Works#Social Good

This project involved the revitalization of a samurai residence, over 140 years old, located in the castle town of Obi Castle in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, into a tourist hub and hot spring inn. Each of the five guest rooms is concept design with a theme reflecting the local area, incorporating the town's color "purple," "cedar" which supports the industry, "tea trees" which are used in hedges as part of the local culture, "bitter orange" which is the city's citrus fruit, and "moss," which is important to the town's landscape. This project utilized subsidies from the "Shopping Street Revitalization and Tourism Consumption Creation Project," and our company participated extensively in the project, from hardware to software, including creating cards and maps to encourage exploration of the area in collaboration with local shops, developing cooking experiences, and installing lanterns as streetlights starting from the inn. The inn has been successfully revitalized and is poised to become a central element in future town development.

The Kumamoto Earthquake in April 2016 caused damage to the castle tower. In response to people's longing for the castle tower to be restored to its original form, the city of Kumamoto made it a policy to restore the castle tower as soon as possible. The building was completed in March 2021 with the latest earthquake-resistant technology. In the 400 years since the castle was built, the wishes of the people who have repaired the castle each time there has been a repeated disaster have been carried over, and the message from the people of Kumamoto living in the present for the future of the next 100 to 400 years is contained. At displays, we organized themes in chronological order from the basement to the top floor, and created a space that is easy to understand and impressive through the use of models, videos, and wall concept design, as well as the spatial concept design corresponding to the themes. Focusing not on the castle as a whole but on the castle tower, it conveys the history of the castle at the time of its construction, its architectural design, its defensive functions, the development of the castle and the town, and the thoughts and history of the people who have repaired it every time they have suffered disasters. [Social Issues/Customer Issues/Requests] ・ To convey the historical, architectural and spiritual significance of the castle tower, which is a symbol of recovery from the Kumamoto Earthquake. It is also important to communicate that Kumamoto Castle, which has historically suffered from numerous natural disasters, has been revived again after the earthquake. ・ Focusing not on Kumamoto Castle as a whole, but on the castle tower of Kumamoto Castle, sharing roles with the contents of displays of the surrounding facilities, and working for cooperation and complementation. ・ Since there are many restrictions on the preservation environment in the castle tower, basically the actual materials should not be displays, but the historical displays of the castle tower of Kumamoto Castle after the Seinan War should be added. ・ From the perspective of Universal concept design, introduce interactive displays and multilingual audio guides so that a wide range of people can enjoy displays. We received the above request. Solution: With the main focus on the castle tower, we organized the story along a time axis, from the castle's construction to the present, and set themes for each era on each floor. On the first floor is the period of Kato Kiyomasa, who built the castle, and the Hosokawa period, who later became the lord of the domain, the modern period, which experienced a complete fire and reconstruction, and the present day, which is devoted to the Kumamoto earthquake and its restoration. The story is arranged so that you can follow the period from the lower floor to the upper floor.In order to convey the strong will of the people who have repaired the castle tower every time there has been a series of disasters since the Edo period, "I want to restore Kumamoto Castle and pass it on to future generations." the film focuses on the castle tower. In addition, to cater to a wide range of visitors, we planned and realized multilingual audio guides and tactile models of the castle tower. Customer Comments: displays is organized in a way that is easy for anyone to understand and attract interest, such as explanations using models and projection mapping, and multilingual audio guides using title signs and apps, and has been well received by visitors. < our company Project Members > [Development] Masanori Yokoyama [Sales and Project Management] Masanori Yokoyama, Haruka Amano, Anjin Sawada [design, layout] Mitsuyo Ashida, Yuichiro Tsutsumi, Rie Makigara, Nanako Wajun, Yoichi Honda, Naoya Fujiwara [Shaping] Nobuyuki Endo [Production and construction] Yu Ikeya, Yoshikazu Kimura

