SQUEEZE Inc. (headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Shinichi Tatebayashi, President; hereinafter “SQUEEZE”) announces that it has entered into a partnership with ZENSHIN CONNECT Co, We are pleased to announce that Kenshin Sugita, former professional baseball player and community activist, has been appointed as a SQUEEZE ambassador. This partnership will promote local contribution and community-based hotel management, and SQUEEZE will continue to realize innovative hotel operations in Hokkaido, a key location for the company.

■ Kenshin Sugita Profile

He joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2009 after passing an entrance test. During his career, he played 7 positions other than pitcher and catcher, and contributed to the team as a switch hitter. He retired in 2022 after 14 years with the team and founded ZENSHIN CONNECT, Inc. on April 3, 2023.

～Comments from Mr. Sugiya on his new position
It is with a special feeling that I have been appointed as an ambassador of SQUEEZE, a company that continues to take on innovative challenges. It was at Sheetal Sapporo that we held our company’s inaugural briefing session. It was at Sheetal Sapporo that we had our inaugural briefing session, and it was there that they supported us from the preparation to the day of the event, which has brought us to where we are today. We are grateful for all the connections we have made and will continue to collaborate with ZENSHIN to achieve our goal of contributing to the local community and promoting community-based hotel management. We will connect your smiles to the future.

■ About ZENSHIN CONNECT

ZENSHIN CONNECT Co. ZENSHIN CONNECT is developing business in the four fields of sports, community, education, and international business, and by combining these fields, we call it “ZENSHIN BUSINESS”. We believe that “progress that could not be made by one person can be made with the help of others. We are working to become that someone. Advancement means to have a goal and to challenge to achieve it. In the field of sports and education, in the community, and across the country. We back up each person’s progress, and connect it to the next progress, and to the progress of another person.

■ Background of the ZENSHIN CONNECT x SQUEEZE Partnership

SQUEEZE Inc. promotes DX in the industry by providing system solutions and consulting for hotel management and lodging facilities under CEO Shinichi Tatebayashi, a native of Asahikawa, Hokkaido. In particular, in the operation of lodging facilities, we place importance on contributing to the local economy as a hub for people to interact, and we aim to deepen cooperation with local businesses and residents. In this context, our desire to energize Hokkaido and contribute to regional revitalization resonated with us, leading us to form a partnership with ZENSHIN CONNECT, a company that promotes business development that makes the most of local resources.

ZENSHIN CONNECT is contributing to the revitalization of Hokkaido by serving as a platform to connect local communities and businesses in order to support the development of local companies. Both companies share the philosophy of promoting “community-based business operations,” and share the common goal of operating hotels and promoting local development by making the most of local resources.

▶Find below the details of the interview with CEO Tatebayashi and Kenshin Sugiya, who discuss their thoughts and feelings.

Part 1: https://note.squeeze-inc.co.jp/n/n3197dbd1ee42

Part 2: https://note.squeeze-inc.co.jp/n/nda8cf3f93f5b

Scheduled to open in March “ESCONFIELD HOKKAIDO Hotel Kitahiroshima Ekimae” About “ESCONFIELD HOKKAIDO Hotel Kitahiroshima Ekimae

This hotel is positioned as the first project of “Kitahiro Hometown BASE,” an area revitalization project around the west exit of the station, and is scheduled to open in late March 2025. Under the concept of “Life Innovation Hub,” the hotel aims to become a hub of interaction where not only local residents but also a diverse range of people can gather and use it as a new gateway to Kitahiroshima Station.

Furthermore, by introducing next-generation services such as smart check-in and cashless payment, and by collaborating with partner companies such as ES-CON Japan, we will create a bustling atmosphere throughout Kitahiroshima City. As a tourist base that widely communicates the attractions of the region and welcomes many guests, the hotel will grow together with the region and realize hotel management that will be loved for a long time.

▶Related release: https://squeeze-inc.co.jp/archives/2571/

SQUEZE Hokkaido Initiatives to Date

■ Conversion of one floor of a building and opening of “Sheater Sapporo” in Susukino
In July 2020, we converted one floor of “F45”, a restaurant building recognized as a landmark in Sapporo’s Susukino district, and opened “Sheater Sapporo” as a smart capsule hotel with a shared lounge. Taking advantage of the features of the lounge with a large screen, the facility has grown to play a new role as a local exchange center, hosting events by artists and companies, and holding public viewing events.

【Detail of Sheater Sapporo: https://staytuned.asia/ja/brands/theatel/hotels/theatel-sapporo 】
【Seater Sapporo Introduction article: https://note.squeeze-inc.co.jp/n/ne7f83cf28549?magazine_key=mb0151dc4e328 】

■ Opening of our own hotel brand “Minn” in Hokkaido for the first time

In December 2022, we opened our own apartment hotel brand “Minn” in Hokkaido, which is a combination of “Minn” meaning “accommodation” and “inn” meaning “everyone” in a group or family. Minn Chitose is located an 8-minute walk from JR Minami Chitose Station, one stop from New Chitose Airport, and is used as a base for various purposes such as sightseeing, activities, and sports, as well as by local residents who work as management crew members.
【Minn Chitose Details: https://staytuned.asia/brands/minn/hotels/minn-chitose/ ]

In July last year, “Minn Chitose” also began to appear on the official website of the Hokkaido Ball Park F Village, and we will strive to provide a comfortable stay as a base for the Kitahiroshima and F Village area. We will continue to provide strong support not only for hotel management, but also for the entire area’s digital strategy and customer attraction.

▶ Related press release: https://squeeze-inc.co.jp/archives/1524/

■ escon Field HOKKAIDO to Begin Operation of “tower eleven hotel,” an In-Ballpark Hotel

In March 2023, we began operating the “tower eleven hotel” and the “tower eleven onsen & sauna,” a hot spring facility, at the new stadium, ESCON Field HOKKAIDO, located in the Hokkaido Ball Park F Village. Since its opening, the hotel has been well received by many guests for its location overlooking the field and unique accommodation experience.
【Details of tower eleven hotel: https://staytuned.asia/ja/brands/towereleven/hotels/towerelevenhotel ]

■ About SQUEEZE Inc.

Established: September 2014
Head office: 4F ARCHES KAMIYAMACHO, 6-4 Kamiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Shinichi Tatebayashi, CEO
URL: https:/squeeze-inc.co.jp/
Business description: Providing solutions for idle real estate and lodging facilities, consulting on opening and operating lodging facilities, developing and selling “suitebook,” a cloud-based lodging management system for lodging businesses, planning and operating smart hotels, and providing remote customer service and other services