#Japan #Miyazaki #Onko Chishin #Nishi-nan

Onko Chishin's 2026 Recruitment Ceremony in Nishi-nan City

On April 1, 2026, Onko Chishin, a company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, specializing in destination hotel production, held its annual recruitment ceremony at Hotel Season Nishi-nan in Miyazaki Prefecture. The event celebrated the addition of 25 new employees, including five from abroad, reinforcing the company's commitment to enhancing its local identity through its motto, 'Little Messengers of Regional Light'.

Embracing Regional Values

Onko Chishin's philosophy revolves around discovering and showcasing the inherent value embedded in local crafts, traditions, and community practices—elements that they refer to as 'Regional Light'. This philosophy is not just theoretical; it was brought to life during the recruitment ceremony, where new employees engaged in an experiential training program to understand and appreciate the cultural and historical significance of Nishi-nan City.

Nishi-nan City is notable for its warm climate, stunning coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, and rich natural landscapes. Known historically as a castle town, it has earned the nickname 'Little Kyoto of Kyushu', being part of Kyushu's first designated Important Preservation Districts for Historic Buildings. The picturesque coastline along Hinata-Nada, bustling with breweries and soy sauce factories, represents a fertile ground for exploring regional food cultures and craftsmanship, making it an ideal setting for the onboarding experience.

Recruitment Ceremony Insights

The training took place the day before the official ceremony, focusing on exploring 'Regional Light' through various field trips. New employees were divided into groups and visited several sites within the city, including a guided tour of the historic Obi Castle town, famous tourist spots such as Sun Messe Nishi-nan and Udo Shrine, and facility tours of local industries.

The purpose was not merely to absorb cultural knowledge but to connect with the essence of the region through interactive experiences, allowing employees to recognize how to bring 'Regional Light' into the hospitality experience. This hands-on approach enabled the newcomers to discover unique aspects of the region, understand their significance, and brainstorm ways to incorporate them into a structured hospitality offering.

On the day of the ceremony, groups presented their findings, sharing insights on how they could enhance and deliver these local treasures through their future roles at Onko Chishin.

New Employee Experiences

Comments from the new employees after their training offered an insightful glimpse into their perspectives:

• - _“While exploring Nishi-nan City, I realized that the essence of our predecessors' wisdom and faith embodies the true 'Regional Light'. I believe it resides in the everyday endeavors of the local people.”_
• - _“Nishi-nan is rich in specialty products and represents Japan’s traditional techniques. The warmth and pride of the local people enhance these unique offerings, creating a valuable 'Regional Light'. I aspire to develop experiences where visitors can enjoy Sake tasting and engage in creative meals through activities like sketching.”_

The training process emphasizes individual perspectives on interpreting the region, fostering a mindset focused on how to polish and present these local values effectively. As a critical part of their development, Onko Chishin aims to cultivate professionals capable of identifying and expressing the essence of each locale they serve, shaping future hospitality experiences.

Future Endeavors at Onko Chishin

Looking ahead, Onko Chishin will incorporate the unique insights gained from this training into its services, ensuring that new employees adapt and highlight the allure of their respective locations. The training aligns with Onko Chishin’s mission of contributing to sustainable regional development through innovative hospitality experiences, transcending the traditional hotel paradigm.

About Onko Chishin

Founded on February 1, 2011, Onko Chishin aims to redefine the concept of accommodation by creating 'places of destination' that elevate unique regional attributes through stay, food, and culture. The company boasts multiple Michelin-rated properties and has received numerous accolades, confirming its status as an innovator in the tourism market.

For more information about Onko Chishin, visit their official website: Onko Chishin.

Company Overview

• - Name: Onko Chishin Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Tomoki Matsuyama
• - Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo, 5-15-14, INBOUND LEAGUE 502
• - Established: February 1, 2011
• - Capital: 325 million JPY (as of January 2026)
• - Business: Hotel and Ryokan Management and Production
• - Twitter: @okcs_official
• - Instagram: okcs.official