#Japan #Tokyo #Comfort Hotels #JUON NETWORK #Choice Guest Club

Families Engage in Sustainable Development Goals Learning at Comfort Hotels

On November 2, 2025, Comfort Hotels Japan, under the leadership of President Takahiko Itoh, is set to host the fifth edition of its engaging program aimed at promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through hands-on experiences in nature. This initiative, held in the lush surroundings of Oku-Tama, Tokyo, focuses on forest conservation and is designed exclusively for members of the Comfort Hotels’ official website member program, the Choice Guest Club.

In collaboration with the certified NPO JUON NETWORK, which was founded in 1998 to foster a sustainable society through various educational and experiential programs, the event attracted 17 participants from five families. Participants engaged in activities that underscored the importance of forest conservation, such as bamboo thinning and craft-making using bamboo.

Program Overview

• - Event Name: Mori no Gakkou (Forest School)
• - Location: Okutama Umisawa Interaction Farm, 497-21 Umisawa, Okutama-machi, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo
• - Date and Time: November 2, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM
• - Participants: 17 members from the Choice Guest Club
• - Collaborating Organization: JUON NETWORK

The Choice Guest Club, founded in 2016 under the motto "Empowering People Through Travel," now boasts a membership of approximately 1.14 million. This program rewards members with benefits such as lodging discounts and long stays, while also donating 0.5% of all accommodation fees to three organizations addressing social issues. Furthermore, it offers experiential activities aimed at engaging families and teaching children about participation in philanthropic efforts.

Celebrating the Importance of Forest Conservation

On the day of the event, participants, including several young children, took part in bamboo thinning, craft-making activities that involved creating chopsticks and cups from bamboo, as well as a pizza-making experience. Participants were delighted to learn from local experts about the significance of bamboo thinning and its ecology through hands-on participation and interactions with the community.

Bamboo Thinning

Japan's rural areas are experiencing a decline in population, leading to neglected forests that deteriorate over time. Bamboo thinning is crucial for maintaining the health of forests, as it involves cutting down less healthy or overgrown bamboo to promote sustainable growth. Under the guidance of local affiliates, both adults and children engaged in identifying and cutting down bamboo, vividly experiencing the importance of forest conservation efforts.

Bamboo Craft Experience

Participants utilized the bamboo they had harvested to craft their own cups and chopsticks, learning about the ecological benefits of bamboo as a rapidly renewable resource. This craft highlighted the connection between sustainable practices and environmental protection, creating a deeper understanding of their roles in achieving a sustainable future.

Pizza Making Experience

Together, families enjoyed making pizzas in a traditional brick oven. Each family member participated in the fun, from rolling out dough to selecting toppings. The experience not only enriched their culinary skills but also symbolized their journey toward community and environmental engagement.

Participant Feedback

Many participants expressed gratitude for the unique experiences they undertook, such as bamboo cutting and pizza baking, which they felt were rare opportunities. One participant noted, "This was a wonderful experience that I wouldn't normally get to have!"

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Comfort Hotels Japan remains committed to advancing social contribution activities through its Choice Guest Club while continuing to provide quality lodging services. The organization aims to engage more people in meaningful community-based experiences that contribute to solving social issues. By continuing to support three partnering organizations, Comfort Hotels hopes to create ongoing opportunities for guests to see their contributions in action.

Company Overview

• - Headquarters: 1-6-3 Yoshino Daiichi Building, Bakurocho, Chuo City, Tokyo, 103-0002
• - CEO: Takahiko Itoh
• - Founded: September 2000
• - Capital: 20 million JPY
• - Website: Choice Hotels Japan

As the master partner for Choice Hotels International in Japan, which operates over 7,500 hotels in more than 46 countries, Comfort Hotels continues to play a significant role in the hospitality sector, providing reliable lodging while enhancing societal well-being through responsible travel.