[KRaft Co., Ltd.] Authentic craft tourism from Tsubame-Sanjo to the world. Reservations for “KRaft Tour” that conveys the value of manufacturing, such as “a one-of-a-kind knife making tour in the world,” will start from December 1, 2024!
KRaft Co., Ltd. Press release: November 20, 2024 Authentic craft tourism from Tsubame-Sanjo to the world. Reservations for “KRaft Tour” that conveys the value of manufacturing, such as “a one-of-a-kind knife making tour in the world,” will start from December 1, 2024! An unveiling for local stakeholders and a preview for the media will be held on Friday, November 29th. KRaft Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, President and CEO: Hirohisa Yokoyama), which plans and operates local guided tours in the Tsubame-Sanjo area of Niigata Prefecture, has a huge vacant warehouse that was built 85 years ago and is over 900 square meters in size. We will start offering the craft tourism “KRaft Tour” that provides a base-based manufacturing experience from Sunday, December 1, 2024. In conjunction with the opening of the gallery that has been opened in the warehouse to convey the inheritance of local industry, we will hold a preview for the media on Friday, November 29th. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-2cacff585dfded83a04fe4fc636c96c5-1567×1045.png The Tsubame-Sanjo area in Niigata Prefecture is famous as one of Japan’s leading manufacturing towns. We have received high praise overseas for the high quality of our cutlery, work tools, Western tableware, etc. On the other hand, the number of factories is decreasing due to a lack of successors, and the city is facing a situation where it is at risk of losing its identity. In order to pass on the technology and history of Tsubame-Sanjo, which Japan is proud of, to the future, KRaft Co., Ltd. is based on the concept of “Craft Your Trip – a one-of-a-kind journey that is not listed in the guidebook” and invests in manufacturing experiences and local resources. We will start offering the combined craft tourism “KRaft Tour”.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-e0ecb2e0c495682648d8cf60b6188d4d-1567×1045.jpg Former Sanjo Bussan Dozo is the base of the tour.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-05857d755da1c744f246925d1a85b0b4-1567×1045.jpg It has a special structure with three storehouses inside the wooden outer wall. On this tour, we will be based in the former Sanjo Bussan Storehouse, which is over 85 years old, and will learn traditional techniques directly from unique craftsmen, as well as create authentic knives and iron frying pans from scratch with your name engraved on them. Experience manufacturing. We will provide a total of four types of content, including a cycle tour where you can stroll around factories and townscapes on e-bikes equipped with high-performance batteries.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-6f087b58ce1dba15009c687e9df2e7d4-1567×1045.jpg Stroll around town while traveling to the factory on an e-Bike equipped with a high-performance battery. Experience the real life of the people of Tsubame-Sanjo on a custom-made private tour that only a local tour guide can take you to, such as historical small factories that are usually not accessible and local spots frequented by locals. We realize the concept of “a one-of-a-kind journey that is not found in guidebooks.” Official website: https://kraft-ts.jp/ *This project is being implemented with support from the Japan Tourism Agency under the “Project to Promote Expansion and Quality Improvement of Inbound Consumption by Providing Special Experiences, etc.” Story of business launch The Tsubame-Sanjo area has developed with a manufacturing industry that boasts high technological capabilities and a wholesale business that delivers its products to all over Japan and around the world. The total production value (total value added) of the manufacturing industry has remained flat (Figure 1), and approximately 3,000 young human resources (15 to 24 years old) who will be responsible for the manufacturing industry in the future have left the region ( Figure 2). Furthermore, due to these harsh conditions, there is a noticeable lack of successors, and the number of factories (manufacturing industries) in Tsubame City and Sanjo City is decreasing year by year (Figure 3). (Figure 1) The total production value (total value added) of the manufacturing industry in the Tsubame-Sanjo area remains flat [Source] Municipal economic
calculations (Niigata Prefecture) *Gross production as of 2011 (total added value of Sanjo City and Tsubame City) is set as 100
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-5e48bf95d0956748a764172492673fd2-1602×828.png (Figure 2) In the Tsubame-Sanjo area, approximately 3,000 young people (15 to 24 years old) have left the area [Source] National Census (2015, 2020) *The age at the time of the 2015 survey is replaced with the age at the time of the 2020 survey, and the population
increase/decrease is graphed
