KASOK Starts Collaboration to Create Cultural Hub Through New Apartment Hotel Brand Sumu

KASOK Unveils Its First Sumu Apartment Hotel

In a significant move for the Tokyo hospitality sector, KASOK Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of its first apartment hotel brand, "Sumu powered by Airbnb Partners." This initiative begins at the yet-to-be-named project in Taito City, Tokyo, in collaboration with CCC and ADDReC.

A New Concept in Hospitality

The first Sumu hotel is set to break ground in May 2025, with the property showcasing a residential feel combined with cultural elements. KASOK, led by CEO Keisuke Arai, aims to redefine the way people experience accommodations by closely integrating local culture into the guests' stay.

As part of the partnership, CCC will provide an array of content, including books, electronics, and local art, to create a cultural dissemination hub within the hotel. The location in the Asakusa and Kameido area is rich in traditional Tokyo ambiance, making it a perfect setting for the Sumu concept.

Bridging Cultures and Travelers

The hotel's "Book Lounge" will feature a carefully curated selection of books that reflects the local culture, acting as a tourism guide for guests while fostering connections between travelers and the vibrant city. This innovative approach not only revolves around accommodation but aims to engage visitors deeply with the locality, establishing an invaluable cultural link.

Innovative Operational Structure

The collaboration with ADDReC and CCC is designed to leverage KASOK's extensive operational expertise gained from managing 47 hotels nationwide. ADDReC will focus on branding and spatial design while CCC curates the experience through its diverse content offerings. Together, these synergies will create a unique value proposition, far transcending traditional hospitality norms.

"Sumu", with its brand concept of "There are stories you can’t find through tourism alone," is set to push the boundaries of what an apartment hotel can be. This brand embodies the philosophy of decentralized travel promoted by Airbnb, where guests can "stay like you live," enriching their experiences by exploring various regions through a local lens.

A Commitment to Community

KASOK envisions its new hotel as more than just a place to stay—it aims to be a community hub that fosters safety, cultural exchange, and economic revitalization in the area. The goal is to create a social impact through an operation model that values public welfare and community interactions.

About Sumu powered by Airbnb Partners

Originating from Airbnb Japan's "Airbnb Partners" network, the Sumu brand seeks to redefine the travel experience by blending it with local living. It aims for not only spatial comfort but also enriching experiences that resonate with the area’s culture, establishing a vision for a future where tourism and everyday living harmoniously coexist.

The name “Sumu” symbolizes the intention for guests to stay like they would at their own homes, enhancing the notion of belonging. For more information, visit the Sumu website or check Airbnb Japan’s press release.