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On December 2nd, the Nikkei Shimbun reported that Shinano Railway, based in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, announced it will operate special rapid trains on the Kita-Shinano Line (Nagano–Myoko Kogen) during the upcoming ski season. The line normally runs 17 trains per day in each direction, including local services and fee-based rapid trains. From January 1 to February 28, 2026, three additional rapid trains will be added daily in both directions. 　 Mount Myoko from the north-east,

On November 27 th , the Nikkei Shimbun reported the results on a performance survey of companies in Niigata and Nagano for fiscal 2024 (April 2024 to March 2025), compiled by Teikoku Databank’s regional offices. The results showed that just under 30% of firms in both prefectures posted increases in both revenue and profit. Nagano City skyline courtesy of Photo by Aoi  on Unsplash. In Niigata, 29.4% of companies reported higher revenue and profit, surpassing the share of firms

On November 12th, Wealth Management announced that construction has begun on a new hotel project in Hakuba’s Echo Land district, selecting “Cassia Hakuba” as the working brand name. The development is being carried out with Banyan Group, an international hospitality company. A ground-breaking ceremony took place on October 1, and the opening is scheduled for 2028. Finished exterior CG rendering courtesy of Wealth Management’s press release, linked at the bottom of the article

On November 13 th , the Nikkei Shimbun reported  that Nagano Prefecture’s Kiso Town  has launched a first-of-its-kind pilot program this autumn to carry out forest boundary clarification and cadastral surveys at the same time - a pairing long treated as separate processes in Japan. By harnessing AI that analyzes aerial imagery to estimate land boundaries with high precision, the town aims to produce legally valid cadastral maps while cutting survey time in half and reducing

On October 23 rd , Patience Capital Group announced the signing of two new properties in Japan - Madarao Kogen Hotel and Lime Resort Myoko - which will join Accor’s MGallery Collection, the group’s boutique brand of storied hotels. These signings mark a major step in Patience Capital Group’s vision to elevate Japan’s mountain regions into world-class four-season destinations. Signing ceremony in Singapore on October 23rd. From left to right: Maryanne Soo, Managing Director, G

On October 20 th , the Nikkei Shimbun reported that Nagano-based Shinano Railway will operate a special rapid train between Karuizawa Station and Myoko Kogen Station on November 3 rd , 2025. Sample Shinano Railway train photo courtesy of the train company website. The train will make only one stop at Nagano Station, completing the journey in as little as one hour and 38 minutes - among the fastest schedules ever operated by the company. The trial run aims to assess demand for

On October 22 nd , Patience Capital Group (“PCG”) announced that its Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture will join the Ikon Pass; a global multi-resort season pass connecting the world’s leading ski destinations, starting from the 2025-26 winter season. Expanding Ikon Pass’s Global Reach in Asia The Ikon Pass, operated by Denver-based Alterra Mountain Company, is the premier international season pass for winter sports enthusiasts, offering access to more than 70

On October 21 st , Six Senses, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, announced the signing of a hotel management agreement with Patience Capital Group (PCG) for a slope-side mountain hotel and residences at the foothills of Mount Myoko, within Japan’s scenic Suginohara ski resort. Artistic rendering of finished exterior courtesy of IHG & Patience Capital Group.  Meant only for illustrative purposes and subject to change. The development of Six Senses Myo

On October 7 th , the Nikkei Shimbun reported that Tokyo Tatemono, in partnership with Anabuki Kosan, will begin the first phase of sales...

Earlier in September, Rie Kuribayashi recorded a Teams call with Adam German for a wide-ranging discussion on the inception of the school, how we got here and what the future holds for the impressive educational concern Rie has built in the Nagano prefecture over the last 14 years. Key Topics Covered Discover how Rie founded the International School of Nagano after returning from abroad and realizing the lack of international education options in her hometown. Learn about her

On September 16 th , the Nikkei Shimbun reported that the 2025 official land price survey (as of July 1) highlighted contrasting trends...

On September 9 th , the Nikkei Shimbun reported  that Sumihei Corporation, a construction materials trading company founded in 1614 and...

The International School of Nagano (ISN) offers a unique opportunity for students to grow through nature-based learning, bilingual education, and internationally recognized academic programs. Photo courtesy of the International School of Nagano. Located in the beautiful prefecture of Nagano, ISN is an International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited school that attracts families from across Japan and around the world. A Campus Environment That Inspires Learning Surrounded by fores

On August 7 th , The Nikkei Shimbun reported that while Nagano and Niigata prefectures continue to see overall population decline, a...

Singapore-based investment fund Patience Capital Group (PCG) is spearheading a major international resort development in the Myoko Kogen...

The Myoko region of Niigata Prefecture - renowned for its popularity among international skiers - is the focus of a major resort...

According to a Nikkei Shimbun article on July 11 th , Gondo-Cho, Nagano City’s once-fading entertainment district, is experiencing a...

In the town of Minakami in Gunma Prefecture, a project is underway to revitalize a once-thriving hot spring district now marked by...

Shinano Railway, headquartered in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, is considering launching a new express train service connecting...

Japan-based adventure tourism firm Canyons Founder Mike Harris recorded a video call with Adam German earlier in June for a...