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-4cd0f39d14f9b9945da7566e57056286-1598×780.png (Figure 3) In the Tsubame-Sanjo area, the number of factories (manufacturing industries) is decreasing year by year [Source] Economic Census – Activity Survey (2012, 2016, 2021)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-7aff8f0ac8680e128f6c70be446e11cd-1520×750.png These issues include the inability to set appropriate prices commensurate with the value of products, and the fact that young human resources tend to leave the region when they go to higher education or find employment without knowing the appeal and value of local industries. The root cause of the bottleneck is thought to be the “absence of a “communicator” who can use first-hand experience to convey the appeal and added value of Tsubame-Sanjo’s manufacturing. In order to convey this message, we established a new company, “KRaft Co., Ltd.” in 2024. Additionally, while various initiatives such as the Tsubame-Sanjo Factory Festival have been held in the Tsubame-Sanjo area, there has been a lack of accommodation facilities and regularly held tourist content. Therefore, KRaft Co., Ltd. started offering “KRaft Tour”, a full-fledged craft tourism mainly targeting inbound tourists, to address the lack of “tourism” in the region. We will develop a business to convey the charm and value of Tsubame-Sanjo’s manufacturing to the world. ◇Project Phase 1 Full-fledged craft tourism “KRaft Tour” mainly targeting inbound tourists ◇Project 2nd period “Kura Hotel” opened in a renovated former Sanjo Bussan storehouse *Project Phase 1: Book reservations start from December 1, 2024 *Project Phase 2: Timing to be determined Although the mainstay is tourism, tourism is just a means, and by highlighting the charm of local industries, we create opportunities for new encounters and a mix of values. We will continue to convey the charm and value of this area so that the people who live here can feel even more proud and attached to their work and lives. For details on business launch:
https://matcha-jp.com/jp/22328
KRaft Tour base The former Sanjo Bussan Storehouse is the base of KRaft Tour. The stately building, which has been around for more than 80 years, is characterized by its three warehouses connected to form an integrated structure, yet each warehouse maintains its own unique space. Furthermore, it has a special structure with another layer of outer walls built around these storehouses.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-9d296ac0c8efb33a7a853a1e73931234-1567×1045.jpg The former Sanjo Bussan storehouse was built 85 years ago and is over 900 square meters in size.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-c15112eca0b23ecece28e6815434cc9a-1567×1045.jpg Tabi, which was a specialty of Sanjo, still remains in the warehouse. KRaft CEO Yokoyama thought it would be meaningful to develop the business from this brewery, which has watched the changes in the local industry over the years, in order to preserve Tsubame-Sanjo’s craftsmanship for the future. Hirohisa. Yokoyama, who is from Sanjo City, met Tozo when he was an employee at Sanjo City Hall.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-622f0e25f1c1c977d8b88120a9ccdf07-1567×1045.jpg KRaft Co., Ltd. Representative: Hirohisa Yokoyama “Tsubame-Sanjo is a region that is highly regarded overseas for its manufacturing, but due to a lack of successors, many factories have been forced to close down.There are many people in Japan and abroad who highly value the value of Tsubame-Sanjo’s products. I thought that by bringing people to the area and creating new connections, we could preserve the manufacturing of this area for the future. As we conduct monitor tours, people from overseas show great interest when they visit our brewery, and we feel that we are getting a positive response from them. In order to make this brewery one of the reasons for coming to Tsubame-Sanjo, we aim to not only operate a tour business but also build a hotel, and we will also carry out activities to make this brewery a hub for the region. ” Authentic craft tourism where you can make one-of-a-kind knives and frying pans by hand On the KRaft Tour, we will take you to historic small factories that are usually not accessible, and you will be apprenticed to craftsmen who use traditional techniques. We offer an authentic manufacturing experience where you can make your own one-of-a-kind kitchen knife or iron frying pan from scratch with your name engraved on it. We connect various content such as the history and culture of local industry, nature, food, and the outdoors with stories, and incorporate into tourism the real charm of the region that can only be provided because it is not a tourist destination.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-bfb4859c011cbec0cc7d2df8e8d129df-1567×1045.jpg A knife-making tour where you can make a one-of-a-kind knife with your name engraved on it.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-6b982e8100a9809903c86f98296461b9-1567×1045.jpg A tour to make your own iron frying pan, where you can have the fun of growing tools that will last a lifetime. The tour guide is Akisei Kochi. Like Yokoyama, Koji, who is originally from Sanjo City, joined KRaft after spending his student days overseas, mainly in the United States, with the desire to “carry on to the future the craftsmanship that has continued since his grandfather’s generation.” As a local tour guide, we will guide you to hidden factories and local spots, creating a one-of-a-kind trip that cannot be found in guidebooks.