[Tanigawadake Joch] Launch of 'Nice to meet you, Tanigawadake' Issue 3, Featuring Local Stories and Minakami Town Fans

## Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts Launches Issue 3 of its Free Paper

'Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts,' a spot offering visitors a way to enjoy the charm of the mountain beyond just climbing throughout the year, is releasing the third issue of its free paper, 'Nice to meet you, Tanigawadake,' on May 22, 2026. The issue is planned, researched, and written by travel journalist Akiko Katakata, who has spent 30 years traveling across Japan with a focus on 'towns, people, hot springs, and inns,' and who has covered Minakami Town for many years. The publication, which gained popularity with its inaugural issue in 2024, has entered its third year in 2026 with even more enriched content.

## The Appeal and Goal of 'Nice to meet you, Tanigawadake'

The magazine shares the charm of Mt. Tanigawa and relaxed ways to enjoy the mountain, discovered through interviews conducted by Akiko Katakata with 'Masters of the Town and Minakami Fans.' The project began with the hope that people would feel more familiar with Mt. Tanigawa, which is often said to be 'a mountain known but never visited' or 'not associated with casual visits.' The cover features an illustrative design that evokes a sense of nostalgia, intended to be welcoming to both tourists and climbers. The inaugural issue distributed its entire annual printing of 10,000 copies in just three months, leading to an additional print run of 10,000. Since the second issue, the number of pages has been increased to fully showcase attractive people and spots in the area. A fourth issue is planned for autumn 2027, with the goal of sharing the charm of Mt. Tanigawa across all four seasons over four years.

## Distribution in Minakami Town

To ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the publication, copies are being distributed at over 10 tourist facilities in the town, including Tanigawadake Joch. As a free paper, it can be taken home, and it introduces recommended gourmet spots, inns, and other attractions, serving as a helpful planning guide for travelers.

〈Key Distribution Locations〉
・Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts
・Minakami Town Tourism Association
・Tanigawadake Information Center
・Tanigawadake Alpine Museum
・Hoshi Onsen Chojukan
・Nukumori no Yado Tatsumikan
・Bettei Senjuan
・Ryokan Tanigawa
・Soba-dokoro Kubota
・matatabi Coffee & Breakfast
・Nature Navigator Minakami, and more.

## Production by 'TEAM Tanigawadake'

Planned by Akiko Katakata, the design was handled by Daisuke Yuasa (General PR Co., Ltd.), and photographs were taken by Kodai Sagawa, a photographer residing in Minakami Town. The issue was created with the full cooperation of the Minakami Town Tourism Association, bringing together fans of Mt. Tanigawa and Minakami.

[Content of Issue 3]
1. People Running Mt. Tanigawa (Dialogue between pro adventure racer Masato Tanaka and model/talent Yuuki Mihara)
2. Minakami Roundtable: Innkeepers Edition (Takuya Fukatsu, Ken Okamura, Hidehiro Kubo)
3. Nice to meet you, Tanigawadake Joch by Hoshino Resorts (New content, staff interviews, new menu, etc.)
4. A Side Trip to Tanigawadake (Introduction to day-trip and overnight spots)
5. Editor's Notes (Reflections from the 'TEAM Tanigawadake' production team)
6. Information from the Tanigawadake Ecotourism Promotion Council and Minakami Town (Recommended green season information)

Akiko Katakata, who handles planning and writing, commented, 'At the foot of Mt. Tanigawa, there are people who enjoy, support, and protect nature. Though our roles differ, we all continue to think about how to entertain visitors while facing this location. I feel that the charm of this town lies not just in the magnificent scenery of nature, but in the livelihoods and relationships of the people who support the land.'