OKULAB and Koshimizu Town Form Strategic Partnership for Community Development

OKULAB and Koshimizu Town Collaborate for Community Revival

In a significant step towards community-building, OKULAB, a visionary company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, led by CEO Jun Kubota, has recently signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with the town of Koshimizu, located in the picturesque Hokkaido region. This collaboration aims to enhance the local lifestyle through innovative services, particularly in laundry solutions, and to address the challenges posed during disaster situations.

On May 28, 2023, a new public-private partnership project named “Watashino” was inaugurated in Koshimizu town, facing the beautiful Okhotsk Sea. The multi-functional disaster prevention center intends to foster community vibrancy and advance sustainable urban development. Leveraging their expertise, OKULAB is overseeing the café concept and supervising laundry services at “Baluko Laundry Place Koshimizu Town Watashino,” a partnership with non-profit organization Groundwork Koshimizu.

The Role of Baluko Laundry Place

Baluko Laundry Place at Watashino is not just a laundry; it represents a cornerstone for the community. Apart from daily laundry services, it has been actively engaged in various local initiatives, including participating in disaster training sessions held in January 2025 and supporting the first-anniversary event themed “Let’s Live in Watashino,” set for June 2024. The combined efforts of OKULAB and Koshimizu Town are set to deepen their collaboration, ensuring that local laundry challenges are identified and addressed, ultimately contributing to a more livable environment.

Content of the Partnership

The newly formalized partnership agreement focuses on three key areas: 1. Recognizing and addressing laundry-related issues across various age demographics in the town. 2. Ensuring effective laundry solutions during emergencies and fostering collaboration in disaster scenarios. 3. Enhancing the perception of Koshimizu as a place with excellent laundry environments, which can attract tourists and boost local recognition.

By implementing these strategies, the partnership aspires to enhance the livability of Koshimizu and invigorate the community, while also working to elevate the town's brand recognition and promote migration to the area.

Company Overview of OKULAB

Established in 2016, OKULAB is on a mission to innovate laundry culture, aiming to provide a rich lifestyle to everyone. Operating approximately 300 coin laundry stores, including Baluko Laundry Place and partner brands, the company is positioned at the forefront of a rising demand amidst Japan’s nearly universal washing machine penetration rate of 100%. With increasing needs for professional-grade laundry services, including for large bedding items and time-saving options, OKULAB is redoubling its efforts to meet society’s evolving demands.

Looking forward, OKULAB intends to continue exploring superior laundry approaches, ensuring the highest customer satisfaction and service excellence across the nation.

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