Former Senbei Factory to Become Tenryukyo's Community Hub in One Year. 'HIGASA,' a Multi-purpose Complex Inheriting Local Memory, Pre-opens with 40 Local Residents, Government Officials, and Remote Workers.

SUITEN Inc. (Location: 7456-5 Tatsuoka, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture; CEO: Hiroki Hirano) held a pre-opening event on March 1, 2026, for 'HIGASA,' a multi-purpose community hub being developed in the Minami-Shinshu/Tenryukyo area. Approximately 40 people, including local residents, government officials, prospective migrants, and remote workers, participated. They were given explanations of the concept and functions, a tour of the facility, and a chance to mingle in the still-under-construction space.

HIGASA is a multi-purpose community hub being created through the collaborative renovation of a building that was once rooted in the community as a 'Hinigasa Senbei' factory, involving local carpenters, creators, and new residents. It is a 'base for community building' and a 'center for creating a relationship population.' It serves as a 'regional gateway' for people with diverse relationships with the area, including not only U-turn and I-turn migrants but also travelers, multi-location dwellers, coworkers, and digital nomads, offering a combination of co-working, satellite office, accommodation, and tenant functions. This facility is funded by the Nagano Prefecture Regional Development Support Grant and the Satellite Office Development Subsidy. It is being operated by progressively opening spaces as construction progresses, with the official opening scheduled for winter 2026. ■ Pre-opening Event Overview (Held on March 1, 2026) Date: March 1, 2026 (Sunday) Venue: HIGASA, 7456-5 Tatsuoka, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture (Tenryukyo area) Participants: Approx. 40 people (local residents, government officials, prospective migrants, remote workers, neighboring business owners, etc.) Program: Explanation of facility concept / Facility tour / Networking and socializing

Although held in an 'unfinished' state, this was positioned as an embodiment of the concept, creating a program for participants to experience the space's potential and open possibilities together. HIGASA is operated with a 'process economy' mindset, growing together with the people involved rather than delivering a finished product. Our goal is to open up gradually, growing into a place rooted in the community while increasing the number of 'nakama' (partners/friends) who engage with it as their own. We have received comments from participants such as 'Tenryukyo needed a place like this' and 'I would love to use it as my base,' as well as several inquiries about satellite office use. ■ Community Hub 'HIGASA' Facility Overview HIGASA is a multi-purpose community hub with the concept 'From Travel, to Work, to Life.' It aims to be a place where diverse users and visitors, from tourists stopping by to remote workers using the co-working space and those considering migration, can interact in the same space. The facility's name, 'HIGASA,' comes from the 'Hinigasa Senbei' that was once produced here, symbolizing its role as a place that inherits the region's memories. 01. Tourist Rest Area: A community space where local residents and tourists can casually drop by. A 'town gateway' where local issues and information gather through a coffee stand and a bulletin board. 02. Co-working: A workspace for those who want to work outside of home or for drop-in use while traveling. Also available for seminars and workshops. 03. Satellite Office: A dedicated desk-style office on a monthly contract basis. Caters to a wide range from satellite use by urban companies to freelancers. 04. Trial Migration: Accommodation space for those who want to experience life in the area before moving or for students during fieldwork. 05. Tenant Space: A tenant zone. In addition to a coffee stand, it is intended for retail for HIGASA users and commercial use for tourists.

Please Support HIGASA's Crowdfunding (Ongoing) HIGASA is currently running a crowdfunding campaign for its official opening. We want to proceed with the remaining construction, such as insulation for the co-working space and development of a cafe terrace, together with everyone in the community. Bank transfers are also accepted, so those who find it difficult to pay by credit card can participate with peace of mind. In addition to financial support, introductions like 'I know someone who might be interested' are also a great help. Click here for the crowdfunding page

About Tenryukyo and Minami-Shinshu Tenryukyo is a gorge designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, located at the southern end of Iida City, Nagano Prefecture. With its magnificent gorge formed by the Tenryu River and rich natural and historical resources, it has long been popular as a tourist destination. In recent years, infrastructure development has been progressing towards the opening of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen's Nagano Prefecture Station (in Iida City), and there is an urgent need to develop an infrastructure that can accommodate an increase in visitors from outside the region and support diverse work and lifestyles. HIGASA aims to function as a node where 'tourism,' 'work,' and 'life' intersect during this period of regional transformation. ■ About SUITEN Inc. SUITEN is a regional venture studio from Iida City with the mission to 'Lead local communities to a good-vibe temperature.' We are engaged in business across multiple domains, including hub development, product development of regional assets, and attracting dual-region residents. HIGASA is positioned as SUITEN's core project, acting as a hub that connects regional resources with the 'relationship population' from outside. ■ Utilized Subsidies and Support Systems ・Nagano Prefecture Regional Development Support Grant: Utilized for the development and operational costs of the community hub. A subsidy system from Nagano Prefecture that supports voluntary collaborative activities of local residents. ・Satellite Office Development Subsidy: Utilized for the equipment and facility costs of the satellite office function. A subsidy system that supports the development of telework environments and promotes migration. ■ Company Profile Company Name: SUITEN Inc. Mission: 'To lead local communities to a good-vibe temperature' Location: 7456-5 Tatsuoka, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture Business: Planning, development, and operation of HIGASA / Product development of regional assets / Dual-region residence coordinator

HIGASA Facility Details: https://www.about.higasa.site/ HIGASA Crowdfunding: https://www.higasa.site/ Instagram: @higasa_tenryukyo (https://www.instagram.com/higasa_tenryukyo/)