New Expansion of the Zao Welfare Forest Concept: Gaia Group to Open 'Zao Shokudo' and Operate FamilyMart Togatta Store Directly on September 1, 2026

## New Expansion of the Zao Welfare Forest Concept

Gaia Co., Ltd. (HQ: Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture; Representative Director: Kunihiro Aizawa) announces a new development under its 'Zao Welfare Forest Concept.' On September 1, 2026, the company will open 'Zao Shokudo' and commence direct management of the adjacent FamilyMart Togatta store. By operating these two businesses in an integrated manner, Gaia aims to establish a 'Regional Infrastructure Station' that connects local residents, tourists, vacation home users, the elderly, and children, further evolving its sustainable regional development model.

## About 'Zao Shokudo'

'Zao Shokudo' will serve as a new exchange hub leveraging Zao's rich local ingredients, welcoming local residents, tourists, and vacation home visitors. It is planned to operate as a restaurant offering set meals and light snacks during the day, and as an izakaya (pub) in the evening. 'Zao Shokudo' will collaborate with its sister store, 'Sakai Coffee Zao Sansuien-mae,' to realize the goals of the 'Zao Welfare Forest Concept.' Sakai Coffee has continuously implemented community-based activities such as 'children's cafeterias,' monitoring elderly residents, creating local jobs, and food education. 'Zao Shokudo' will integrate these efforts to become a new hub that supports local life and connects people.

## Direct Management of FamilyMart Togatta Store

Starting September 1, 2026, Gaia Group will directly operate the FamilyMart Togatta store. In addition to standard convenience store functions, the store will fulfill the role of a 'Regional Infrastructure Station' by providing luggage storage for Gaia Resort guests, partial check-in/out services, sales of local souvenirs, delivery services for the elderly, courier services, ATM/financial services, and supplies during disasters, thereby supporting both local residents and tourists.

## Implementation of the Zao Welfare Forest Concept

The 'Zao Welfare Forest Concept' promoted by Gaia Group is a regional vision that organically links tourism, welfare, agriculture, medicine, education, disaster prevention, food, real estate, and construction. The integrated operation of 'Zao Shokudo' and the FamilyMart Togatta store serves as a concrete implementation of this philosophy.

## The Concept of 'Albergo Diffuso'

Gaia Group is adopting the 'Albergo Diffuso' concept—the Italian decentralized hotel model—to treat the entire region as one large hotel. Gaia Resort hosts many domestic and international guests through hotels, vacation villas, and renovated traditional houses, creating 'connected populations.' In 2025, Gaia Resort Zao Sansuien received the world's first formal certification for 'Ospitalità Diffusa,' gaining international recognition.

## Sustainable Regional Revitalization without Subsidies

Gaia Group realizes a self-sufficient cycle through:
1. Excavating regional resources,
2. Regenerating existing stock,
3. Generating revenue through commercialization, and
4. Reinvesting growth fruits into the business of the region or like-minded partners.
Through this mechanism, Gaia has built a sustainable model where the region grows independently without relying on government subsidies.

## Comment from Representative Director Kunihiro Aizawa

"We have re-envisioned various problems faced by Japanese society—population decline, aging, increasing vacancies, maintenance of regional infrastructure, and medical/welfare needs—not just as 'problems,' but as 'social issues' for creating new value. By combining the 'Zao Welfare Forest Concept' philosophy, the 'Albergo Diffuso' mechanism, and business implementation, we aim to transform social issues into regional growth. By sharing the fruits of this growth, we aim for a more mature society. Through our own efforts and ideas, we have practiced sustainable regional development. The integrated operation of 'Zao Shokudo' and FamilyMart Togatta is a vital initiative to support local life and tourism, while advancing our vision. We will continue to disseminate this model of 'social maturity'—where social issues are transformed into growth and shared by all—from Zao to the rest of Japan and the world."