岡 雄大 | YUTA OKA

Staple Inc., CEO

Raised in the US and Japan, Yuta has always had strong interest in discovering new cultures and tracing their roots through travel. Through Staple, he realizes his passion in tracing those roots by creating hotels as a medium to express each locale, and by getting involved in broader neighborhood development. Yuta started his career in real estate and hotel investments at Starwood Capital Group's Tokyo and San Francisco offices. After Starwood, he co-founded a boutique asset management and consulting business focused on small luxury hotels and had the opportunity to work with multiple luxury resort brands. BA Waseda University, Global Political Economy.

川口 貴之 | TAKAYUKI KAWAGUCHI

Born in Miyazaki, Takayuki graduated from the architecture course at Yokohama National University and is a licensed first-class architect. After working for five years as a designer at a housing manufacturer following university, he realized that the direction of a project is determined at the starting point of design and space creation, which led him to switch to UDS to learn planning. He has planned and managed various projects, including hotels, shared offices, commercial facilities, share houses, and complex buildings, overseeing them from planning to opening. In parallel, he has worked on store and graphic design in his hometown of Miyazaki. His favorite things are tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and shochu (a Japanese spirit).

清永 真紀 | MAKI KIYONAGA

Staple Inc., Director
Born and raised in Kumamoto, Maki started her career as a back officer at a company in Kumamoto city, where she very much loved. In the year she turned 30, Maki went to London that she loved for many years. Through the study at City University and the life there, Maki came to think she would like to choose to spend her time with people, things, and time that move her heart.
After returning to Japan, she decided to restart her career in Tokyo, not Kumamoto, as an accounting staff at a couple of hotels. In 2021, Maki joined Staple, and now mainly in charge of accounting in Corporate division.

渡邊 加奈子 | KANAKO WATANABE

Director/K5 General Manager
Born and raised in Ibaraki prefecture, to a family that has been running a hotel for 4 generations. Kanako decided to be part of the Hospitality industry after visiting many hotels and ryokans with her family in her childhood. Despite working with major hotels and ryokans to fulfill her dreams, the business operations has been a challenge for her and decided to go Southeast Asia by herself. She co-founded a retail business, trained more than 50 staff of different origins. There, she engaged in store branding, space design and development for other stores. After working overseas with product development, she started to realize the impact of not just the front but also managing behind the scenes. October 2019 back to Japan, she then joined Staple as the development project manager of HOTEL K5. As of July 2021, she became the General Manager, working hard with her team to build a new hotel industry for future hoteliers.
Graduated from Japan Hotel School

島津 恵理奈 | SHIMAZU ERINA

I was born in Hiroshima and grew up freely by the calm Seto Inland Sea until high school. After graduating from university, I returned to my hometown and worked at a local financial institution — and even served as a tourism ambassador for a year. While grateful for the comfort of my hometown, I decided to seek new inspiration and moved to Tokyo at 25 — a decision I still thank my younger self for.

In Tokyo, I worked in industries related to interior design and real estate, areas I had been interested in since my student days. My experience includes managing a prop rental shop, buying, renovation projects, planning share offices, and selecting OSE items for luxury hotels.

Now, as a community manager at Soil Work, I dedicate my days to running and shaping the space. I love essential oils, flowers, yoga, stretching, writing, and calligraphy — and lately, I’ve been fascinated by customizing bicycles. These days, I cherish time spent surrounded by beautiful things.

鈴木 慎一郎 | SHINICHIRO SUZUKI

I was born in Fukushima and began my career as a chef at Curry Dining Bar Em in my hometown. I later joined Backpackers’ Japan, working across accommodation and F&B operations at toco. and Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE.

In 2020 I relocated to Setoda, put down roots, and focused on connecting the local community with visitors. From pre-opening through day-to-day operations, I helped build SOIL Setoda and served as its manager. As part of regional promotion efforts, I was appointed an Onomichi Tourism Ambassador.

In March 2024 I moved to Tokyo/Nihonbashi and became the manager of timsum.
I graduated from Fukushima University (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration).

中井 慎二 | SHINJI NAKAI

Born in Nagahama, Shiga, and coming from a family of rice farmers, he developed a strong desire to work in the food and beverage industry. After graduating from university, he joined Starbucks, where he discovered a passion for coffee, which led him to move to Tokyo at the age of 27. Since then, he has primarily worked in the café industry, with a brief stay in Fukuoka.

