Thinking of Revitalization of Onsen (hot spa) Town (Fukushima Minyu newspaper)

Mar 11th, 2005

Thinking of revitalization of hot spa town Wakamatsu: symposium opens, 250 in attendance

“Considering hot spa town in Tohoku for the 21 century” Symposium opened yesterday at the Okawaso in Ashinomaki onsen, Aizuwakamatsu city. Over the next two days, the symposium considers hot spa town revitalization from various angles via lectures and panel discussions. Hosted by the Toho Bank and the Development Bank of Japan, co-sponsored by RISA Partners Inc. and the Orix Group, and back-up sponsored by Fukushima Tourist Information and Fukushima Minyu newspaper.

Aiming to revitalize the rather sluggish hot spa town in north east region of Japan, this very first symposium attracted 250 attendants from 26 related industries such as inn operators, tourism-related businesses and financial institutions.

Mr. Yukio Nishimura from Tokyo University’s Department of Urban Planning and Mr. Fumihiko Iida from Fukushima University Business Administration Department opened the symposium with their lectures. “Hot spa town revitalization must be considered as a total entity. It is important to take a look at it from the outside perspective,” said Professor Nishimura. “It is critical to have the guests feel welcomed and heard of; and build a strategy to clear the passing marks on all areas,” said Professor Iida.

IRCJ operating officer Yoshihide Watanabe, Tsuchiyu Association of Spa president Hisashi Watanabe, the Development Bank of Japan Tohoku branch officer Kazashi Miyakawa joined Nishimura and Iida professors on a panel discussion.

Each participant brought out challenges that hot spa town faces. “Hot spa tourism is a regional business. More than individual inn’s reputation, the town name needs to be well received. Therefore, an integrated efforts are most critical.” “Much of spa inns are run by congenial companies, like family business. Opportunities to listen to voices from outside sources need to increase.” Many such suggestions were made by the panelists.