KATARITSUGI's Award-Winning Website Highlights Cultural Heritage in Real Estate

KATARITSUGI Project Shines at the Japan BtoB Advertising Awards

In a remarkable recognition of cultural preservation, the KATARITSUGI special website, spotlighting the relocation and regeneration of traditional Japanese farmhouses, has earned a bronze award at the 47th Japan BtoB Advertising Awards. This annual contest, organized by the Japan BtoB Advertising Association since 1980, applauds outstanding contributions across various categories in the advertising sector, including print and digital formats.

The KATARITSUGI initiative, led by Odakyu Real Estate Co., Ltd., centers around the philosophy of preserving and reviving the stories associated with Japan's venerable architectural heritage. The award-winning website excels in articulating the project’s vision: "To pass down the good old lifestyle of Japan." The platform thoughtfully illustrates the rich history, regional culture, and the heartfelt narratives surrounding these historic buildings, making them accessible to a contemporary audience.

One exceptional feature of the project is its emphasis on sustainability by utilizing reclaimed timber from traditional farmhouses, particularly noting a remarkable structure from Niigata Prefecture, which has withstood the test of time for approximately 160 years. This ancient timber is now being reincorporated into new builds along the Odakyu railway line, thus intertwining past and present in a narrative that showcases the connections between locality, materiality, and time.

Awards and Recognition

KATARITSUGI's successful entry in the
Website Category for Product and Event PR
was not solely attributed to the outstanding aesthetics of the site, but also to the meaningful content it conveys.

The collaborative effort of Odakyu along with partners such as Paradox Co., Ltd., and Innocent Co., Ltd., shines through this accolade. The project stands out as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how modern real estate practices can engage with and honor Japan’s architectural traditions.

The Japan BtoB Advertising Awards assess submissions through various criteria including creativity, effectiveness, and overall impact. For 2026, a total of 523 entries competed for the prestigious awards across multiple categories.

KATARITSUGI: Beyond Awards

The KATARITSUGI project is not just about recognition; it embodies an ethos of ethical consumption and sustainability in home selection. By repurposing reclaimed wood, it also contributes to reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, thus advocating for a circular economy.

As part of the initiative, a model house has been established in Kanagawa's Kaisei Town, serving as both a showcase and a tangible example of how reclaimed wood can breathe new life into contemporary housing. The model house, located within a 12-minute walk of the Odakyu Odawara Line's Kaisei station, features a blend of modern design and traditional craftsmanship. With its airy spaces and captivating loft that allows visitors to connect with the history embedded in the wood, it invites people to experience what sustainable living means today.

The project’s overarching vision aligns with Odakyu Group’s sustainability goals, pivoting towards creating value for local regions while addressing environmental and social responsibilities. This perseverance in sustaining the heritage intertwined in the fabric of Japanese culture envisions a future that respects and honors the past.

Future Initiatives

With a commitment to continual improvement, the KATARITSUGI project aims to forge stronger relationships between people and their homes, encouraging future generations to carry forth the legacies embedded in traditional buildings. Upcoming programs and information sessions are being planned to further educate the public on the importance of cultural heritage in real estate and sustainable practices.

The KATARITSUGI website stands as a testament to Odakyu Real Estate’s innovative approach to integrating heritage with modern living, proving that the stories of our past can indeed shape the homes of our future.

For more details on the KATARITSUGI project, visit the special website: KATARITSUGI Special Website.