Currently, he is gaining various experiences with the goal of opening his own café in his hometown.

落合乃彩 | NOA OCHIAI

I was born in Higashimurayama, Tokyo. From a young age I was drawn to the world beyond Japan—studying abroad, interning overseas, and taking a working holiday. I also joined a student travel group and backpacked across Japan and abroad. Seeing Japan from the outside gave me a renewed appreciation for its appeal and made me want to share it with more people.

After studying hospitality management, I worked as a barista while gaining experience in hostels, and now I’m stepping fully into hotel work. My goal is to build a place that becomes a destination in itself and fosters real human connection. A pivotal moment in junior high set my life’s aim: to move people with something I’ve created. My guiding question is simple—does it spark genuine excitement?

建部大樹 | TAIKI KENPE

I’m from Hakusan, Ishikawa, and studied architecture at university. During my student years in Kyoto, a part-time job at Len Kyoto Kawaramachi opened my eyes to travel and the power of community, and that led me to an interest in both hotels and hotel architecture.

After graduation I worked in site management at a construction firm, driven by the belief that to make something truly good you have to understand the site firsthand. With that mindset, I joined the team from the pre-opening phase of SOIL Nihonbashi. My ambition is to create a kind of hotel this city hasn’t seen—combining high-quality service and hospitality with beautiful architecture and a touch of rawness. In short: something seriously cool.

佐藤⿇⾥⼦ | MARIKO　SATO

SOIL Nihonbashi Hotel

永原 大奨 | DAISUKE NAGAHARA

SOIL Nihonbashi Hotel General Manager

Born in Tokyo and raised in Osaka.During Daisuke's student years, he devoted himself to rugby before stepping into the hospitality industry after graduation. He began his career with Plan·Do·See, serving as F&B Manager during the openings of Halekulani Okinawa and Janu Tokyo.

Guided by passion “to create places in the world’s most inspiring cities where people can gather and feel uplifted,” I joined Staple in May 2025. Currently pouring his energy into the opening preparations for SOIL Nihonbashi Hotel.

Hobbies: the ocean, sauna, music, good food, and drink.
My ideal evening is a seaside bonfire—drink in hand—talking life with good friends.

小見山 菜摘 | Natsumi Komiyama

I grew up in Hashima, Gifu. At university I studied management, economics, politics, and law, while working four years on bridal service and volunteering at a community market run by a local design office. I then joined a regional financial institution and spent five years in front- and back-office banking—mutual aid, investment trusts, loan intake, operations, and sales. My interest in place-making never left, so I moved to Tokyo to study spatial design for a year, supported a town-planning architecture office for six months, and stepped into my current role.

I’m drawn to the craft behind things—the process and the maker’s intent—and try to connect people, products, and ideas as I build spaces and goods. I grew up in an outdoor family that camped more than we stayed in hotels, so I still head for the mountains whenever I can. Tea ceremony and flower exhibitions with my grandmother sparked a love of Japanese culture; I’ve studied tea ceremony, ikebana, and calligraphy. Lately my days off are for galleries and museums, catching artists’ solo shows.

伴 恵里香 | ERIKA BAN

I grew up in Saitama City. After leaving my first job at an apparel company, I used my savings to study short-term at Chelsea College of Arts in London and then traveled solo across Europe. That trip made me obsessed with how diverse expression can be—and with the patterns that make spaces feel welcoming.

Back in Japan, I worked at a Backpacker’s Japan guesthouse while studying interior design. I later joined TOTO, proposing products to end users and consulting on new builds and renovations. I’m still a proud toilet nerd—I check every new model and restroom layout I come across. After that, I moved to an interior design firm, working on concepting, fixture/furniture design, and FFE/OSE selection. Along the way I realized what I love most is the story in every element of a space—and the people who bring that space to life, comfortably and as themselves.
Someday I want to live close to nature and take my dog for a walk every morning.

谷野 夏羽 | Natsuha Tanino

I was born and raised in Okayama in 2001. Right out of high school I spent three years interning at a startup, then helped open a local accommodation and fell for the depth of the hotel world. I completed two cohorts of the GM GYM manager-training program, started interning at Staple in August 2023, and joined full-time after graduation.
I’m good at crisp minutes and being the extra set of hands that keeps things moving. I love the sky and the sea—and I’m learning more about flowers and kimono.