"Koniwa House" is a place where babies, families, and friends can spend relaxing time together. The interior, which feels like stepping into a picture book, is a space where you can feel like you've come to a friend's house, with a diaper changing area, a nursing area, and a kitchen/living room where you can feed your baby milk or baby food. "Komorira no Mori" is a play area where babies, kids, and families can all spend time as they please with peace of mind. It is divided into an area where babies and their families can relax in peace, and an area with exciting play features for children who have started to move around actively. In the center of the spacious area, there is also a base camp corner where parents with children of different ages can keep an eye on everything. [Social Issues/Customer Issues/Requests] The request was to create a space for parents and children that goes a step further than the success of Lalaport Hiratsuka, so that people with children in Numazu City and Shizuoka Prefecture can not only shop but also enjoy a relaxing day out. [Solution] We planned and concept design the space with the intention of creating a place where childcare can be shared regardless of gender or age, not just by mothers caring for their children. In addition to creating an extraordinary concept design that makes it fun for both adults and children to come here, we also paid attention to the safety and well-being of siblings while their parents are caring for the baby, especially for families with children of different ages. <Our Project Members> [Sales] Hidefumi Ikuta, Hiroshi Mitsui [Planning] Team M: Mari Matsumoto, Aya Nishimoto [Design] Kei Matsuzawa [construction] Yusuke Yamada

HERALBONY Inc. defines art created by artists with intellectual disabilities as "unique" and is a company that develops and expands it into various things, events, and places in society. In a collaboration with Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo, located on Namiki Street in Ginza, we provided spatial concept design and construction support for the guest rooms. [Social Issues/Client Issues/Requests] HERALBONY's fashion brand "HERALBONY" aims to dissolve the invisible boundaries between people and fields that are difficult to engage with in everyday life, such as "welfare" and "disability," and to expand its domain as a "lifestyle brand" in order to create a new lifestyle starting from welfare. This time, as the first step in a lifestyle brand decorating a space, we concept design and directed the collaboration room. Not only did we decorate the hotel room, but we also created an opportunity for art to blend into everyday lifestyles through this space. [Solution] We have created a space that allows guests to experience a rich time as if they have stepped into an ever-expanding world of art while spending time in their rooms. This space serves as a hub, connecting to the idea of art blending into the time spent at home, and is designed to encourage many conversations and discoveries as guests view the art that is integrated throughout the space. <Our Project Members> [Sales & Project Management] Chisato Kamidate [concept design] Akane Yamaguchi, Ryo Onishi, Minehito Yoshimura, Takashi Kato [Production & construction] Atsushi Hatano, Risa Yoshida, Satoshi Oda ~Related Links~ [Press Releases] ・ NOMURA Co.,Ltd. collaborates on spatial concept design for the exhibition "HERALBONY/A Unique Future" now on sale ・ NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ltd.'s social good activities: The case of HERALBONY ART ROOM at Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo Changing society through the resonance of art and spatial concept design [nomlog] ・Changing society through the resonance of art and spatial concept design- HYATT CENTRIC GINZA TOKYO HERALBONY ART ROOM

COLOPL, Inc. has been creating unprecedented "new experiences" under its mission of "Entertainment in Real Life"—making everyday life more enjoyable and wonderful through entertainment. In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we believed that creating an environment that facilitates communication, in addition to a safe working environment, was crucial to continuing to provide people with new experiences. Therefore, we created an office that aims to be a "cutting-edge infection control-focused office based on scientific evidence." We have created an environment where employees can increase their productivity and thrive by streamlining operations and fostering the creation of original ideas in line with the new era. Linoleum, an antiviral natural material and carbon-neutral material, is used for flooring and furniture, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society that takes SDGs and ESG into consideration. We have aimed to improve the motivation and productivity of creators with features that encourage communication, such as standing meeting spaces, a game corner equipped for use in research and development, and a bear library with a wide range of books. DE-SIGN Inc. was in charge of overall project management, SIGNAL Inc. was in charge of concept design, and our company was mainly in charge of interiors, furniture, and signage graphics construction. <Our Project Members> [Sales & Project Management] Kaori Murakami [Production & construction] Katsuya Banno, Nozomi Iwashita, Ikuho Oiwa

