#Japan #Tokyo #Airbnb Japan #Daiwa House #Sumu

A New Era of Living and Travel: Airbnb Japan and Daiwa House's Strategic Partnership

In a pioneering step towards reshaping the landscape of hospitality and residential experiences, Airbnb Japan and Daiwa House Industry have signed a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at fostering diverse lifestyles and enhancing travel experiences. This collaboration marks the beginning of a joint endeavor with the launch of their first project: the (tentatively named) Taito-ku Koto Sanchome plan, a ten-story building featuring 17 unique accommodation units in Tokyo's Taito Ward.

Airbnb, headquartered in San Francisco, California, has solidified its position as one of the leading global platforms for booking accommodations, offering a wide array of travel experiences to users worldwide. Recognizing the changing dynamics of travel and accommodation needs, Airbnb Japan is committed to promoting a sustainable community that leverages unique local resources while fostering a mentality of living like a local during travels. Meanwhile, Daiwa House, based in Osaka, focuses on co-creating value in urban infrastructure and enhancing the cultural fabric of everyday life through its “People, City, Life Value Creation Group.” The collaboration aims to develop innovative infrastructure and services inspired by the strengths of both companies, encapsulating their shared vision of building sustainable and welcoming living spaces.

Responding to New Accommodation Needs

With the resurgence of inbound travel, there is a pressing need to cater to new accommodation demands, including long-term stays, group bookings, and localized experiences. The partnership between Airbnb Japan and Daiwa House will explore and develop lodging that not only meets these needs but also provides enriching experiences that reflect the character of the region. Their focus will be on creating a symbiotic relationship with local communities, thereby enhancing the overall value of stay experiences.

Infrastructure and Service for Evolving Lifestyles

The changing dynamics of modern living, including multigenerational living arrangements and the growing trend of workations, call for innovative residential spaces that accommodate flexible lifestyles. To this end, Airbnb Japan and Daiwa House are exploring new residential solutions and services that suit these evolving preferences. Collaborations with local authorities and businesses will be vital to ensure the development of environments that cater to these lifestyle changes while respecting the unique characteristics of different regions.

Engaging with Local Resources to Revitalize Communities

The partnership also seeks to delve into creative solutions for utilizing underused properties and cultural resources. By reimagining these assets, Airbnb Japan and Daiwa House aim to boost community engagement, attract visitors, and amplify the allure of local destinations. The integration of their networks and expertise will be fundamental in striving for sustainable regional development.

As part of their collaborative efforts, the first major project under this partnership has already commenced. Dubbed “Sumu powered by Airbnb Partners,” this initiative represents a new lodging brand conceived from Airbnb Japan’s “Airbnb Partners” business community concept. The brand aims to merge travel and lifestyle, proposing a novel way of staying that resonates with future trends integrating travel and living. The development envisions two additional properties in central Tokyo in the near future.

In pursuit of addressing societal challenges like community coexistence and lifestyle diversification, both Airbnb Japan and Daiwa House Industry are committed to continually fostering value creation through this partnership.

About the Brand “Sumu”

The “Sumu” brand is dedicated to redefining the concept of accommodation beyond mere physical comfort and facilities. It strives to embody rich experiences and connection to the local culture, thus acting as a conduit for the harmonious relationship between tourism and daily life.

Furthermore, the Airbnb Partners community, established by Airbnb Japan in 2018, now comprises 185 organizations committed to nurturing the home-sharing market and collaborating on initiatives that bring forth innovative ideas for the community.

Project Overview:

• - Project Name: (tentatively named) Taito-ku Koto Sanchome Plan
• - Location: 3-17-11 Koto, Taito Ward, Tokyo
• - Transportation: 3-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line Kuramae Station A5 exit, 5-minute walk from Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station A1 exit
• - Structure: Reinforced concrete, 10 stories, totaling 17 units
• - Construction Start: May 15, 2025
• - Estimated Completion: August 10, 2026
• - Projected Opening: Autumn 2026

This partnership and the developments it initiates are set to shape the future of living and travel, ensuring that experiences remain enriching while profoundly connected to local culture and community values.