Metro Electric Industry Launches Semi-Order Kotatsu Project to Enhance Guest Stays

Metro Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture) has announced the launch of a semi-order kotatsu service tailored for ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), hotels, and Japanese-style restaurants, where fabric designs and table colors can be selected.

By combining fabric and table color options, each unit can be custom-crafted to fit specific spaces. The service also supports embroidery of facility names or logos, delivering a unique 'KOTATSU' for every location.

This initiative is the second phase of 'KOTATSU EXPERIENCE,' a project designed to pass down Japanese culture through kotatsu and propose charming moments and experiences.

Our company has been developing and manufacturing kotatsu heater units for many years, bringing warmth to people's lives. As the first phase of 'KOTATSU EXPERIENCE,' we launched the 'Showa 100th Anniversary Kotatsu' project last year, which received an overwhelming response. Through collaboration with long-established manufacturers, we have re-examined the value of Japanese culture and the time spent between people that Japanese kotatsu creates.

In this second phase, we aim to expand the value of experience by making stays and dining times more appealing.

## About KOTATSU EXPERIENCE

In recent years, the value of time spent at ryokans, hotels, and restaurants has become increasingly important. Quality of space and experience is emphasized, not just the content of accommodation or meals. The time spent in rooms or at tables is a precious moment that defines the impression of the location.

Soothing travel fatigue in a hot spring.
Enjoying delicious cuisine.
Spending time in a relaxed manner.

Within such moments, one feels the gentle warmth of the kotatsu. We believe there is value in this very moment. 'KOTATSU' is more than just a heating appliance. It is an entity that connects people to people and people to space, making that time special. We are expanding this perspective to spatial design for the winter season.

## For Special Spaces Representing a Facility

This project is not intended for all guest rooms or tables. It is an initiative focused on special spaces, such as a room or table that symbolizes the facility.

We provide 'KOTATSU' as an interior piece that highlights the unique charm of that location. Using Japanese-made materials for fabrics and tables, each is custom-tailored to suit the world view and space of the facility. We continue to work with two long-established manufacturers, each with over 100 years of history, whom we collaborated with on the 'Showa 100th Anniversary Kotatsu' project, to deliver units that focus on texture and appearance while utilizing their long-cultivated skills and sensitivity.

Rather than mass-produced items, we contribute to the improvement of experiential value by tailoring to the creation of value for each individual space. This initiative is also a challenge to expand the possibilities of spatial proposals through semi-order services.

## From 'Things' to 'Experiences and Time'

As consumption values shift from 'owning things' to 'experiences and time,' our company has been exploring new possibilities for the kotatsu. What we want to propose is not just the heating appliance, but the time and experience born from it.

We aspire to be an existence that creates value where the moments gathered around 'KOTATSU' remain as memories unique to that location.

Moving forward, Metro Electric Industry will continue to look at the value of 'Koto' (experiences) and 'Toki' (time) created by heat, and continue to propose ways to enrich people's lives and stay experiences.

## Project Overview

Name: 'KOTATSU EXPERIENCE' Semi-Order Kotatsu Project
Content: Proposal for semi-order kotatsu for special spaces (guest rooms, private rooms, tables, etc.) in ryokans, hotels, and Japanese-style restaurants.