#Japan #Tokyo #Branding Strategies #Local Revitalization #Shiretoko Resort

Strengthening Local Brands: Nature, Balance, and Profitability

On November 18, 2025, a pivotal seminar titled "Strategies for Differentiation and Value-Addition through Local Branding" will take place in Tokyo, co-hosted by Imajina Inc. and the North Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort. This event aims to share insights on how to harmonize natural preservation with business viability in regions challenged by declining populations and environmental concerns.

Understanding the Context

Japan is witnessing increasing bear sightings, prompting significant discussions about the implications for rural communities. The rise in wildlife encounters stems from a deeper issue: declining populations in rural areas, leading to an expanding gap between humanity and nature. Often, local revitalization endeavors are presented as opposing economic recovery and environmental conservation; however, they can coexist. Regions must find pathways to reconcile both to foster sustainable community development. Unfortunately, many local businesses struggle to implement practical strategies to do so.

Imajina Inc., a company specializing in branding and marketing strategies, has consistently championed local revitalization by enhancing brand value. This seminar aims to disseminate their expertise and help address widespread social challenges in rural areas through innovative branding.

Features and Highlights of the Seminar

1. A Model Turning "Impossible" into "Possible"

Located in the Utoro area of Shiretoko Peninsula, where the population hovers around 1,200 and accessible car travel to Sapporo takes approximately seven hours, North Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort has crafted a unique business model against all odds. Operating in an environment frequently inhabited by brown bears, this hotel has turned these challenges into a robust brand. Their result-driven approach yielded the following outcomes:

• - Low employee turnover and high job satisfaction rates
• - Positive acclaim from both domestic and international guests, fostering repeat visits
• - Creation of job opportunities through tourism, anchoring inhabitants in the area and transforming them into stewards of natural preservation
• - Enhancement of regional brand value, leading to a self-sustaining economic cycle

2. Insights from Real-World Practice

Daisuke Kuwajima, the hotel's representative, will share concrete strategies born from real-world trials rather than theoretical models. Attendees will learn about:

• - Human Resources Strategy: Transforming into a sought-after employer in regions plagued by recruitment and retention issues
• - Brand Strategy: Shifting constraints into unique differentiators
• - Organizational Development: Creating an environment where employees can take pride in their work
• - Economic Framework: Developing a practical model to make the region financially viable

3. Replicatable Strategies for Regional Enterprises

The strategies designed for the unique Shiretoko environment equip participants with universally applicable knowledge beneficial for various rural locales. Attendees will leave with actionable insights tailored to their businesses or communities.

Who Should Attend?

• - Business owners and executives operating in rural areas
• - Management professionals struggling with recruitment and retention challenges
• - Government officials focused on regional branding strategies
• - Individuals committed to reconciling environmental stewardship with economic pursuits
• - Advocates for meaningful Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• - Anyone interested in launching new businesses in their communities

Event Details

• - Event Name: Strategies for Differentiation and Value-Addition through Local Branding—Lessons from the World Heritage Site of Shiretoko on Coexistence and Local Revitalization
• - Date: November 18, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:45 PM)
• - Location: Congress Square Nihonbashi Hall C, 3rd Floor, Tokyo Building Nihonbashi, 1-3-13 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0027
• - Speakers: Daisuke Kuwajima (CEO, North Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort), Toshihiko Kuwajima (Executive Officer, North Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort), Yoshiki Sekino (CEO, Imajina Inc.)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Registration: Register here

About Imajina Inc.

Imajina Inc. specializes in creating branding and marketing strategies aimed at supporting local revitalization efforts. By implementing differentiation strategies rooted in foundational principles, the company offers practical solutions that turn local challenges into thriving business opportunities.

Company Name: Imajina Inc. (Japanese: 株式会社イマジナ)
CEO: Yoshiki Sekino
Headquarters: 3-5-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Established: June 2006
Capital: 50 million yen
Website: Imajina Website

About North Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort

Nestled in the Shiretoko Peninsula, a World Natural Heritage site, this resort hotel exemplifies a successful brand strategy centered on coexistence with nature, receiving accolades both locally and globally while contributing to job creation and environmental conservation.

Hotel Name: North Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
Location: 172 Utoro Higashi, Shari Town, Hokkaido, Japan
Representative: Daisuke Kuwajima
Website: Shiretoko Resort Website

Contact

For inquiries regarding this event, contact:

• - Imajina Inc.
• - Attention: Minami Aoe
• - Phone: 03-3511-5525
• - Fax: 03-3511-8228
• - Email: [email protected]