Number of Franchise Stores for Single-Story House FC "IKI.net" Operated by Keiai Star Real Estate Expands 4.5 Times in Just One Year, Achieving No. 1 Ranking (※)

Scene from the FC Forum

Keiai Star Real Estate Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture; President and CEO: Keiji Hanawa; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") is pleased to announce that its FC business for the standardized single-story custom home "IKI (Iki)", known as "IKI.net (Iki Dot Net)", has been performing exceptionally well, with the number of franchisees nationwide expanding to 54 companies by the end of March 2026. To support the business's growth and strengthen its operational structure, the Company hosted its first "FC Forum" inviting franchisees from across the country to its Tokyo headquarters.

Number of Franchise Stores Rapidly Expands Approximately 4.5 Times in Just One Year

"IKI.net" is steadily expanding its franchisee network as a business model that directly addresses the challenges faced by local construction companies. The number of franchisees, which was 12 as of March 2025, has seen rapid growth over the past year, boosted by the increasing need for cost reduction amidst soaring construction material prices. By the end of March 2026, the number reached 54, marking a dramatic 4.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year, and securing the No. 1 position (※) in the single-story house specialized architectural franchise business.

This rapid expansion is a result of fundamentally strengthening the organizational structure by renewing the business manager and headquarters functions with highly specialized professionals, in line with the rapid growth of the Company's business.

The establishment of a robust support system through appropriate personnel allocation has enabled diverse support directly linked to the practical operations of our franchisees.

Furthermore, this package, which allows for low-risk expansion of the housing business, has accurately captured the needs of local construction companies, leading to the rapid expansion of our franchisee network.

※Self-researched as of March 2026 / Targeting architectural franchise businesses specializing in single-story houses in Japan.

A Business Model That Solves Construction Companies' Challenges

The standardized single-story custom home "IKI (Iki)" realizes high-quality homes at a low cost through a minimalist design concept of "Simple, Smart, Save, Safety," fitting diverse lifestyles.

"IKI.net" provides local construction companies struggling with rising construction material costs with stable supply and cost reduction through bulk purchasing, leveraging the scale merit of our group.

Headquarters Support Content

The headquarters has established a support system that underpins the entire housing business, allowing franchisees to focus on local sales activities and home building. Emphasis is placed on support directly linked to practical operations, rather than just brand provision.

● Product planning and provision of design plans for standardized housing

● Standardization of building materials and equipment specifications, and procurement support

● Provision of customer acquisition and sales promotion tools utilizing web and print media

● Training and knowledge sharing on sales basics, design, and construction

● Continuous support from preparation for opening to stable operation

First "FC Forum" Held at Tokyo Headquarters

Amidst the strong performance of "IKI.net", the first "FC Forum" was held at the Company's Tokyo headquarters to further deepen collaboration with franchisees nationwide. Approximately 30 people participated, combining on-site and online attendance. The FC Forum included the following programs:

● Sharing of successful "IKI" sales case studies by franchisees

● Explanation of the latest housing market trends by external experts ● Strengthening proposal capabilities by utilizing various partnership services such as solar power generation and fire insurance ● Exchange of information and networking among franchisees

● Announcement of the headquarters' plans for the next fiscal year

Future Outlook

"IKI.net" is a package that directly addresses the challenges of "products, customer acquisition, procurement, and human resources" faced by franchisees. Our group aims to be a franchise that is chosen as a reliable business partner by our franchisees, with the headquarters working as one to provide support. Together with local construction companies, we aim to provide "Yutaka, Raku, Kai (Abundant, Joyful, Comfortable)" living for everyone involved.

【Inquiries to IKI.net Headquarters】 TEL: 03-5299-7581 E-mail: iki-net@ki-group.co.jp

What is IKI.net

This is a business that deploys the standardized single-story custom home "IKI (Iki)", for which our company has abundant sales experience, to local construction companies and architectural firms in a franchise format. By packaging building materials and supplies, we provide franchisees with next-generation custom home business management methods. This enables comprehensive backup, including:

● Provision of the "IKI" brand usage rights

● Marketing support

● Customer referrals from customers acquired by IKI.net headquarters

● Supply of building materials and equipment

● Construction support

● Implementation of various training programs

Standardized Single-Story Custom Home "IKI"

With "Simple and Compact Living" as the design core, while ensuring structural safety, we have created easy-to-understand floor plans that fit the resident's style by adopting a standardized format. All plans of 17 tsubo or larger feature a spacious living room of 16 jo or more, and a study counter useful for children's homework or remote work is standard. Generally, single-story houses are perceived as more expensive per tsubo and higher in cost compared to two-story houses, but IKI's single-story houses achieve low costs by thoroughly eliminating waste through simple + smart + efficient design. The product name "IKI" embodies the desire for residents to live "iki" (chic, stylish, sophisticated) and true to themselves, drawing inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic of "Iki" born in the Edo period when single-story houses were central, reflecting the diverse needs of modern people seeking diverse and individualistic homes. IKI received the highest award, the "Special Award," in the Planning and Development Division at the "11th Excellent Business Award" hosted by the Japan Housing and Building Association.

Standardized Single-Story Custom Home IKI Site: https://hiraya.ai/

About Keiai Star Real Estate Co., Ltd.

With the management philosophy of "Creating abundant, joyful, and comfortable living" and the vision of "Homeownership for everyone," we supply "high-quality, yet low-cost designer homes." Through our unique business model of the "KEIAI Platform," which handles everything from procurement to sales, and "compact detached houses," we aim to expand our market share in the detached housing market. Our business areas include detached housing development and sales (※) nationwide, primarily in the Tokyo metropolitan area. For the fiscal year ending March 2025, our sales reached 342.5 billion yen (※ Group consolidated figures; sold 9,125 units annually (including land)).

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Keiai Star Real Estate Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 3465, TSE Prime Market)

Representative: Keiji Hanawa, President and CEO

Location: 762-1 Nishi-Tomita, Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture, 367-0035

Capital: 4,818 million yen (As of March 31, 2025)

Established: November 1990

Number of Employees: 2,664 (Consolidated / As of March 31, 2025)

URL: https://ki-group.co.jp/

Business Activities: Detached housing business, used housing renovation business, custom housing business, stock business, apartment business, income-generating property business, condominium development business, franchise business, overseas business, etc.

【Release URL】

https://ki-group.co.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026.04.02_IKIFC.pdf

【Contact for Media Inquiries】

Keiai Star Real Estate Co., Ltd. Public Relations Office, PR Division

TEL: 03-5299-7575 FAX: 03-5299-7562 E-mail: press@ki-group.co.jp