The Nokogiriyama area in Chiba Prefecture, known as a scenic tourist destination since the Edo period and selected as a candidate area for Japan Heritage, faces challenges such as a decrease in overnight and sightseeing tourism (increase in day trips by private car) due to the opening of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and Tateyama Expressway, and the revitalization of various tourist bases that were hit hard by Typhoons 15 and 19 in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of this challenging environment, five businesses, including Kiinokuniya Co., Ltd., created a plan to revitalize tourism in the Nokogiriyama area and submitted it to the Japan Tourism Agency's 2021 "Project to Promote the Revitalization and High Value-Added Development of Existing Tourist Bases," which was selected. As part of this project, two demonstration experiments were conducted. 1. Beach sauna event "Sea and Sauna" A demonstration experiment of a beach sauna event as a measure to effectively utilize the winter season, when tourist use is low, in order to revitalize the beach, which was once a tourist base. Our company was entrusted with the administrative work for the application to the Japan Tourism Agency, and promoted a series of initiatives from overall and individual planning to the promotion of the beach sauna event demonstration experiment (planning, concept design, setup, operation, promotion), effectiveness verification, and reporting. 2. A trip overflowing with my favorite things "Jobus!!" A demonstration operation event for a sightseeing bus (secondary transportation) that connects various tourist spots across city borders, which had been a long-considered issue. Our company was entrusted with the administrative work for the application to the Japan Tourism Agency, and promoted a series of initiatives from overall and individual planning to the preparation of the demonstration operation, effectiveness verification, and reporting. 1. Beach sauna event "Sea and Sauna" [Social issues / Customer issues / Requests] The diversification of the social leisure industry and the shift to day-trip private car tourism in the Nokogiriyama area have not only led to a decrease in beach leisure visitors who have been driving the region, but have also led to a decline in related tourism businesses and a decrease in visual and experiential vitality. Although the situation remains difficult due to damage from large typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic, it was assumed that the event would be one that could easily convey the charm of the Nokogiriyama area. Furthermore, it was desired that this experiment would explore the possibility of commercializing a new customer target group for Kinokuniya, namely "sauna users," and to cultivate knowledge for conducting beach sauna events more effectively and efficiently in the future. [Solution] This was an experiment for a sauna event that would energize both the region and the business, and it was conducted at the same level as the official launch. A multifaceted media plan including naming and artwork based on the brand strategy, press releases/SNS/influencer utilization and measures based on the response, introduction of web and electronic tickets, an operation manual including countermeasures against COVID-19, a food market and sauna that convey the charm of the region, environmental design using local artists, and a phased survey that anticipated reservation cancellations due to COVID-19 were all held as a single event project. 2. A trip overflowing with what I love "Jo Bus!!" [Social issues/Customer issues/Requests] With day trips by private car becoming mainstream, issues such as "shorter stay times," "limited destinations" and "non-car users moving away from tourism" have occurred, and we felt that the tourism economy was stagnating, but we lacked the resources to quantitatively grasp and analyze the situation. Furthermore, securing resources and establishing verification procedures proved difficult in demonstrating methods for promoting tourism in the Tokyo metropolitan area and exploring the possibilities and ideas of sightseeing routes. In response to these requests, the challenge for this project became how to solidify the foundation for transitioning the trial operation into full-scale operation, while simultaneously giving shape to the ideas envisioned by our clients. [Solution] Although it was a trial operation, it was conducted using procedures designed for full-scale operation. The trial operation was structured as a single event project, incorporating elements such as naming and artwork based on brand strategy, media planning and analysis of responses starting approximately one month prior to the 36-day operation period from January 4th to February 8th, 2022, the experimental introduction of web and electronic tickets and preparation of response manuals for crew members, the introduction of a digital stamp rally to promote sightseeing and understand behavioral patterns, and phased surveys anticipating reservation cancellations due to COVID-19. The results of each trial experiment, "Sea and Sauna" and "Jo Bus!!", were compiled by our company so that the reports themselves could serve as guidelines and be utilized in future discussions with relevant parties. <Our Project Members> 1. 1. Beach sauna event "Sea and Sauna" [Development] Akihiko Nishimura [Sales and Project Management] Kenji Nakano [design, layout] Hirofumi Inoue, Akane Yamaguchi [Production and construction] Noriyuki Takahashi [Research and Planning] Taketoshi Takahashi, Kahoko Koike, Kazuhiro Suzuki 2. A trip overflowing with my favorite things "Jobus!!" [Development and Project Management] Akihiko Nishimura [Sales] Kenji Nakano [Research and Planning] Taketoshi Takahashi, Kahoko Koike, Kazuhiro Suzuki ~Related Links~ [nomlog] - Turning local aspirations into reality Chiba Prefecture Kyonan Town Revitalization Project

