Local Revitalization Project: 'Tsunagaru BASE' to Grand Open on May 30 Following Renovation of Historic Rice Granary

Asakawa Town, Fukushima Prefecture — In this town of 5,500 people, known as the 'Home of Fireworks,' a 70-year-old rice granary is being reborn as a hub for multi-generational exchange. General Incorporated Association Tsunagaru, led by Representative Director Tomohiro Ueno, will celebrate the grand opening of 'Tsunagaru BASE' on May 30, 2026. Located just a one-minute walk from JR Iwaki-Asakawa Station, the facility utilized the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' 'Regional Economic Cycle Creation Project Grant,' a fund reserved for projects with high public interest and business viability.

The opening day will feature a series of events from morning to evening, including a Shinto completion ceremony, a commemorative ceremony, a collaborative live performance by a calligrapher and an artist, a mini-concert, and a DJ session.

Event Schedule for May 30, 2026: - 11:00: Shinto Completion Ceremony to pray for safety and prosperity. - 11:30: Grand Opening Ceremony featuring presentations by Tomohiro Ueno and guest speeches from regional revitalization advisors. - 12:20: Ribbon-cutting ceremony. - 12:25: Facility tour guided by architect Takanori Suzuki, explaining the integration of 70-year-old beams with modern facilities. - 12:45: Calligraphy and Art Live Performance by Ayaka Hara and Saya Okamoto. - 13:35: Mini-concert by local resident Harumi Sagawa. - 14:30 – 18:00: Public opening 'Tsunagaru Afternoon Club' with DJ Yoichi Tsukahara.

'Tsunagaru BASE' serves as a regional platform featuring: - Event Space: Capacity for 50 people, suitable for workshops and parties. - Lodging: 'Kura,' a premium one-group-per-day accommodation in a stone warehouse. - Retail: Sales of local products and development of 'Asakawa Brand' goods. - Cafe & Bar: 'ma Coffee and Bakes,' functioning as a 'challenge kitchen' for young chefs.

Following the opening, the facility will host regular programs such as the 'Global Cafe' for international exchange, 'Tsunagaru Calligraphy Club,' and beeswax candle-making workshops using local materials.

General Incorporated Association Tsunagaru positions itself as a 'Zebra Company,' balancing social contribution with sustainable profit. The leadership team includes professionals from diverse fields, including architecture, law, and consulting, aiming to create a self-sustaining regional revitalization model that does not rely solely on subsidies.