Ecolocity Announces Business Partnership with 47partners

Ecolocity Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Mari Yamamoto; hereinafter "the Company") announces the signing of a business partnership agreement with 47partners Inc. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takayoshi Yokoo; hereinafter "47partners"). The two companies will launch a joint project in collaboration with local governments to develop parking infrastructure and effectively utilize idle land in major tourist destinations and regional airports.

This initiative aims to achieve sustainable regional revitalization by addressing regional challenges faced by local cities across Japan, such as public facility reorganization and traffic congestion or overtourism in tourist areas. It also responds to the growing difficulty many municipalities face in maintaining and operating regional events and tourism promotion initiatives due to shortages of human resources, budget, and other resources.

Strengths and Synergy of Both Companies in the Partnership

Takayoshi Yokoo, President and CEO of 47partners, brings extensive experience in overseeing regional revitalization projects, having previously served as President and CEO of Mynavi Regional Revitalization Co., Ltd. He has led numerous initiatives nationwide, including planning and development of new businesses leveraging local resources, revitalization and utilization support for vacant houses and public facilities, and programs promoting migration and settlement. The company excels in building sustainable "regional revitalization models" through collaboration among local residents, municipalities, and private enterprises, as well as in cultivating regional talent.

Meanwhile, Ecolocity has accumulated expertise in establishing optimal parking facilities—such as coin parking, monthly parking, and management outsourcing—tailored to the characteristics of land not only in urban areas but also in regional cities, thereby maximizing the value of idle land.

Future Developments

The two companies are already in discussions on specific projects and plan to expand the development and management outsourcing of parking facilities primarily in areas facing region-specific challenges as outlined below.

Traffic Management and Operational Support for Tourist Areas and Local Events

During the hosting of festivals, sports events, local events, or at tourist sites, idle land will be utilized as temporary or hourly parking lots to alleviate traffic congestion and improve visitor convenience. Additionally, through parking management and traffic flow planning, the companies will support municipalities and local organizations in sustainably operating events despite limited human resources.

Effective Utilization of Idle Land Owned by Municipalities and Corporations

Beyond individual landowners, the companies will propose optimal parking utilization plans (e.g., land lease agreements, management委托 arrangements) for public facility sites and idle land managed by local governments and corporations, achieving both reduced maintenance costs and profit reinvestment into the local community.

Enhancing Convenience at Regional Airports and Transportation Hubs

By developing and managing high-convenience parking infrastructure around regional airports and major train stations, the companies aim to make travel more comfortable for local residents, business travelers, and tourists, thereby strengthening the region’s role as a gateway.

Through collaboration with municipalities, local businesses, and landowners, both companies will support the enhancement of regional appeal and expansion of visitor numbers, contributing to sustainable urban development.

Company Name: 47partners Inc.

Representative: President and CEO Takayoshi Yokoo

Established: April 2022

Headquarters: MIDPOINT6-19, LeadSea Otsuka Building, 2-38-1 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Business Activities: Utilization of regional environmental resources; revitalization and utilization of vacant public facilities, vacant houses, and traditional homes; regional development support; migration and settlement policy support; tourism resource development; tourism PR support; management support for third-sector companies, DMOs, and local enterprises; hometown tax revenue enhancement support; regional talent development and education planning, etc.

URL: https://47partners.jp/

Overview of Ecolocity Co., Ltd.

Ecolocity operates and manages over 5,200 hourly parking facilities nationwide under the brand "EcoloPark," making it one of Japan’s leading parking solution companies.

Since its founding in 1996, the company has pioneered the practical implementation of flapless systems and rapid construction models, enabling facility openings in as little as 10 days from land contract signing, successfully balancing maximum landowner returns with improved user convenience.

The company is also actively engaged in building smart mobility infrastructure to reduce CO₂ emissions toward a decarbonized society and in pilot projects for urban mobility services in collaboration with municipalities and real estate developers.

Ecolocity will continue contributing to the creation of sustainable and comfortable mobility environments.

Company Name: Ecolocity Co., Ltd.

Representative: President and CEO Mari Yamamoto

Established: February 1996

Headquarters: 18F, Ark Mori Building East Wing, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Business Areas: Urban parking operations, mobility services, smart infrastructure development

URL: https://www.ecolocity.co.jp

Contact for This Matter:

Ecolocity Co., Ltd.

Public Relations Department

TEL: 03-5561-7768

Email: pressdesk@ecolocity.co.jp