#Japan #Tokyo #HIS #Space Business #IR Business

HIS Establishes New Departments for Innovative Business Growth

In a significant strategic move, HIS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo) has announced the establishment of two new departments aimed at fostering regional economic revitalization and exploring innovative frontiers by April 1, 2026. The newly formed IR Co-Creation Department seeks to enhance integrated resorts for tourism promotion, while the Space Business Strengthening Department aims to leverage opportunities within the rapidly growing space industry.

1. Establishment of the IR Co-Creation Department

With the opening of the integrated resort (IR) in Osaka's Yumeshima area scheduled for autumn 2030, a dedicated organization has been created to focus on enhancing tourism and contributing to local economies.

Objectives and Background

The Japanese government is currently pushing for the development of IRs, which are crucial for enhancing the nation's global competitiveness. HIS aims to transcend traditional travel agency roles to function as a hub connecting Japan and the world, contributing deeply to the revitalization of the Japanese economy and the sustainable development of local communities.

Key Activities

This department will operate under the board of directors, promoting several core activities:

• - Contributing to Japan’s Gateway Function: Leveraging experience from the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025 and an extensive international network, HIS intends to support systems that send visitors from around the globe to various locations in Japan, thereby establishing a sustainable tourism model.

• - Supporting MICE Business Development: The department will assist in establishing a robust MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) business that fosters international exchanges and bolsters urban competitiveness.

• - Developing Co-Creation Models across Diverse Business Areas: Collaborative efforts with partner companies and local governments in sectors like food, shopping, entertainment, wellness, mobility, and sports will be strengthened.

• - Achieving a Safe and Secure Society: By researching international best practices and the latest technologies, the department will propose sustainable management strategies addressing issues such as gambling addiction and community coexistence.

• - Future Outlook and Business Expansion: HIS is contemplating forming subsidiaries or joint ventures focused on synergistic areas and will actively pursue investments and M&A opportunities.

• - Maximizing Economic Circulation: The aim is to realize regional co-creation by utilizing local products and collaborating with local governments, ensuring positive economic impacts from IRs across Japan.

• - Synergies with Travel Business: The department will seek cross-collaboration within HIS’s global, domestic, and inbound travel services.

2. Establishment of the Space Business Strengthening Department

Another innovative step has been taken with the creation of a department dedicated to generating business opportunities within the growth market of outer space.

Objectives and Background

The space industry has witnessed unprecedented advancements in technology, establishing it as a promising growth market. HIS aims to generate value beyond transient business models, focusing on creating ventures that provide genuine value for future generations. This new department will redefine network and knowledge gained through existing travel services and engage with external partners worldwide.

Key Activities

This organization will swiftly advance projects from conception to implementation:

• - Identifying Entry Areas and Constructing Business Models: It will examine various facets of space business, such as space tourism, effective use of outer space, and terrestrial space experiences, identifying areas where HIS can leverage its strengths to construct sustainable business models and develop long-term growth roadmaps.

• - Enhancing Global Ecosystems and Partnerships: The department will intensify cooperation with domestic and international space startups, partners with advanced technologies, local governments aiming for regional revitalization through the space industry, and academic institutions, managing co-creation projects to expedite commercial endeavors.

• - Updating Existing Business Perspectives Through Space Insights: Knowledge and networks acquired through space exploration will be integrated into existing businesses, enhancing service values and driving brand transformation across HIS Group.

Future Vision

• - Forming New Companies and Strategic Investments: To enhance business independence and decision-making speed, the department will facilitate the establishment of new companies or joint ventures, actively engaging in investments and M&A with relevant fields.

• - Hybrid Organizational Management: To accelerate business, HIS will foster personnel exchanges beyond organizational barriers, ensuring the development of specialized talents alongside adaptable operations.

• - Synergies with Travel Business: Coordinating with HIS’s travel sectors, including international, domestic, and inbound tourism.

Through the establishment of these two departments, HIS is committed to further deepening its collaborations with partners across various industries and global research organizations, continuing to challenge itself to provide new value contributing to community and economic development in Japan. The company aims to move beyond mere travel services to create the standards of the future, united as a group to generate next-generation experiences.