Wakayama Prefecture unveiled a draft of its new long-term comprehensive plan aimed at 2040, with a five-year implementation cycle and a public comment period through Oct. 30. The plan centers on six policy pillars, led by attracting overseas vitality, and projects notable increases in foreign workers—from about 5,711 to 16,000—and in inbound tourism spending from 17.9 billion to 50 billion yen, with high-school English proficiency targeted at 65%. It also covers investments in people, a decarbonization-focused industrial policy, extending healthy life expectancy, intergenerational exchange, and disaster prevention. The plan does not set a population target; projections suggest about 728,000 people in 2040 (about 743,000 if young residents stop leaving). To gather input, a Citizen Participation Program includes governor-led workshops, essays and art by students, and other outreach. Public comments are open until Oct. 30; materials are available on the prefecture website and at regional offices.