#Japan #wellness #Beppu #Toji Gurashi

Toji Gurashi Inc.: Transforming Traditional Healing into a Modern Lifestyle

Toji Gurashi Inc., headquartered in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, has embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine the centuries-old Japanese practice of ‘Toji’—a method of body and mind relaxation through hot springs. Under the leadership of CEO Shizuka Kanno, the company recently secured funding from the Hōwa Entrepreneurship and Business Succession Support Fund, a collaborative investment effort with Miraidoa Inc. and Hōwa Bank.

A Mission Rooted in Tradition

With a mission to elevate the cultural heritage of Toji to a global lifestyle, Toji Gurashi is tapping into Japan’s rich hot spring resources to create innovative wellness experiences. The company is committed to reinterpreting the cultural practice of relaxing in hot springs and sharing this with the world through various initiatives including Toji share houses, wellness retreats, and the Toji Checkup service, designed to visualize the health benefits of hot spring bathing.

This recent capital raise marks a significant endorsement of Toji Gurashi’s business model and its potential for growth. The funds will be directed towards several strategic initiatives aimed at further enhancing the company’s impact in this burgeoning industry.

Expansion of the Toji Checkup Program

The Toji Checkup service will broaden its offerings to scientifically measure and visualize the health benefits derived from hot springs and Toji stays. By accumulating personalized data, the program aims to lay the foundation for tailored wellness experiences that cater to individual health needs.

Creation of a New Wellness Industry

Utilizing collected data, Toji Gurashi plans to strengthen the development of new products and services related to hot springs that align with individual health profiles and wellness goals.

Strengthening Human Resources and Organizational Framework

In tandem with business growth, the company will enhance its workforce by recruiting specialized talent and fortifying its organizational infrastructure.

A Diverse Range of Business Ventures

Toji Gurashi’s diverse activities extend beyond mere hot spring retreats; they include:
1. Toji Share Houses: Innovative living spaces designed to incorporate the essence of Toji into everyday life, promoting communal living infused with wellness principles.
2. Toji Retreats: Set to debut in March 2025, ‘Nanokahitomeguri’ will offer a comprehensive wellness program combining hot springs, nutrition, and physical activities, providing holistic well-being for participants.
3. Toji Checkup Services: By measuring vital data before and after hot spring visits, professional consultations will help personalize the wellness experience of each guest, ensuring that the therapeutic benefits of hot springs are optimized.
4. Innovation Consulting: Based on data surrounding the effects of hot springs, consulting services will be tailored to create new industries around hot spring experiences or offer assistance to local governments and enterprises.

Through these initiatives, Toji Gurashi aims to elevate the perception of hot springs from mere relaxation to comprehensive health and quality-of-life improvements, establishing its relevance as a global wellness resource.

Investor Insights

Yuto Honda from Miraidoa Inc. shared his enthusiasm for investing in Toji Gurashi, indicating that the company could redefine the value of Japan's renowned hot springs and promote both personal well-being and regional revitalization efforts. He expressed confidence in Kanno’s vision for Toji Gurashi to set a new role model in local regeneration.

CEO’s Commitment

In her statement, Shizuka Kanno emphasized her dedication to reviving the fading tradition of Toji, pledging to harness her background in advertising and local revitalization to showcase hot springs’ true value.

As Toji Gurashi embarks on this exciting journey in 2026, designated as the ‘Bath Year’, Kanno aims to foster closer collaboration with local communities and partner organizations, unleashing a new lifestyle centered on Toji from Beppu to the rest of Japan and beyond.

About the Hōwa Entrepreneurship and Business Succession Support Fund

This fund, co-established by Hōwa Bank and Miraidoa, is the first local revitalization fund in Kyushu, geared toward supporting startup companies and those involved in business succession within the region, with the goal of invigorating the local economy.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Toji Gurashi Inc.
• - Location: 401-1 Tsurumi, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture
• - CEO: Shizuka Kanno
• - Established: April 26, 2023
• - Business Focus: Share house projects, retreat lodging, consulting, and various projects related to hot springs.
• - Website: Toji Gurashi

Toji Gurashi Inc. believes in harnessing the natural gifts of hot springs, crafting mechanisms to enrich the lives of local communities, visitors, and society at large, aiming to enhance wellness through innovative practices rooted in centuries-old traditions.