This project involves the relocation and reconstruction of the Ishinomaki Cultural Center, a museum in Ishinomaki City that was damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Following the earthquake, Ishinomaki City planned a new complex of cultural facilities, including a theater and a museum, to serve as a new cultural hub within the city, and the development of the Ishinomaki City Museum, which will succeed the Ishinomaki Cultural Center, has been underway. The Ishinomaki City Museum's concept is "a museum that disseminates the rich history of Ishinomaki nurtured by the great river and the sea," and it consists of a history and culture displays room, a Mori Collection displays room, a Takahashi Eikichi works displays room, an exhibition room for pioneers associated with Ishinomaki, and a special displays room. The distinctive features of displays displays experience include displays that focus on "landscape" as a new way of being a history museum, displays that share "history = time" in collaboration with contemporary artist Yamagami Yukihiro, displays space concept design that resonates with the architectural design of the complex of cultural facilities, and hands-on displays that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the real thing, imagine the scene, and learn history, with various efforts made to draw out the interests and concerns of visitors from multiple angles. In addition, exhibitions will be held in the special displays room, which meets the requirements of a "publicly approved facility" that allows for the borrowing and public display of valuable materials.

Our company was responsible for the planning, design, layout, and construction of "Yao Daiichi Shokudo Isshoku," the employee cafeteria that opened on November 1, 2021, at Sharp Corporation's (hereinafter: Sharp) Yao Plant. In proposing the project, we focused not just on creating a stylish space, but on "a proposal that only Nomura could make," proposing a cafeteria that would serve as an internal branding space where people could discover "SHARP's essence" across organizational boundaries and generations, while also serving as an external branding space that could be experienced by visiting business partners and affiliated companies. We implemented three zoning areas: lunch, work, and salon, and designed the cafeteria not only as an employee cafeteria, but also as a place where people can relax, hold meetings with internal and external guests, and connect and communicate. A single red line (Sharp Red) runs through the cafeteria, representing Sharp's history to date and its future. For this project, we considered concept design that would preserve the characteristics of the Yao Plant, which has a history of approximately 65 years as a production base for white goods, while also ensuring hygiene. Furthermore, by utilizing the mezzanine floor, which was previously used for the production line of manufactured products, as displays space for SHARP's iconic historical products, we also implemented an SDG-oriented initiative that reduced waste and removal costs. [Social Issues/Customer Issues/Requests] We received a request to create a space that would revitalize internal connections, as communication between business divisions was weak. [Solution] We proposed a space that could be used not just as a place to eat, but also as a "place to work" and a "place to relax." We also proposed displays past products as a "place where communication among employees can be revitalized and where they can feel and discover SHARP's history." <Our Project Members> [Sales/Project Management] Yui Takahashi [design, layout] Shota Umetani, Ryo Yamato, Yusuke Nakamura, Ayaka Miura [Production Management] Yoshitsugu Mukoyama ~Related Links~ [Announcement] ・ NOMURA Co.,Ltd. 's Social Good Activities: Case Study of SHARP Yao Plant "Yao Daiichi Shokudo Isshoku"

