Today’s topic revolves around the news that hotel accommodation rates in Tokyo have nearly doubled in recent years. With prices soaring this high, it’s no surprise that more people are turning to overnight buses to save on lodging costs. But once they arrive in Tokyo by night bus, where do they spend their time? Inspired by this question, I explored the possibilities from my own perspective.
One fascinating point in the article was the rise of rental spaces as a new alternative. These spaces, available from early morning, cater primarily to young women by meeting needs such as “resting,” “changing clothes,” or “hair and makeup.” For instance, some people use them as preparation hubs before heading to live performances or events. This flexible usage is intriguing.
However, I believe rental spaces have even greater potential. For example, imagine creating experiential, community-driven activities that extend from the concept of “oshi-katsu” (supporting one’s favorite artists or interests). If such spaces could evolve from simple rest stops into hubs for interaction and creative activities, they could generate richer value for users.
So how can we unlock this potential? From our perspective, the key lies in analyzing the characteristics of each region and its users and then proposing themes and activities tailored to their needs. For instance, in regional cities, spaces could host programs leveraging local specialties and tourist attractions. Meanwhile, in metropolitan areas, unique services could cater to trend-sensitive youth. Using AI and data analysis to refine these ideas would enable highly precise marketing strategies.
Additionally, it’s crucial to shift the perspective from “renting time” to “delivering value.” Offering concrete experiences, such as morning plans with breakfast or special rates for remote work, could lead to increased usage frequency. This approach becomes even more significant in the context of rising hotel prices.
As highlighted in the news, the use of rental spaces is undoubtedly expanding. Behind this trend are the efforts of companies that dig deep into what users genuinely seek and respond accordingly. I deeply respect these efforts, and I also aim to broaden this potential through new value propositions.
In the future, rental spaces may evolve beyond mere convenient places to become venues where people forge new connections. Why not incorporate this perspective and think together about the next generation of “spatial utilization”?