SQUEEZE Inc. (Head Office: Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido; CEO: Shinichi Tatebayashi; hereinafter “SQUEEZE”), a company driving AX (AI Transformation) in the hotel and tourism industry, today announced the launch of a proof-of-concept (PoC) initiative at its operated property, “Minn STATION Ai Nagoya,” in collaboration with Panasonic Corporation, Rentio Inc., and A9tion Inc. The initiative explores the use of hotel spaces as platforms for experiential marketing.
This project provides guests with an environment in which they can try the latest home appliances and services within the private setting of a hotel room, aligned with real-life usage scenarios. The initiative aims to examine how an experience similar to a home living environment influences purchasing behavior and product evaluation. By enhancing convenience during guests’ stays while offering meaningful opportunities to evaluate products firsthand, the project seeks to validate a new model of value-added hospitality services.
■ Background and Objectives
Expanding the Experience from “Retail Stores” to “Accommodation Spaces”
While traditional retail experiences are typically limited to short in-store interactions, a private hotel room enables guests to try products in real-life usage scenarios, allowing for a more convincing and immersive evaluation. By extending the point of experience from stores to accommodation spaces, the initiative aims to create deeper engagement and more informed purchasing decisions.
Operational Efficiency Through DX-Driven Management
By leveraging SQUEEZE’s smart check-in system and other digital solutions, the project minimizes on-site staff workload while delivering a seamless guest experience. At the same time, it enables effective data collection and analysis, achieving both operational efficiency and measurable marketing impact.
• Location: Minn STATION Ai Nagoya (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan)
• Product: Panasonic Electric Shaver “LAMDASH Palm-in ES-PV70”
Product Page: https://panasonic.jp/shaver/products/ES-PV70.html
• Details:
a. Guests access a dedicated webpage via in-room POP materials or QR codes.
b. At the front desk, a product linked to a specific inventory ID is lent to the guest for use during their stay.
c. The product is returned at check-out. Guests who wish to continue may be provided with options for extended rental or purchase.
• Period: March 3 (Tue) – March 23 (Mon), 2026
■ About the Property: “Minn STATION Ai Nagoya”
“Minn STATION Ai Nagoya,” the venue for this proof-of-concept initiative, is a next-generation smart hotel located on the top floor (7th floor) of “STATION Ai,” one of Japan’s largest open innovation hubs, which opened in October 2024.
• A Hub for Innovation: The property serves as a “co-creation hotel,” providing a platform where startups and corporations can showcase cutting-edge technologies and gather real-world feedback through guest stays.
• Smart Hospitality Experience: Equipped with SQUEEZE’s proprietary cloud-based hotel management system “suitebook,” the hotel delivers a fully digitalized stay experience, including the use of transportation IC cards as room keys, ensuring a seamless and comfortable visit.
• Designed for Diverse Stay Needs: The property features 25 apartment-style guest rooms with kitchen facilities. Room capacities range from accommodations for two guests to large rooms that can host up to 14 guests, making it suitable for business trips, group training camps, and tourism.
• Prime Location and Community Space: Overlooking Tsuruma Park, the hotel offers a rooftop terrace and shared living spaces, providing an open and vibrant community environment for guests.
■ Property Overview: Minn STATION Ai Nagoya
• Address: 7F, STATION Ai, 1-2-32 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
• Access: 5-minute walk from “Tsurumai” Station on the JR Chuo Line / 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of “Tsurumai” Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Tsurumai Line
• Number of Rooms: 25 (Maximum Capacity: 116 guests)
• Website: https://staytuned.asia/ja/brands/minn/hotels/minn-stationainagoya
■ Corporate Information
■ About SQUEEZE Inc.
• Company Name: SQUEEZE Inc.
• Head Office: 1-52 Sakae-cho, Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido, Japan
• Founded: September 1, 2014
• CEO: Shinichi Tatebayashi, Representative Director & CEO
• Business Description: Provision of the AX (AI Transformation) platform centered on the cloud-based hotel management system “suitebook”; development and delivery of AI-powered operational platforms for the hospitality industry; hotel planning and operations; and operational support services through BPO.
• URL: https://squeeze-inc.co.jp/
■ Panasonic Corporation (Product Provider)
• Business Description: Development, manufacturing, and sales of home appliances, air-quality and air-conditioning systems, food distribution solutions, electrical equipment, and devices.
• Role: Product provision (LAMDASH Palm-in)
• URL: https://panasonic.jp/
■ Rentio Inc. (Operational Platform)
• Business Description: Operation of “Rentio,” a subscription and rental service for home appliances, cameras, and other products.
• Role: Provision of rental system and inventory management
• URL: https://www.rentio.jp/
■ A9tion Inc. (Planning & Production)
• Business Description: New business development support and promotional planning.
• Role: Overall planning and project management
• URL: https://www.a9tion.com
