2006: Joined the company as a new graduate (general employee) and assigned to the bridal industry
3rd year: Became Bridal Manager
7th year, Head Office Casting Office, Recruitment Manager
8th year: Seconded to another hotel as a consultant in charge of the wedding department
10th year: Appointed General Manager
11th year: Appointed General Manager of Human Resource Management Office at Head Office
17th year: Appointed Hakuba Development Manager
19th year: Established Plan・Do・See ALPS and became Representative Director and President
How did you meet Plan-Do-See and what made you decide to join?
When I was a student, I was completely devoted to skiing. I wasn't on a recommendation to join the university's athletics federation, but I was simply looking for an experience that involved being in the snow mountains, so I devoted all my time and passion to skiing.
It was during this time that I came across Plan-Do-See (hereafter referred to as PDS) by chance. After attending an information session and interview, I felt that the atmosphere, sense, and somewhat fun vibe of this company would be great to have in the world of snowy mountains that I love.
"One day, PDS will definitely create a wonderful snow resort" - with that dream in mind, I joined PDS as a new graduate.
Please tell us about your experiences from joining the company to founding Plan・Do・See ALPS.
When I first joined the company, I boasted that "one day I will create a snow resort at PDS," but at the time there was not even a trace of "snow" in PDS's business portfolio, so naturally there was no way that path was possible. I started in bridal, and then worked in a variety of fields such as human resources and consulting, and before I knew it, I began to think, "Maybe it's not so bad to work my way up at the heart of PDS," and my dream of snowy mountains was half-disappearing.
At that time, I was given the opportunity to take part in Canada's world-renowned heli-skiing tour, CMH, on behalf of PDS founder Noda. Located a six-hour drive from Calgary, the lodge served as a base for wealthy individuals from around the world, offering luxurious days of skiing more than 10 runs by helicopter each day. At a party that night, people from all over the world repeatedly asked me, "Why are you here, a Japanese person? You've got Hakuba and Hokkaido, too!" To them, Japan's snow is the best in the world. It's a place where everything -- snowfall, snow quality, food, culture, and accessibility from the city -- miraculously comes together. This experience reawakened my awareness of the potential of Japan's snowy mountains, and rekindled the ambition I had when I first joined the company.
It was around this time that PDS began operating a restaurant in a prime location in Niseko, and the frequency and depth of information we received about the snowy mountains increased.
In this context, PDS acquired the land in Hakuba, entrusted with the desire to make this land a place that will connect to the future.
What kind of work are you doing now?
I am in charge of the ongoing hotel development in Hakuba.
There are five planned locations in total, and we are involved in a wide range of tasks, from acquiring land to planning the hotel, creating profit and loss plans, and raising funds.
In terms of planning, we work with the design firm, our in-house PM team, and our design team. Furthermore, to incorporate an operational perspective, we have members from the dining and hotel departments participate in regular meetings, and we have repeated discussions from an on-site perspective.
In addition, in order to raise funds, we make presentations to domestic and international investors, working hard to convince them of the value of this project and gain their support.
What I value is "not being ashamed to ask about things you don't know."
With the support of many people, we are moving forward as a team, one step at a time.
Please tell us about the appeal and potential of the Hakuba area.
Hakuba, along with Niseko and Nozawa Onsen, is an essential base when talking about Japan's snowy mountains. With its snowfall, snow quality, food, access from big cities, and a culture rooted in the land, Japan's snow resorts boast a unique appeal that is unmatched even on a global scale.
Of course, there are challenges, such as a lack of restaurants and aging facilities. However, if these can be overcome, Hakuba can evolve into "the world's only mountain resort." It has the potential to become "a dream destination" for skiers and travelers from all over the world, especially the wealthy.
Please tell us about your future vision.
The Plan-Do-See ALPS I envision is not just a hotel or restaurant. It will enhance the overall value of one of Japan's leading mountain resorts, grow together with the local community, competitors, and collaborators, and welcome guests from all over the world. I want to create a sustainable resort where the people who work there can live with the mountains and take pride in their work.
We will start with Hakuba, and then move forward with our business, where we can welcome customers from Japan and around the world to a place where we ourselves truly want to go, ski, and climb.
