#Hokkaido #Rebun Saryou #Re-Bear Project

A Modern Twist on Traditional Craft at Rebun Saryou Hotel

Located on the picturesque Rebun Island, the Rebun Saryou Hotel has collaborated with Kazu’s to breathe contemporary life into Hokkaido's cherished traditional bear carvings. These revered wooden masterpieces have been reimagined, transforming them into captivating art pieces that fuse traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. This transformation not only enhances their visual appeal but also revives their cultural significance.

The three bear sculptures adorned with Saryou's signature color, green, embody the harmonious coexistence of traditional and contemporary art, ultimately creating a new narrative and value. Starting October 28, 2025, these artistic re-creations will be available for sale through the official online shop of Onko Chishin, the management company behind the hotel.

Reviving the Essence of Bear Carvings

The origin of the iconic bear carvings dates back to the Taisho era in the town of Yakumo, Hokkaido, where they have been cherished as symbols of local culture for generations. Kazu’s initiative, known as the Re-Bear Project, aims to reintroduce these beautiful carvings into contemporary living spaces. By applying fresh paint and redesigning these pieces, Kazu’s seeks to create new artistic values, breathing life into forgotten pieces stored in warehouses. Rebun Saryou Hotel echoes this philosophy, choosing to elevate its long-stored bear carvings from mere souvenirs to vibrant contemporary art pieces.

Understanding the delicate balance of preserving the unique features of the bear carvings, the hotel utilized its concept color, green, to maintain the original strength of the wood's form, the intricate carving details, and the surface texture.

Through this creative endeavor, the wooden bear is not merely a tourist attraction but is acknowledged as an enduring artistic legacy that transcends time. This upcycling project connects the past with contemporary artistry, weaving new tales into the fabric of Hokkaido’s rich culture.

Product Overview

• - Product Name: Limited Collaboration Bear from Re-Bear Project
• - Size: Varies by sculpture (approximately 12cm to 18cm tall)
• - Price: Starting from 35,000 JPY (tax included)
• - Release Date: October 28, 2025
• - Units Available: Three pieces

For further details and the starting point for purchasing, please visit the product page on the official website.

Insightful Comments from the Leaders

Daiki Nishimura, General Manager of Rebun Saryou:
The bear carvings, which have quietly remained within our hotel, have been revived with new energy through the efforts of Kazu’s. It is a joy to see them transition from traditional icons of Hokkaido culture to modern art that once again enriches people's lives and travels. We intend to continue this initiative, embodying the philosophy of Onko Chishin while preserving local culture.

Masatoku Ito, CEO of Kazu’s:
As someone from Hokkaido, I have a deep personal connection to these bear carvings. Initially rooted in local beliefs and lifestyle, their commercialization and mass production over time have overshadowed their intrinsic values. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to shine a light on these bear sculptures once more, with the hotel’s conceptual color bringing them to life. I hope many people will enjoy this unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Exploring the Artistic Journey Behind the Bears

In-depth interviews with Masatoku Ito from Kazu’s and Daiki Nishimura from Rebun Saryou provide insights into the creative process and the inspirations behind the Re-Bear Project. They discuss the importance of traditional craftsmanship and the role of these artworks in revitalizing local culture, which can be found on the corporate website of Onko Chishin. Check the details to delve deeper into their artistic dialogue.

About Kazu’s

Kazu’s is driven by the concept of Deconstruction Furniture, focusing on the revival of objects and spatial designs. Their projects include the Re-Bear Project, where they transform bear carvings through art, and other initiatives where upcycled materials breathe new life into furnishings. Their mission intertwines stories from the past with future living.

• - Company Name: Kazu’s
• - Headquarters: 2137 Shimomino, Fukuoka-cho, Takaoka-shi, Toyama Prefecture
• - CEO: Masatoku Ito
• - Established: November 2017
• - Website: Kazu's Website
• - Instagram: Kazu's Instagram

Discover Rebun Saryou Hotel

Rebun Saryou is a seasonal hotel that operates from April to October, facing the sea. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Japan Sea and the majestic Rishiri Fuji on clear days from the sea-view rooms and the dining area on the second floor. Visitors can immerse themselves in the historical richness and unique landscapes of Rebun Island, while savoring the untouched beauty of its nature.

• - Hotel Name: Rebun Saryou Hotel
• - Location: 277 Tonai, Rebun-cho, Rebun District, Hokkaido
• - Number of Rooms: 100 (64 Western-style, 32 Japanese-style, 4 Japanese-Western)
• - Operating Period: April to October (Closed during winter)
• - Facilities: Large communal bath (Rebun Onsen), restaurant, banquet halls, laundry area, and gift shop
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Official Website: Rebun Saryou Official Website
• - Instagram: Rebun Saryou Instagram

About Onko Chishin Company

Onko Chishin is an innovative company specializing in operating and producing hotels and inns. They are known for their unique facilties including Michelin-rated small luxury hotels, historic inns, stadium-integrated hotels, champagne hotels, and restaurant-art museum hybrids. Operating on a premise of being