Ichigo Inc. Makes Corporate Hometown Tax Donation to Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Contributing to the City's Initiatives for a Sustainable Future City

Our company is a "Sustainable Infrastructure Company" that supports people's prosperous lives. We are pleased to report that we have made a donation related to the local revitalization support tax system (corporate version of hometown tax donation) to Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture (Mayor Eiichi Sato), for the realization of the future city outlined in the 6th Utsunomiya City General Plan, specifically for "Realization of a Future City of Health and Welfare," "Realization of a Future City of Safety and Security," "Realization of a Future City of Charm Creation and Exchange," and the "Sports City Promotion Fund." We have received a letter of appreciation from Utsunomiya City.

Utsunomiya City has formulated the "6th Utsunomiya City General Plan" as a guideline for urban development to construct and materialize the desired future urban vision, setting "A circle of shining people, a ring of connecting towns, a wheel of charm and dreams, Utsunomiya" as its urban development goal, and is working on various policies and projects to achieve it.

Ichigo has opened and operates "THE KNOT UTSUNOMIYA" as the 5th installment of its original brand lifestyle hotel "THE KNOT" in front of Utsunomiya Station in January 2026.

In addition, we are promoting initiatives to enhance the sustainability of Tochigi, which continues to develop remarkably, such as owning and operating office buildings in Utsunomiya City, operating "Hotel Sunshine Utsunomiya" (owned by Ichigo Hotel Reit Investment Corporation), supporting the development of training bases for the J-League club Tochigi SC through corporate hometown tax donations to Sakura City, and designated management of sports facilities in Yaita City.

Our company aims to realize a sustainable city by working to realize Utsunomiya City's goal of a future city, with THE KNOT UTSUNOMIYA as its base in Utsunomiya City, the largest city in Northern Kanto, and based on THE KNOT's concept of connecting travel, people, and the city.

Comment from Makoto Ishihara, Executive Vice President and COO of Ichigo Inc. We are deeply honored to have supported Utsunomiya City's initiatives for realizing a future city, as outlined in the 6th Utsunomiya City General Plan, through the corporate version of hometown tax donation.

Utsunomiya is a city with great potential, where urban functions as the largest city in Northern Kanto coexist with rich nature, history, and culture.

We, Ichigo, opened "THE KNOT UTSUNOMIYA" on the west exit of Utsunomiya as a power spot where diverse talents rooted in the community gather, aiming to connect Utsunomiya's city and nature through "people, climate, and food" and boost the economy and tourism through the power of culture. From now on, as a member of this city, we will actively participate in various initiatives to enhance the sustainability of Tochigi.

We will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable and attractive future city together with the people of Utsunomiya City.

Outline of Donation Donating companies: Ichigo Inc. and other group companies Donation amount: 30 million yen Utilized projects: "Realization of a Future City of Health and Welfare," "Realization of a Future City of Safety and Security," "Realization of a Future City of Charm Creation and Exchange," "Sports City Promotion Fund"

* For inquiries regarding this release, please contact Ichigo Public Relations at 03-4485-5515