Okinawa TV, iRidge Launch Membership Platform Business

Okinawa Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd. and iRidge Inc. announce the launch of a membership platform business for local businesses (tentative name, hereinafter referred to as “this business”).

This project aims to promote regional revitalization and regional digital transformation by providing local experience app packages to companies with users and members, such as local TV stations and regional businesses, and creating app business opportunities. By adopting iRidge’s app business platform “APPBOX” for the package system, it is possible to customize functions and screens individually, making it possible to develop original apps at low cost.

The two companies plan to release the first experiential app based on this package in spring 2026, an app that encourages people to experience the various charms of Okinawa. The app will be developed under the “OKITIVE” brand, the same brand as the Okinawa-area-focused web media jointly operated by the two companies, and will operate as both a web media outlet responsible for disseminating information and an app that encourages action (web articles can also be viewed within the app). After that, as a regional co-creation company, the company will roll out the app to external companies, aiming to introduce it to 30 companies, primarily local television stations, and provide business support by 2030.

Background to the launch of the member platform business (tentative name) for local businesses

Media contact time on smartphones has reached a record high*1, further increasing the value of smartphone apps as a form of media. Television stations are also feeling a sense of crisis, with approximately 60% of the 127 commercial terrestrial television stations nationwide already introducing official apps*2. However, the content tends to be TV-specific, such as program streaming, news, and weather information, and there are few apps that offer unique experiences or take into consideration the needs of local and tourist users.

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Okinawa Television and iRidge are building a new business model for local television stations by operating the web media “OKITIVE,” achieving 3 million page views per month through the operation of original content that attracts fans from outside the prefecture and steadily increasing attendance at linked events. In addition, as part of a group collaboration project, iRidge is also working on initiatives to create a connected population for local governments using apps, and owns “APPBOX,” an app business platform that handles everything from app development to marketing, and has the strength of supporting the operation of OMO apps with over 100 million monthly active users. We believe that by combining these advantages, we can provide a unique membership platform, which led to the launch of this business.

SOURCE: PRTimes