#Japan #Gym #STREAM #Karuizawa

STREAM Opens in Karuizawa

The well-known personal gym chain, STREAM, operated by RIPPLE Inc. based in Machida, Tokyo, made its mark by opening a new location in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, on May 15, 2026. This marks the first venture for STREAM into the Shinshu region, where the company has enjoyed robust growth, boasting 25 direct-operated gyms primarily in the Kanto and Kansai regions.

The establishment of the Karuizawa gym is a strategic move that diverges from the brand's earlier focus on easy-to-access locations for beginners and those looking to lose weight. The new branch aims to serve an emerging demographic of business owners and families drawn by the area’s appealing lifestyle and proximity to Tokyo, which is only an hour away via shinkansen (bullet train).

Karuizawa: A Town in Transition

Over recent years, Karuizawa has transitioned from a seasonal resort to a year-round living community. Despite a declining population in Nagano Prefecture overall, Karuizawa's numbers have increased by around 800 people since 2019, reaching over 21,000 by 2025. Influenced by the rise of telecommuting and families seeking distinctive educational opportunities, this charming town is becoming a new hub for young entrepreneurs and families, making it the perfect backdrop for STREAM’s latest venture.

Building a Community of Growth

STREAM envisions its gyms as not just fitness centers but as nurturing hubs where individuals can grow and take on new challenges. The presence of a diverse group of entrepreneurs in Karuizawa means that members and staff can engage in fruitful exchanges, enhancing not just fitness experiences but also fostering business acumen among young trainers. In this way, STREAM hopes to cultivate an environment where new ideas and projects can flourish through collaboration and shared experiences.

The Role of SOUND of STREAM

In line with this vision, RIPPLE Inc. has ventured beyond being just a gym operator, launching its first internal venture, the culture cafe “SOUND of STREAM” in Sagamihara. This general approach reflects their commitment to go beyond traditional training methods and expectations.

At the helm of the new gym is Yuuto Ishikawa, a promising second-year staff member. Yuuto joined the company as a part-timer in September 2024 and rapidly rose through the ranks to become a gym manager. During his time in Tachikawa, he significantly increased new memberships, even during staffing challenges, exhibiting a strong commitment and capability for leadership.

The company’s CEO, Daiki Yoshikawa, sees Yuuto as more than just a manager; he is regarded as a pioneer for new business development. Yuuto's ability to build trust and rapport with members, especially business owners, will play a vital role in fostering relationships that benefit both parties.

Why Trusting Youth Matters

This unique positioning of entrusting such significant responsibilities to younger employees stems from STREAM’s corporate philosophy. Daiki Yoshikawa values transparency, openly sharing financial data with staff. He emphasizes that to foster growth, employees must feel valued and that their contributions matter.

Yoshikawa states, “When small businesses surpass 100 million yen in revenue, it is common for owners to divert funds away from business expansion. If we do not prioritize our employees, further growth is unattainable. Thus, we strive to create an engaging environment to ensure our staff's rapid development and impact.” This philosophy has undoubtedly paved the way for STREAM’s impressive growth — establishing 25 gyms in just five years.

CEO’s Vision for the Future

As Daiki Yoshikawa announces the opening of the new location in Karuizawa, he shares the roots of the company's philosophy: “Since our inception, we have embraced the idea of demonstrating human potential. Our mission is to provide not just a training venue, but a means to enrich daily life with healthy habits.” He sees Karuizawa as an exceptional location, a place where people can enjoy a rich lifestyle, fostering an environment of growth and change through fitness.

“Changing one’s body nurtures self-confidence, which in turn stimulates action and ultimately transforms lives. Our task is to instigate that change,” he emphasizes.

The new stream in Karuizawa aims to be a community-centered establishment that is loved by locals and visitors alike, and it is an exciting chapter for the STREAM brand.

Store Details

• - Location: 798-4 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Nagano 389-0111, Japan
• - Access: 5 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station
• - Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-22:00 / Saturday-Sunday 9:00-18:00
• - Closed: Irregular
• - Phone: 042-7947-944

About RIPPLE Inc.

• - Company Name: RIPPLE Inc.
• - Representative: Daiki Yoshikawa
• - Location: Machida, Tokyo
• - Business Activities: Operation of personal gym “STREAM,” food and beverage business, and more.
• - Official Website: https://personalgym-stream.com/