#Japan #Itoya #Asahikawa #Kandi House #Hokkaido Wood

Collaboration Begins: Itoya and Kandi House Join Forces

Itoya, a prominent furniture manufacturer based in Chuo, Tokyo, led by CEO Hiroshi Minato, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Kandi House from Asahikawa, Hokkaido, under the leadership of President Tetsuyoshi Someya. This collaboration focuses on the joint development of furniture utilizing locally sourced materials from Hokkaido, aiming to rethink office spaces from a sustainability perspective.

Background of the Collaboration: Redefining Office Spaces in the Return-to-Work Era

As the workplace evolves, it is becoming more crucial for companies to maximize human capital. Itoya is not just delivering furniture but is also concentrating on providing high-value office spaces through spatial design and workplace consulting. The recent trend of returning to physical workspaces has heightened the demand for environments that boost employees' sense of belonging and facilitate better communication.

With the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management and local resource revitalization, there is increasing interest in developing office spaces that utilize regional materials. This partnership between Itoya and Kandi House aims to harness Itoya's expertise in space design and ergonomically-based product development, combined with Kandi House's superior craftsmanship utilizing Hokkaido wood, to create an entirely new value proposition in workspace design.

Hokkaido’s hardwood, known for its exquisite grain and warm texture, not only enhances comfort but also fosters a sense of pride and security among employees, which contributes to improved corporate branding and employee well-being.

One of the first collaborative projects is the renovation of Arai Construction Company's office located in Asahikawa, set for completion in April 2025. Itoya will handle the overall spatial design, including layout and furniture planning, while Kandi House will contribute its locally sourced hardwood furniture to elevate the quality of the workspace. The new setup includes various functional spaces such as meeting booths, high tables, and areas designed for relaxation and informal gatherings—receiving high commendation from Arai Construction for enhancing its corporate value.

Towards Product Development: Aiming for 2026 Launch

In light of the recent wood price surge and the implementation of the forestry environment tax in FY2024, there is an urgent focus on the utilization of local and domestically sourced materials. This endeavor is part of a broader movement towards sustainable product development, leveraging leftover materials from Kandi House's manufacturing process in Hokkaido to create innovative products.

In July 2025, design and development teams from Itoya will visit Kandi House’s facilities in Asahikawa to gain insights into the woodworking process, including demonstrations of how by-products are managed. This visit is a significant step toward product development, marking a pivotal moment for both companies.

With plans to incorporate leftover and underutilized materials into new products, the teams aim to launch a table/desk by 2026.

Future Outlook

Focusing on new construction and renovation projects in Hokkaido offices, Itoya and Kandi House will enhance their collaborative proposals incorporating Kandi House furniture in key areas such as lobbies and waiting spaces, serving as the face of the companies themselves. Presentations will be enriched with 3D visualizations using actual furniture and design plans from both Itoya’s Sapporo showroom and Kandi House’s showrooms. This experiential approach is geared toward increasing project engagement rates, with Itoya targeting four to five project acquisitions annually through this partnership, while Kandi House plans to elevate their corporate accounts ratio by 5 percentage points by 2026, boosting overall revenue by 10%.

Furthermore, they aim to foster collaborative product development for new office items on a national scale, striving to expand their market reach and project opportunities further.

Executive Comments

Hiroshi Minato, CEO of Itoya: "Through our collaboration with Kandi House, known for its dedication to quality materials and excellent design, we can propose higher quality office environments. We are committed to creating sustainable spaces that improve the working conditions and satisfaction of employees."

Tetsuyoshi Someya, CEO of Kandi House: "By utilizing quality Hokkaido materials and focusing on harmonious production, we have been committed to providing wooden furniture for comfortable office spaces. Our partnership with Itoya, known for its high design capabilities, will help us contribute to the creation of higher-value office environments."

Itoya and Asahikawa: An Ongoing Relationship

Asahikawa is renowned as one of the leading furniture-producing regions in Japan, renowned for the ‘Asahikawa furniture’ brand. Itoya has been deeply involved in supporting local businesses and developing spaces in Hokkaido with its bases in Sapporo and Tokachi. Collaborating with multiple manufacturers, Itoya has been consistently building connections.

Recently, Itoya entered a licensing agreement with a local wood processing company, leading to the creation of the 'giraffenap' nap box, a product aimed at enhancing workplace well-being. Though this specific product is not part of the current collaborative development, it exemplifies the synergy between regional production and office design.

As this collaboration proceeds, Itoya and Kandi House are excited to explore the potential of local resources, creating sustainable value that extends nationwide.