News

Be a Part of Shaping Furano’s Future

Kukan Inc. Expands with a New Branch in Furano

“As a next-generation solution company, we continue to create new spaces.”
Kukan Inc. (Headquarters: Sapporo, CEO: Kentaro Yamamoto) is excited to announce the opening of a new Furano branch as we continue to expand our business in Hokkaido.

Furano and Kukan Inc.

A Rapid Increase in Foreign Visitors to Furano

Since its founding in November 2022, Kukan Inc. has focused on vacation rental and real estate investment, with Furano being a key area of business expansion.

Furano has long been a popular domestic tourist destination, partly due to the influence of the famous TV drama Kita no Kuni Kara (From the North). However, in recent years, the Kitanomine area near Furano Ski Resort has been undergoing development as a resort destination for international travelers.

Since the 2000s, Niseko-Hirafu in Central Hokkaido has gained global recognition as a premier ski resort, bringing international attention to Hokkaido as a whole.

Just like Niseko, Furano Ski Resort is renowned for its powder snow, attracting foreign tourists and accelerating its transformation into a major international resort destination.

Increase in Foreign Tourist Stays in Furano

The graph above shows a steady increase in foreign tourist stays in Furano over the years. While numbers temporarily declined due to events like the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the overall trend remains strong, demonstrating the growing demand for accommodations in Furano.

Kukan Inc.’s Business in Furano

Recognizing this rising demand, Kukan Inc. has been operating vacation rentals in two key areas:

• Kitanomine District (near the ski resort and city center)
• Yamabe District (surrounded by Furano’s vast rural landscapes)

Here are some examples of our vacation rental operations in Furano:

① Furano Log House Farm Resort (Yamabe District)

A secluded log house nestled in the vast rural landscape of Furano. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and farmland, offering a perfect escape from city life.

• Summer Activities: Outdoor barbecues under the open sky
• Main Appeal: A tranquil, immersive experience in nature

② Furano Zone Ski Condo (Kitanomine District)

Located just 20 minutes on foot from Furano Ski Resort, this apartment-style vacation rental provides convenient access to skiing and snowboarding.

• Separate bath and toilet for maximum relaxation after an active day
• Easy access to Furano city center for shopping and dining
• Ideal for long-term stays for ski enthusiasts

Challenges Facing Furano

Despite its rapid tourism growth, Furano faces several regional challenges that need urgent attention.

① Declining Population & Aging Society

Furano City is part of the Kamikawa Subprefecture, which includes 23 municipalities. Among them, only four have city status:

• Asahikawa
• Shibetsu
• Nayoro
• Furano

As the central hub of Southern Kamikawa, Furano has played a crucial role in regional development. However, like many municipalities in Hokkaido, population decline and aging are major concerns.

Population & Aging Trends in Furano

• 2010: Total population 24,404, with 6,343 (26%) aged 65+
• 2025 (Projection): Total population 19,595, with 6,872 (35%) aged 65+
• Decline in working-age population: Over 5,000 people lost in just 15 years

The continuous drop in working-age residents is having a significant impact on the local labor market.

② Challenges in the Local Labor Market

Furano City conducted a 2023 labor market survey among local employees. The key findings highlight:

Job Satisfaction & Work Recommendations

• Average job satisfaction: 5.97/10
• Likelihood of recommending workplace to others: 4.95/10

Positive Aspects of Working in Furano

1. Easy to take leave (133 responses)
2. Good workplace relationships (94 responses)
3. Comprehensive employee benefits (86 responses)

Main Dissatisfactions

1. Low wages & unfair pay (100 responses)
2. No specific complaints (67 responses)
3. Poor work environment (50 responses)

Employee Priorities

1. Workforce shortage solutions (152 responses)
2. Wage improvements (113 responses)
3. Better work-life balance (72 responses)

Concerns About Leaving Furano

• 34% of workers are considering moving out of Furano
• Top reasons for relocation:
  1. Uncertainty about company future / Lack of entertainment & shopping options (38 responses)
  2. Dissatisfaction with workload & working conditions (36 responses)
  3. No strong reasons to stay in Furano (32 responses)

These results indicate that while work-life balance and workplace relationships are positive, issues like low wages, labor shortages, and limited entertainment options make it difficult to retain talent.

How Kukan Inc. is Supporting Furano

① Creating Job Opportunities

We are actively hiring for our Furano branch and are seeking candidates for the following roles:

1. Real Estate & Administrative Staff

• Handling contracts and legal documentation
• Managing customer and property data
• Coordinating with financial institutions

2. Real Estate Sales & Property Acquisition

• Proposing land use solutions
• Managing real estate transactions

3. General Administrative & Accounting Staff

• Payroll, bookkeeping, and financial management
• Coordinating with vendors and handling paperwork

4. Vacation Rental Renovation Director

• Overseeing interior renovations for vacation properties
• Managing project budgets and schedules

② Equal Work Standards & Wages

As an IT-driven startup, Kukan Inc. operates on a national scale, ensuring that salaries and working conditions in Furano match those in urban areas like Sapporo.

By integrating DX (Digital Transformation) and real-time collaboration with headquarters, we are fostering a modern and connected work environment in Furano.

③ Promoting Relocation to Furano

Beyond vacation rentals, we are also involved in real estate acquisition and revitalization projects through our “Goen” service.

• Solving vacant home issues
• Repurposing acquired properties for new residents

By showcasing Furano’s lifestyle and career opportunities, we aim to encourage new migration into the area.

Kukan Inc.’s Vision for Furano

We firmly believe that Furano has the potential to develop further.

For example, many restaurants in Furano still do not accept credit cards, making it difficult for international tourists to dine. If these establishments adopt cashless payment systems, they could significantly increase their revenue.

Furano is more than just lavender fields—it holds vast untapped opportunities.

Through our new Furano branch, we aim to support local tourism, address regional challenges, and become a driving force for Furano’s future.

Company Overview

Company Name
Kukan Inc.
Established
November 29, 2022
Capital
1,000,000 JPY
Representative
Kentaro Yamamoto

Head Office
〒062-0904
4-3-1-1 Toyohira, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Branch Office
〒076-0023
4-7 Sakae-machi, Furano, Hokkaido, Japan

Business Activities

① Vacation Rental Investment Business

• Planning and operation of JANKEN
• Support for vacation rental investment projects in Hokkaido

② Store Operation Business

• Planning and operation of 24 Sweets Shop Sapporo Teine

③ Creative Business

• Business development, branding, and marketing solution planning

Related Links

• Kukan Inc.: https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/
• JANKEN: https://janken-hokkaido.com/
• 24 Sweets Shop Sapporo Teine: https://kukanhokkaido.co.jp/24-sweets-sapporoteine/
• Real Estate Buying Specialist “Goen”: https://goen-hokkaido.jp/