-10-20 Press Release

Driving Hokkaido’s DX: Kukan Supports SMB Digitalization in Sapporo, Furano, and Niseko, Tackling IT Talent Shortage.

Rising DX Demand in Sapporo, Furano, and Niseko: Kukan Challenges Regional IT Talent Shortage.

Interest in Digital Transformation (DX) among Hokkaido’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has reached an all-time high. However, the region’s IT sector—the very engine of DX—is suffering a severe talent shortage, creating a structural bottleneck that threatens local growth opportunities, as confirmed by official surveys. Kukan Inc., a locally rooted IT firm with offices in Furano and Sapporo, is taking decisive action. Recognizing the unique gap between soaring DX demand and limited IT talent supply in Hokkaido, we officially announce the strengthening of our support system, effective October 1, 2025.

Kukan is committed to acting as a dedicated DX partner, resolving this critical bottleneck to unlock regional prosperity.

Ⅰ. Hokkaido DX: High Demand, Mismatched Reality

Focus on Operational Efficiency & Cost Reduction

Surveys by the Hokkaido Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry clearly show the strong commitment to DX among local businesses. Approximately 70% of companies indicate a positive intent to pursue DX initiatives.
The primary motivations for seeking DX are concentrated on achieving operational efficiency. Key drivers—including “improvement of business processes and systems” (68.3%) and “cost reduction and labor saving” (65.7%)—exceed the majority, highlighting an urgent and powerful market need.

The “High Wall” of DX Facing SMEs

Despite this high enthusiasm, many companies face critical challenges during the execution phase. The single largest obstacle to DX implementation is the “shortage of personnel capable of driving it,” cited by a staggering 68.8% of respondents. The second major barrier is the “lack of knowledge regarding DX tools” (60.9%). This highlights a critical deficit in internal resources—namely, “people” and “know-how”—required for successful DX, even with a clear understanding of its necessity.

Ⅱ. “Talent Shortage” Plaguing Hokkaido’s Growing IT Sector

The IT sector, which technically supports DX for local companies, is steadily growing as a vital pillar of the Hokkaido economy.

Hokkaido’s Expanding IT Industry

According to the “Hokkaido IT Report 2024,” the region’s IT industry sales reached ¥556.6 billion in fiscal year 2023, marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year. This establishes it as the 3rd largest industry by scale among Hokkaido’s major manufacturing sectors, following only food and petroleum/coal products.
Furthermore, the total number of employees is estimated at 23,575, generating significant employment, second only to the food manufacturing industry. This market expansion is ongoing, with 2024 fiscal year sales projected to increase by another 3.3% to ¥574.7 billion.

Challenges Facing Hokkaido’s IT Industry

However, behind this robust growth, the IT industry itself is grappling with extremely serious challenges.

Out-of-Prefecture HQs Also Cite Talent Needs

The most cited management challenge remains “securing and developing talent.” A striking 66.9% of local businesses, and an even higher 78.1% of Hokkaido operations managed by out-of-prefecture HQs, identify this as their top priority.

Talent Shortage: The Biggest Negative Factor

This talent shortage is not merely a concern; it already acts as a drag on business. A significant 43.0% of enterprises cite “labor shortage” as a negative factor impacting their projected 2024 sales, suggesting a tangible “opportunity loss” where orders cannot be fulfilled despite demand.
The shortage is particularly severe for personnel essential for DX, with “System Engineers (SE)” at 68.9% and “Project Managers” at 45.9%. Furthermore, roughly 60% of businesses reporting shortages indicate a deficit of “three or more employees,” underscoring the gravity of the talent situation.

Ⅲ. Kukan Inc. Pledges DX Partnership

Combining these factors reveals a structural dilemma in Hokkaido’s DX acceleration. While SMEs (demand side) need external support due to a lack of in-house IT talent, the local IT sector (supply side) lacks the personnel required to meet customer demand, creating a critical impasse.
Despite the high demand for DX, the shortage of talent on the supply side is acting as a bottleneck, potentially causing the entire region to miss opportunities for increased productivity and enhanced competitiveness.

Kukan Resolves DX Challenges for Hokkaido Businesses

Kukan Inc. exists to resolve this deep-rooted structural dilemma. We pledge a partnership-based DX support model that goes beyond simple IT tool implementation. We deeply integrate with our clients’ businesses, essentially fulfilling the role of their “in-house IT representative.”

・Challenge: Lack of Driving Personnel
👉Solution: We serve as your dedicated DX leader, driving the process with full responsibility, from strategic planning to execution.
• Challenge: Insufficient DX Tools/Knowledge
👉Solution: We provide seamless support—from identifying management needs and selecting optimal IT solutions to implementation and ongoing operation.
• Challenge: Uncertainty on Where to Consult
👉Solution: We act as your first point of contact for all DX concerns, proposing the best initial step forward.

Our experts, with deep knowledge of challenges facing Hokkaido businesses, will propose the optimal first step for your firm, overcoming these deep-rooted issues and aiming for mutual growth.

Kukan Hokkaido Official LINE Account Now Launched!

“Kukan Hokkaido,” our Web support division dedicated to achieving client business DX through marketing strategy-driven website production, has officially launched its dedicated LINE account!
The Official LINE account allows you to review our services and portfolio with a single tap, while also enabling easy business consultations directly via the LINE chat interface.

Clients seeking support for “lead generation website production” or those looking to “commission design work for brand enhancement” should register immediately!

Add the Official LINE Account Here:
https://s.lmes.jp/landing-qr/2008217072-xyZMz0Bj?uLand=bKrYV1

For DX Driven by Websites, Trust Kukan!

Kukan Inc.: Your Business Partner in Growth

Are your Hokkaido-based businesses facing challenges such as: “The website is built, but we don’t know how to utilize it,” or “We want to digitalize to further streamline operations”? If so, please consult with Kukan regarding your DX acceleration needs!
As a Web solutions firm deeply rooted in Hokkaido, we support the digital business transformation itself—far beyond mere website production. Our profound understanding of local user characteristics enables us to propose truly essential digital strategies and systems for your business.
As your dedicated partner, we will powerfully support your company’s DX acceleration, transforming your Web presence into an engine for business growth.
Take the first step toward a transformative future with our local, specialized DX support.

Consultations & Inquiries: Website Production and Marketing Strategy

Kukan Inc. Web Support Division

Add the Official LINE Account Here!

Company Profile

Company Name:
Kukan Inc.
Established:
November 29, 2022
Capital:
¥1,000,000
Representative:
Kentaro Yamamoto

Locations:
Furano Office (Head Office)
4-7 Sakaemachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0023, Japan
Sapporo Office
1-1 Toyohira 4-jo 3-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0904, Japan

License Number
Real Estate Transaction Dealer Hokkaido Governor Kamikawa (1) No. 1316

Business Activities

1. Minpaku Investment Business – Planning and operation of JANKEN, support for minpaku investment projects in the Hokkaido area.
2.Creative Business – Business development, branding, planning support for marketing solutions.
3.Real Estate Services – Buying, selling, leasing, brokerage, purchase and revitalization, development, property management, detached housing/land subdivision, house/condominium construction and sales, interior construction, renovation work.
4.Web Services – Website planning, production, and operation, IT support services, online secretarial services, internet information provision.

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