"EXPRESS WORK" is a new workspace for JR Central's EX service ("Express Reservation" and "Smart EX") members*1. Located in the Marunouchi Central Building, it consists of two sections: the drop-in type "EXPRESS WORK-Lounge" and the small-scale rental office "EXPRESS WORK-Office". Our company was involved from the concept formulation stage and was in charge of project management, spatial concept design, and construction. "EXPRESS WORK-Lounge" and "EXPRESS WORK-Office" are located in an extremely convenient location directly connected to Tokyo Station, making them particularly convenient for business users who use the Shinkansen. The space is a socially responsible space that takes into account JR Central's efforts in global environmental conservation and regional revitalization. interiors features upcycled aluminum from the Tokaido Shinkansen 700 series trains (hereinafter referred to as recycled aluminum)*2, and wood from the Fuji Hinoki brand "FUJI HINOKI MADE" provided by Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, along the Tokaido Shinkansen line. The subtle scent of cypress creates a relaxing space for business users. *1 How to use "EXPRESS WORK-Lounge": In addition to being an EX service member, you must also register as an "EXPRESS WORK" member. *2 Upcycling: This refers to transforming waste that would otherwise be discarded into a new product by adding new value such as concept design and ideas. (Source: IDEAS FOR GOOD)

Founded in 1965 by Dr. Yutaka Nakamura, known as the father of sports for people with disabilities in Japan, Taiyo no Ie is a facility that supports the independence of people with disabilities through life, work and sports, with the philosophy of "No Charity, but a Chance". Looking back on the founder, Dr. Yutaka Nakamura, the history of welfare for people with disabilities in Japan and Taiyo no Ie, the legacy of the 1964 Tokyo Paralympic Games and the history of sports for people with disabilities, the establishment of the Taiyo Museum was planned as a place where people with physical, intellectual, mental and developmental disabilities who still find it difficult to live can have dreams and hopes. The concept of this museum is "learn," "experience," and "be moved," and visitors can view materials and archives, see tools that support the lives of people with disabilities, and experience sports for people with disabilities. The Taiyo Museum is also a place for local exchange and a base for continuing to disseminate information toward a society of coexistence in the future. We want people to discover their own potential and create a society where everyone can live as they are. We aim to expand the circle of activities toward the realization of a truly symbiotic society from Beppu to Japan and overseas.

Launched in 2019, "Marunouchi Street Park" is a social experiment project to examine the future direction and utilization of Marunouchi Nakadori Street. For the summer, with the spatial concept of "Let's connect, summer street," the project was developed in three blocks spanning approximately 300 meters, each with its own theme, while being mindful of the connections between culture, community, and people that are characteristic of Marunouchi. Block 1 in front of the Marunouchi Building was themed "Sports & Relax," and planned a wellness street where people can refresh themselves while exercising or relaxing, with a ping-pong counter where they can enjoy table tennis and a deck with balance balls. Block 2 was themed "Enjoy Eating Out," offering the enjoyment of dining in a parklet space surrounded by fairwood while listening to outdoor live painting by artists based on the concept of SDGs and a street piano. Block 3 was themed "PARKcation," and was well-received, featuring a workspace surrounded by grass that represents a grassy hill swaying in the wind, a cycle counter, and a summer beach resort scene using Okinawan coral sand. In terms of safety and hygiene, we also implemented measures to counter strong winds caused by typhoons and building winds, as well as special infection control measures such as spraying an antiviral coating agent throughout the venue. (Event period: August 2, 2021 - September 12, 2021) About our Fairwood initiative For the counters and other fixtures, we used Nishikawa timber, which is cedar and larch thinned in Hannō City, Saitama Prefecture. We designed the venue while making the most of the characteristics of the wood grain and color, such as the distinctive heartwood called "black heart" of cedar and structural plywood. After the event, some of the timber used will be reused, and once it has served its purpose, it will be returned to nature to continue the cycle of seedlings, afforestation, and forest management. <Our Project Members> [Project Director] Echiyo Suzuki [Sales Promotion] Shigeyuki Ishiyama, Hitomi Yamamoto [design, layout] Miwa Matsubara, Ayuko Kaisawa, Ryo Sudo, Toshiaki Sakuma [Planning] CIC: Yusuke Saito [operation, management] CIC: Kaoru Ando [Production] Yukio Marumori, Yuta Yamaguchi, Takuto Yoshida ~Related Links~ [Announcement] ・Marunouchi Street Park Illumination Tour hosted by NOMURA Co.,Ltd.! [Related Achievements] ・Marunouchi Street Park 2021 Winter

