Press Release
Cool Japan Fund Inc.
Tokyo, July 21, 2020

Investment in the Inbound Tourism and Developmentof the Shonai Region hub with Suiden Terrasse Hotelin Tsuruoka, Yamagata
Cool Japan Fund (CJF) has decided to invest up to 1.5 billion yen in YAMAGATADESIGN RESORT (YDR), a company that operates sightseeing and agriculturalindustries. YDR is a subsidiary of YAMAGATA DESIGN (YD), which creates
communities by working with local businesses to mitigate regional obstacles, working
from their headquarters in Tsuruoka, Yamagata prefecture, in the southwest of theTohoku region of Japan.
In September 2018, YD opened the SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERASSE, a composite
lodging facility in Tsuruoka based on the concept of “a hotel floating over a rice field”
from which one can experience the charm of Yamagata’s Shonai area. SUIDENTERASSE was designed by the world-famous architect Shigeru Ban. The facility
attracts tourists with the lush nature, food, and culture of Shonai, as well as with its
own organic agriculture business and collaborative activities formed with regional
businesses. SUIDEN TERASSE targets foreign travelers and repeat travelers who stayfor longer durations, offering a tailored experience of regional tourist attractions andorganic agriculture. they are showing Shonai’s charms off to the world.
Through this investment, CJF will support the initiative to improve the overall
tourism value of Shonai through YDR’s cooperation and through strengthening thebonds with local businesses and expanding the tourism and organic agricultural
facilities. As a result of this support, the local economy will be revitalized by focusing
not only on already established tourist spots but also responding to inbound tourism
demand with Shonai’s hidden charms. They will make sure that the regions aredeveloping through their acquired knowledge and skills and create successful
examples of “inbound x regional creations”.
CJF assumes the investment will be utilized for the growth of YDR and the Shonai
after the current situation of COVID-19 subsides.

About YAMAGATA DESIGNFounded: August 2014

Headquarters: Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata prefecture

CEO and Founder: Daisuke Yamanaka

Business Summary :YD develops businesses that revitalize Yamagata Prefecture's Shonai region. YD
operates the Suiden Terrasse hotel which floats on top of rice fields, an all-weather
educational facility for children called Kids Dome SORAI, and the Shonai Zukan
digital portal which curates and publishes information pertaining to regional jobs,culture, and lifestyle.
In addition to its main ventures, YD trains the next generation of farmers, develops
machinery to make organic rice cultivation more accessible, and grows its own
organic produce year-round.
Homepage: https://www.yamagata-design.com/ (Japanese Only)

About YAMAGATA DESIGN RESORTFounded: August 2014

Headquarters: Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata prefecture

CEO: Daisuke Yamanaka

Business Summary : Hotel Business“SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERASSE”

Agriculture “SHONAL ROOTS”
About SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE
Opened: September 2018

Location: Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata

Number of Rooms : 119
Total Area

: Roughly 34,600 square meters(total floor space: roughly 7,500 square meters)

Homepage: https://suiden-terrasse.yamagata-design.com/

Contact for details regarding this document:
Cool Japan Fund (PR representative: Yuge, Okuyama) Tel 03-6406-7500
Cool Japan Fund Homepage: https://www.cj-fund.co.jp/en/