Nikkei Shimbun interviews Patience Capital Group CEO Ken Chan on Myoko project
- Adam German
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Myoko region of Niigata Prefecture - renowned for its popularity among international skiers - is the focus of a major resort development project by Singapore-based investment fund Patience Capital Group (PCG).
Patience Realty is a proud group company of Patience Capital Group and Capital Brain.
In March, PCG’s Japan arm signed a cooperation agreement with Shinano Railway, a regional train operator based in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. On July 12th, Shinano Railway ran the first of three scheduled trial runs of their renowned Rokumon train from Karuizawa to Myoko Kogen Station via Nagano Station.
PCG CEO Ken Chan speaks during an interview in Myoko, Niigata Prefecture, on July 12th.
Along for the ride was journalist Yugo Takagaki from the Nikkei Shimbun, who published an interview with in-attendance PCG CEO Ken Chan about the company’s strategy for attracting visitors and building regional infrastructure.
Tourist Train Service Launches to Myoko Kogen
Shinano Railway recently began operating a special tourist train to Myoko Kogen Station. How does this fit into your overall plans?
“Our goal is to bring large numbers of tourists from Karuizawa to Myoko Kogen via Nagano Station,” said Chan. “Rather than seeing the border between Niigata and Nagano as a barrier, we want to promote the area as a single, integrated resort region.”
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Building Regional Partnerships
Which other organizations are you planning to partner with next?
“Our next key focus is how to collaborate with Echigo Tokimeki Railway, based in Joetsu, Niigata. First, we want to make Myoko Kogen Station more accessible. In winter, travelers with heavy luggage have difficulty navigating the stairs, so we’re discussing solutions to improve ease of use.
We’re also seeing a growing number of cashless visitors, so we’re exploring options for contactless payment systems, including JR East’s Suica smartcard.”
Tackling Last-Mile Transportation
Transport access from Myoko Kogen Station has been cited as a challenge. How are you addressing this issue?
“PCG has dedicated staff focused on last-mile mobility solutions, and we’ve begun discussions with Niigata Prefecture and other local stakeholders. Alongside ridesharing, we’re exploring the use of autonomous vehicles in limited zones, while also considering their impact on local employment.
In Japan, companies like Nihon Kotsu are piloting similar initiatives, and we’ll continue working with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as we move forward.”
First-Phase Opening Planned for 2028
You’ve announced plans for a Phase 1 opening in 2028. What can you share about the project timeline and scope?
“With rising construction costs, we want to ensure the plan is well thought out before making public announcements. We aim to unveil the hotel brand and further details after September,” said Chan. “We believe that engaging the local community will be key to the project's success.”
Related Content: Patience Capital Group large development plan spurs Myoko consultative council formation (June 14th, 2025; speaks to early local inclusion in development planning)
Further Reading:
Source:
Nikkei Shimbun (Japanese only; paywalled)
