SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

Sekai Hotel is a town design project conducted in 2017 by CEO Kouichi Yano of Ukujira, a renovation and design company, for the purpose of improving and promoting the Sekai area.

Sekai Hotel strives to address Japan’s biggest social problems: abandoned houses, population drain, and inter-generational conflict. It aims to revitalize lesser-known regions of Japan as a means of combating the over-tourism of the country’s more famous cities/regions.

Sekai Hotel is currently expanding into several of Japan’s smaller cities, such as Osaka’s Fuse district. Through the project, abandoned houses are remodeled into hotels. The ultimate goal is to create a “whole town hotel” that is sustainable by working with local businesses to rebuild the city’s landscape. Guests are given a SEKAI PASS, which can be used to gain in-depth experiences of local culture and the hotel. The pass also offers benefits for visitors at local businesses/stores.

The rooms at Sekai Hotel Fuse were designed to reflect aspects of the local culture as a sign of respect for the culture of the area. They were designed with locally procured materials and furniture as well.

The hotel staff communicate frequently with locals to create a welcoming atmosphere at the hotel and provide guests with high-quality experiences of local life. To ensure sustainable and consistent local revitalization, part of the tourism profits is invested in various experiences that allow local children to learn about other cultures.