H.I.S. Expands its Portfolio with the Acquisition of Kokoro Kikaku
In a strategic move to bolster its product offerings, H.I.S., a leading travel agency based in Tokyo, has completed the acquisition of 70% of shares of Kokoro Kikaku, a travel goods planning and sales company located in Yokohama. The investment of 175 million yen was finalized on March 31, 2026, marking a significant step for H.I.S. in integrating travel goods into its core business strategies.
The integration of Kokoro Kikaku, renowned for its innovative travel product development, aligns closely with H.I.S.'s primary service of travel operations, which has traditionally focused on booking and service provision. As consumer preferences evolve, H.I.S. recognizes the necessity of maintaining connections with customers throughout their entire lifestyle — before, during, and after their journeys. The addition of Kokoro Kikaku to the H.I.S. family aims to create a new business model that emphasizes a holistic approach to travel, focusing not only on the travel experience itself but also on the preparation and everyday life associated with it.
One of Kokoro Kikaku's flagship products, the 'Tabine' travel goods brand, embodies the company's commitment to enhancing the quality of travel. The brand, established in March 2023, focuses on creating products that are lightweight, portable, and user-friendly, enabling travelers to move effortlessly. By leveraging the expertise of Kokoro Kikaku, H.I.S. plans to implement direct-to-consumer (DtoC) and private brand (PB) strategies, allowing for the creation of products that directly respond to customer needs, thereby enriching the travel experience from preparation to execution.
Innovations and Future Directions
Kokoro Kikaku's development will be spearheaded by its representative, Rei Ueno, who brings valuable medical insights to the company. This connection opens doors for health-focused travel products and everyday lightweight bags, greatly expanding their product range. H.I.S. intends to combine its extensive domestic and international customer base and networks with Kokoro Kikaku's rapid product development capabilities, paving the way for enhanced customer loyalty and consistent engagement within the travel sector.
Kokoro Kikaku's business model emphasizes a planning and development approach, distinguished by its commitment to high-quality product offerings under the brand concept