HIRODEN etto, a tourist and commercial facility operated by the Hiroshima Electric Railway Group, opened in April 2020 on land adjacent to the Miyajimaguchi Passenger Terminal, which began operations in February 2020 as part of the Miyajimaguchi Port Development Project promoted by Hiroshima Prefecture. Based on the concept of "DISCOVER MIYAJIMAGUCHI," it consists of 16 stores, mainly companies Head Office in Hiroshima Prefecture. It offers the enjoyment of both everyday (local) and extraordinary (tourism) experiences with a Hiroshima-like touch, and as a facility where visitors can experience "fun, delicious, and a new Hiroshima," it is disseminating the charm of Hiroshima to tourists and local residents alike through connections with them. [Social Issues/Customer Issues/Requests] As a measure to alleviate chronic congestion on National Route 2, which is also a route used by local residents, a plan for a new urban planning road has emerged. Accordingly, it has been decided to redevelop the aging passenger terminal through the expansion of reclaimed land, and to relocate the Hiroshima Electric Railway Group's directly managed tourist and souvenir facility and the Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station building/tracks. We received a request to create a medium- to long-term phased development scenario and propose a suitable proposal for the new facilities that the Hiroshima Electric Railway Group will construct adjacent to the passenger terminal, in a way that would serve as a prologue and epilogue to the Miyajima pilgrimage. [Solution] We believe it is important to build a development strategy from a regional branding perspective to give "Miyajimaguchi," which has always been merely a transit point to Miyajima, a sense of "place." This includes: - Naming and VI plan (*) to give a new identity to the colorless Miyajimaguchi - Leasing that resembles a journey to find investors for the future of Hiroshima/Miyajimaguchi - Lighting plan that evokes the surface of the Seto Inland Sea and the active use of wood that evokes Hatsukaichi, a town known for its timber, etc. We approached the creation of a place and space that would add flair to the "first phase of the Miyajimaguchi town opening" from both a soft and hard perspective. As a result, we are creating new employment opportunities by providing a new place of business, mainly for businesses within the prefecture, and contributing to the economic cycle within the prefecture. Furthermore, as a model case of regional revitalization through private sector participation in government-led redevelopment projects, it embodied the Hiroshima Electric Railway Group's management vision of "connecting people and opening up an attractive future for the region," fostering expectations for subsequent developments. (*VI: Abbreviation for Visual Identity. Refers to the design of the logo or symbol mark.) [Customer Feedback] Thanks to the tremendous cooperation we received from both the soft and hard aspects, from the conceptual planning stage to the concrete facility plan, we were able to create a facility that matched our concept. We hope that it will grow into a facility befitting the prologue and epilogue of a pilgrimage to Miyajima. <Our Project Members> [Sales/Project Management] Ichiro Morimoto [Consulting/Planning/Soft Direction] Mayumi Tenma [Leasing] Takaaki Hiraki, Eri Morita [design, layout] Kazumi Doi, Yukari Ozaki [Production/ construction] Katsunori Sugino [Pre-Interior Supervision/ furniture and fixture manufacturing] Toshimichi Suzuki [Branding] Yuri Watamoto [Opening Promotion/PR] Daisuke Karube, Hikaru Oura ~Related Links~ [Announcement] ・Announcement of winning the Silver Award and other awards at the 54th Japan Sign concept design Awards

This is a concept shop for "Okomebran," a rice bran specialty store brand created by Shinmei Group, one of Japan's largest and oldest rice wholesalers. Okomebran is a rice bran specialty store brand with the vision of "organizing everyday life," and this store aims to be a new type of urban store composed of three spaces: "FACTORY SHOP," "EAT IN CAFÉ," and "KITCHEN LAB." All of Okomebran's products are made with meticulous attention to detail, from the manufacturing process to the transportation process. In order to convey the appeal of these products to the fullest, we have devised a "FACTORY SHOP" that adds displays function to the conventional retail and cafe functions. It has displays function that clearly explains the manufacturing process, and a function that allows customers to pick up and learn about brown rice, rice hulls, white rice, rice bran, and scenery of the production area for each brand. In addition, we have attached a "KITCHEN LAB" that visualizes the kitchen and office, and will hold workshops, as well as concept design a space that will show the product development process that is not usually seen by the public. Our company has been involved since the opening of the first Okomeburan store (LUCUA Osaka) in February 2021. In addition to store design and construction, we have provided comprehensive support, including rebranding to set the brand name and vision, logo and packaging concept design, and supervision of product and cafe menu development.

