Pochiroji and Shiba Park Hotel: A New Era in Art Purchasing
In a groundbreaking move, BE FORWARD CO., LTD. has signed a partnership agreement with Shiba Park Hotel to facilitate the transportation of artworks and goods purchased by hotel guests. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage Pochiroji’s overseas transportation services, launching effective support for global art transport starting June 1, 2026.
Background and Motivation
Shiba Park Hotel has established itself as a unique destination, operating as a “stayable museum” where every corner—from the entrance to the restaurant and guest room corridors—displays captivating art throughout the year. As inbound demand surges and international interest in contemporary Japanese art increases, the diversity of the hotel’s guests has expanded to include individuals from various countries and regions. To enhance the experience, the hotel offers a system for guests to purchase works and merchandise from artists who have crafted pieces within the hotel, including those who have painted directly on room walls.
However, the challenge arises for international guests seeking to transport their art purchases home. Complexity in customs procedures, safe packaging, and securing insurance presents significant hurdles, often deterring guests from completing their purchases. The collaboration between BE FORWARD and Shiba Park Hotel is designed to streamline these cumbersome processes, creating a seamless experience for guests wishing to acquire art without encountering barriers.
Overview of the Service
The service offers a one-stop international shipping solution, allowing guests to directly ship their purchased artwork and goods to over 200 countries and regions. From purchase to packaging, customs documentation, insurance, and tracking, Pochiroji will manage it all in one go, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Additionally, the service includes consultations on suitable packaging methods tailored to the artwork and verification of shipping regulations for different countries, significantly reducing transportation risks. As a result, guests can leave the hotel without the stress of managing cumbersome logistics.
Key Features
- - Convenient Guest Services: Guests can complete shipment procedures simultaneously with their purchases at the hotel’s front desk or shop, eliminating the need for complex customs paperwork.
- - Expanded Sales Opportunities: By preventing guests from refraining from purchases due to the inability to carry items back, the partnership helps maximize sales opportunities for participating artists and the hotel.
- - Shipping Verification and Packaging Consultation Support: The service conducts pre-verification of shipping regulations tailored to each country and offers advice on optimal packaging methods based on the material and size of artworks, minimizing the risks associated with international shipping.
- - Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: To ensure customer peace of mind, optional shipping insurance is available for delicate and high-value items.
- - English Support: The service provides assistance in English, enabling inbound guests to utilize the service with ease and confidence.
- - Real-Time Tracking and Dedicated Support: Once shipped, guests can track their packages in real-time. For high-value items, dedicated personnel will oversee the delivery process to ensure reliable delivery.
Both companies are committed to deepening their collaboration to deliver a rich and seamless hotel and purchasing experience, allowing guests from around the globe to return home with Japan's artistic heritage without hassle.
About Shiba Park Hotel
- - Established: May 27, 1949
- - Capital: 220 million yen
- - CEO: Noriyoshi Tanaka
- - Employees: 199
- - Business Operations: Hotel and restaurant management
- - Website: Shiba Park Hotel
Company Information
- - Name: BE FORWARD CO.,LTD.
- - Founded: March 10, 2004
- - Capital: 50 million yen
- - CEO: Hirokatsu Yamakawa
- - Headquarters: 106-6137, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 37th Floor, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- - Employees: 298 (domestic)
- - Business Activities: Used vehicle sales and import/export, automotive parts sales and import/export, e-commerce, freight forwarding, and more
- - Revenue: 160.9 billion yen (as of December 2025)
- - Vehicle Sales: 190,000 units (as of December 2025)
- - Website: BE FORWARD Corporate
- - E-commerce: BE FORWARD