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-8203bceacb12f30525a7834a51fb0443-1567×1045.png Tour guide: Kensei Kochi “Because I have admired and been fascinated by Western culture, I have come to know how cool Japan looks from the outside world.No matter where you go in the world, Japanese culture and manufacturing are highly valued. The appeal of the Tsubame-Sanjo area is that you can see and feel the manufacturing process. On this tour, we would like to offer things that can only be done because it is not a tourist destination. For people from other countries, I think the best souvenir is the way they see the lives of the people of Tsubame-Sanjo, integrated with industry. ”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-340f5a2ed7dac41c425bcd9d3dbfdb3d-1567×1045.jpg Voices from monitor tour participants “The whole process of making things by hand gave me a new respect for the craftsmen, and I was blown away by their precision and attention to detail. It truly is an art that requires skill and practice. Every time I use my handmade frying pan in the morning, I feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.” “You’ll appreciate it even more if you actually participate in the experience and learn about the hardships behind the manufacturing process. We highly recommend it for those who are interested in manufacturing and those who want to take home a valuable handmade souvenir that they can use on a daily basis.” Click here for details on the knife experience tour: https://matcha-jp.com/jp/20821 Click here for details on the frying pan experience tour:
https://matcha-jp.com/jp/22203
────…─…─…─…─…────────…────────…─…────────────…─ [KRaft Tour Overview] ■Tour content: 1) Only one knife making tour in the world 2) One and only frying pan making tour in the world 3) Town factory hopping tour 4) Manufacturing cycling tour *1) 2) Required time: 7.5 hours, 3) Required time: 5 hours, 4) Required time: 3.5 hours (all times exclude pick-up and drop-off time) ■Event period: Held all year round (transportation methods may change depending on the weather in winter) ■Location: 1-16-22 Nishiyokkamachi, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture 955-0851 ■Access: 15 minutes by car from JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station *This tour provides a pick-up service from JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station. Approximately 4 hours by car from the city center, approximately 10 minutes by car from Sanjo Tsubame IC on Kanetsu Expressway ■Telephone number: 070-3961-3607 (Reception: 9:00-18:00) ■Reservation:
https://kraft-ts.jp/tour_reservation/
https://img.youtube.com/vi/D5drsZ6LYPo/sddefault.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5drsZ6LYPo
Opening of a gallery that tells the history of local manufacturing In the second phase of the project, we aim to renovate the former Sanjo Bussan storehouse and open it as an inbound hotel. As the first step, we will open a gallery within our warehouse. The main theme of the gallery is “Inheritance of Tsubame-Sanjo’s technology.” While rooted in tradition, the Tsubame-Sanjo region has adopted new techniques and passed down manufacturing to the next generation while responding to the needs of the times. Weaving together traces of industries that once supported the region and techniques that are still being passed down even though they are in danger of decline We are planning to exhibit the works in a way that depicts the manufacturing process in Tsubame-Sanjo that has evolved over time.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-59ce4ed531b62c72410b50ea299a4cb1-3900×2600.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/146718/2/146718-2-a2500b6d54200d085842acd06a787998-3900×2600.jpg ◇Information on preview for media and related parties In conjunction with the opening of the gallery in the warehouse, we will hold a preview for media and related parties on Friday, November 29th. Date and time: Friday, November 29, 2024 (Doors open/reception starts at 12:30) Part 1: 13:00-14:15 Preview (greetings from the representative / KRaft Tour business introduction / free preview, etc.) Part 2: 14:30-15:30 Experience session (manufacturing experience or cycle tour pre-experience *only for those who wish) *Please note that the specific program is subject to change. Participation fee: Free Location: 1-16-22 Nishiyokkamachi, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture 955-0851 *If you would like to participate, please apply by email to the public relations department. (info@kraft-ts.jp) Company profile Company name: KRaft Co., Ltd. Address: 1-16-22 Nishiyokkamachi, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture 955-0851 Established: April 3, 2024 Business content: Planning and operation of local guided tours in the Tsubame-Sanjo area, offering manufacturing experiences and cycle tours Representative: Hirohisa Yokoyama, Representative Director and President Phone number: 070-3961-3607 (main phone) URL:
https://kraft-ts.jp/
This article was partly generated by AI. Some links may contain Ads. Press Release-Informed Article.