This is a newly established tourist information center located within the public passageway of JR Kokura Station, the gateway to Kitakyushu City. With the aim of improving the satisfaction of tourists, including the increasing number of foreign visitors, and promoting sightseeing around the city, the existing information center, which was approximately 15 years old, was closed and relocated within the same station premises, and an expanded and newly constructed center was built. [Social Issues/Customer Issues/Requests] The requests included creating a user-friendly and comfortable space for travelers, equipping the center with hardware and software for a digital signage system with updatable content so that travelers can search for tourist information themselves, setting up the center with consideration for foreign visitors, such as installing foreign currency exchange machines, and ensuring that the center meets the highest standard "Category 3" *2 certified by JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) *1. [Solution] In addition to meeting the above requests, the plan and proposal aimed to create an information center that would be effective even in the post-COVID-19 era. Based on the concept of "the gateway to Kyushu where you can experience Japan," the design reflects the progressive nature of Kitakyushu City, a mecca for craftsmanship, while also incorporating traditional concept design of the castle town of Kokura. Carefully selected interiors materials ensure a safe and clean space. Functionally, concept design includes a contactless face-to-face system using monitors, a system that allows travelers to upload and share travel information via social media, and a setup where the entire exterior glass wall becomes a digital signage displaying the charms of Kitakyushu City at night. concept design is innovative and characteristic of Kitakyushu City, unified in clean white, and features a bright, open, and inviting atmosphere with its all-glass facade. While harmonizing with the modern station interior based on gray, concept design also asserts its role as an information center by incorporating concept design inspired by Kokura weaving and other lively elements. Located at JR Kokura Station, the gateway to Kitakyushu City, this symbolic concept design conveys the charms of Kitakyushu City to both domestic and international visitors, raising expectations for their journey. [Customer Feedback] concept design of the tourist information center reflected the space our city envisioned creating, including the services it would provide, resulting in a tourist information center befitting the "gateway to Kitakyushu City." Despite the many constraints of being located within a train station, their rich imagination and high technical skills allowed them to overcome numerous challenges. We expect this facility to be used even more by the many tourists visiting our city. *1. About the JNTO Certified Foreign Tourist Information Center Certification System: Based on the "Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Foreign Tourist Information Centers (established January 2012, revised April 2018)" set by the Japan Tourism Agency, JNTO has been operating a certification system for foreign tourist information centers since fiscal year 2012. This certification system divides information centers into three categories and partner facilities based on their location, function, etc., and certifies them accordingly. Certification is renewed every three years, and JNTO aims to improve the functionality and quality of JNTO-certified foreign tourist information centers nationwide by providing support services such as interpretation services and training sessions. *2. What is the highest standard "Category 3"? English support is available at all times. In addition, a system is in place to provide information in two or more languages other than English at all times. Nationwide level tourist information is provided. Generally open all year round. Wi-Fi is available. Located in a gateway or a location with many foreign visitors. <From the Japan National Tourism Organization website> <Our project members> [Development] Satoru Soeda [Sales and project management] Satoru Soeda [Planning, design, layout] Chieri Nishimura [Production and construction] Kazuya Hijikuro

Hotel Okura Kyoto Okazaki Bettei, the first Hotel Okura brand hotel in Japan in approximately 20 years, opened on January 20, 2022. Our spatial concept design team, "RENS," was in charge of the overall direction of the interior, as well as the interiors construction and FF&E (floor heating and ventilation) construction. Kyoto boasts many world-class traditional crafts, created by artisans using techniques passed down through generations. We created a hotel that connects these traditional crafts to the future and allows guests to feel their further potential. In collaboration with "GO ON," a project unit of six successors to Kyoto's traditional crafts, we have created a small luxury space filled with new craft items. Enjoy a stay where you can be soothed by the modern beauty of Kyoto in a hotel that evokes the feeling of a grown-up's hideaway and offers moments of tranquility.