Difficult as a Residence, but Possible as a "Creation Space." Former Company Dormitory in Kawane Town, Which Even an Empty House Specialist Hesitated to Buy, Becomes a Regional Creative Hub Through an Artist x Empty House Matching Tour

Sweets Investment Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shizuoka City, Representative Director: Junichiro Tamaki), operating under the name Akia Kai-Senka (Empty House Buying Specialist) and focusing on the purchase and regeneration of empty houses mainly in Shizuoka Prefecture, is pleased to announce that a rental agreement has been concluded for a former company dormitory located in Minari, Kawane Town, Shimada City, following the "Artist x Empty House Matching Tour" held on January 31, 2026.

The lessee is Takara Masui, who works as a Fab designer and freelance industrial designer. Rental began on June 1, 2026, and preparations are currently underway to develop the property into a new base of operations, "Kawane Creative Space," in anticipation of its official opening this autumn.

This property was a building that even our company, specializing in the purchase of empty houses, initially determined to be difficult to acquire.

However, by rethinking it not just as a "residence" but as a "place to create," new possibilities have emerged.

◼️ A Property That Even an Empty House Specialist Found Challenging as a General Residence

The property to be utilized is a 36-year-old single-story building located in Minari, Kawane Town, Shimada City.

It was originally used as a company dormitory and has a "two-unit connected" structure, comprising two 2DK dwelling units. The total floor area is 129.18 square meters, and there is also ample parking space on the premises.

Our company received a consultation from the owner who wished to sell the property quickly due to personal circumstances.

However, the property is situated in a mountainous area experiencing population decline. From the perspective of a general residence, the connected layout of two units makes it difficult to envision its use, and the demand for housing is also hard to predict.

Even for our company, which specializes in purchasing and regenerating empty houses to connect them with new users, it was difficult to make an aggressive purchase offer if treated solely as a standard residence.

◼️ "Inconvenient" for Ordinary People, but "Blank Space" for Artists.

The turning point came with the planning of the empty house matching tour targeting artists and creators.

While it might be slightly inconvenient as a residence, it offers considerable freedom as a space for production and expression.

The connected layout of the two units allows one to be used as a production studio and the other as a space for exhibitions or interaction. The spacious parking lot can also be utilized for artwork transportation and workshops. Features that might be considered drawbacks for general residential use become "blank spaces" that artists and creators can freely modify.

Based on this insight, we thought, "Perhaps this empty house could be revitalized for artists," and included it in the tour's viewing properties. Subsequently, due to the owner's strong desire and preference for a rental arrangement, we decided to purchase it and acquired it in March of this year.

◼️ Overcoming Anxiety: "Will People Come to Kawane?" The Tour Was Fully Booked.

The "Artist x Empty House Matching Tour" held on January 31, 2026, was part of the "fresh air" pilot project for utilizing empty houses through art, organized by Arts Council Shizuoka (Shizuoka Prefectural Cultural Foundation). Akia Kai-Senka was responsible for the planning and operation, guiding participants through four properties spanning Shimada City to Kawane Town.

There were initial concerns about whether participants would gather for a tour in the Kawane area, which is facing population decline.

However, the tour reached its capacity shortly after applications opened. On the day of the event, seven participants from six groups, active in diverse fields such as painting, sculpture, bamboo crafts, digital fabrication, and music, took part.

At the former company dormitory in Minari, Kawane Town, ideas such as "One unit could be a studio, and the other a gallery or shop," and "Workshops could be held in the large parking lot," were generated one after another.

Unlike a typical residential viewing, participants stimulated each other while contemplating "What can be done here?" The tour not only connected empty houses with potential users but also expanded the possibilities of the buildings on the spot.

◼️ Scenes from the Creator/Artist x Empty House Matching Tour

◼️ Multiple Properties Considered, Kawane Town Property Selected

Takara Masui, who signed the rental agreement, is active under the nickname "Massun" as a Fab designer and freelance industrial designer.

He is involved in supporting manufacturing and managing/directing projects using digital fabrication machines such as laser cutters and 3D printers.

Masui had also participated in artist-focused empty house matching tours held in other regions and considered multiple properties. After careful deliberation, he chose the former company dormitory in Minari, Kawane Town, as his new base of operations.

The "Kawane Creative Space," currently under development, is planned to host a variety of activities, including manufacturing, creative endeavors, events, and workshops.

◼️ Comment from Takara Masui

"I was strongly drawn to the potential of Shizuoka's mountainous regions and the fascination of creating places rooted in the community.

At Kawane Creative Space, we aim to create a place where various people and ideas intersect, including manufacturing, creative activities, community interaction, events, and workshops. Rather than creating a finished space from the outset, we want to foster it gradually together with everyone."

◼️ Comment from Akia Kai-Senka Representative

"When considering the issue of empty houses, simply selling, renting, or demolishing them as residences doesn't always lead to their next use. This property, too, was difficult to envision a use for when considered solely as a general residence. However, through the lens of art and manufacturing, the connected structure and spacious parking lot became strengths as a space for creation and interaction.

What's important is to meet people who need an empty house and to think together about new ways to use it. We hope this encounter will broaden the options for empty house utilization in mountainous areas."