Transforming a 3,000sqm 'Unsellable' Vacant House into a World-Class 'Japanese Guest House': Shodoshima Retreats' 100-Year Vision for the Island.

We support 'April Dream,' a project that aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams. This press release represents the dream of Shodoshima Retreats Co., Ltd. Shodoshima Retreats Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shodoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture), under the philosophy of 'Connecting the Future of Shodoshima,' operates private rental accommodations by renovating historic vacant houses and develops community-based tourism businesses. ■ The Vacant House Problem in Shodoshima and the 'Inherited Baton of Tenacity' The problem of vacant houses is becoming serious across Japan. The Nobe district, which once flourished with soy sauce production, is no exception. The stage for our 'Oyashiki Stay Kou' is a former soy sauce merchant's residence with a vast site of approximately 3,000 square meters. Although real estate agents considered it 'unsellable because it is too large,' it was a miraculous vacant house that the previous owner had visited every month for 10 years with a strong will to 'never let the family home decay,' keeping it well-maintained. ■ Our Dream: Lighting Up Vacant Houses to Create an 'Island Where Children Want to Return' Our dream is to make this mansion more than just an accommodation, but a hub where travelers from around the world and the local community can interact. Opened in November 2025, the facility offers a bar renovated from a 150-year-old storehouse, a semi-open-air bath overlooking a courtyard garden, and private dining by local chefs, limited to one group per day. Through this business, we aim to establish 'sustainable stay-based tourism.' We want people from all over the world to visit Shodoshima for this stay and experience the charm of the region. We aim to create a future where new jobs are generated through this economic cycle, and children who once left the island can return, saying, 'There is work to be proud of on this island.' ■ A Future Walking Together with the Community We will continue to challenge the regional issues of depopulation and vacant houses through the approach of tourism. Without letting the baton of history and passion inherited from the previous owner fade, we will connect the beautiful nature and culture of Shodoshima to the next 100 years. We hope to deliver a fulfilling and 'happy' time in Shodoshima to guests from all over the world.