鏡 勇人 | Hayato Kagami

I’m from Funabashi, Chiba. While studying tourism at university, I interned from year one at a startup selling into hostels and guesthouses, and worked front desk at Tokyo hotels to learn the business. After graduating I joined a hotel operator, covering day-to-day operations and the opening/management of hotel condominiums.
Introduced by a friend from my student days, I joined Staple to create places loved by both communities and guests over the long term.

My hobbies include coffee, music (occasionally DJing), and running. With my team, I strive every day to create as many moments as possible where everyone involved can smile.

黛麻里子 | MARIKO MAYUZUMI

I’m from Takasaki, Gunma. I started out in apparel retail and later moved to MUJI, where I worked in customer service and product management. For about seven years I worked in an after-school day program supporting children with disabilities. That experience taught me the value of family and community connections—and showed me the limits of existing systems.

In 2025 I transitioned to hospitality and am taking on new challenges on the front lines of hotel operations. I’m deeply interested in community building and place-making, and want to create spaces that connect people with each other and with the places they live. Drawing on my background in service and social care, my aim is to offer warmth and a sense of ease to everyone I welcome.

高平葉奈 | Hana Takahira

田島 美里 | Misato Tajima

Born in Hamura City, Tokyo. After graduating from a technical school specializing in architecture, I spent four years at a design firm focusing on renovations. During that time, I worked on designing hotels, coworking spaces, cafés, and even gained experience with coffee stand pop-ups at in-house facilities. Thanks to a connection introduced by a former supervisor, I joined Staple. My hobby is mountain climbing, and my favorite mountain is Mt. Tsubakuro.

大谷 祐里佳 | Yurika Otani

Born in Fukushima Prefecture, I moved to Kyoto for seven years starting from university, and then relocated to Tokyo the day before starting my job. During my university years, I traveled all over Japan, discovering the charm of various regions and connecting with many people's passions. After graduation, I worked at a restaurant, spending my days surrounded by regular customers from the neighborhood and visiting tourists.

Over time, as my desire to not just offer a single product but to provide value in the form of options and experiences grew stronger, I began to think about what "space" and "community" mean. This led me to join Soil Work with an interest in creating communities that connect regions.

I want to create options that can bring a little extra happiness to someone's life, and I aspire to expand the circle of happiness. I continue to hold onto this broad and gentle dream.

黒井 さゆり | Sayuri Kuroi

春日 咲 | Saki Kasuga

松本 雄輝 | Yuki Matsumoto

二瓶 涼 | Ryo Nihei

堀川 笑里 | Emiri Horikawa

I’m from Urayasu, Chiba. After university I enrolled in a one-year spatial design program. Visiting many spaces taught me how much I love design with a story and places that spark connection. I then joined an interior design firm focused on hotels and offices.
I came to Staple to work on regional revitalization and create spaces that keep supporting people even after handover. My current dream is to build unforgettable spaces for travelers with a team I trust.

田嶋 香奈 | Kana Tajima | K5

辻 晴香 | Haruka Tsuji | K5

鎌田 萌 | Moe Kamata | Parklet

I was born and raised in Tokyo.
I love delicious food and places surrounded by lots of trees.

藤澤 優 | Fujisawa Yu

Born in Osaka Prefecture, I spent every day immersed in baseball from the age of 5 to 18.

At the age of 19, I started my career in the entertainment industry after being scouted, primarily working in theater and modeling. As I pursued this career, I began to wonder how I could gain more recognition and decided to improve my English skills, leading me to study abroad in the Philippines and Canada. While in Canada, I worked as a barista while studying performing arts. Although I had planned to attend university in Canada, I had to give up that opportunity due to the social climate at the time.

After returning to Japan, I resumed my work in the entertainment industry but felt a growing desire to deepen my involvement in my barista work, which I had continued on the side. Currently, I’m studying from scratch as a GM to learn store management. My role model is Kanako Watanabe.

吉積 悠 | Haruka Yoshizumi

Born in Hyogo Prefecture and graduated from an international school in Osaka. I spent my high school years studying abroad in Ireland and attended university in California. I also did a working holiday in Dublin, often finding myself abroad in between those experiences. When I travel, I typically visit friends, as I enjoy the local vibe.

After a career in sales ranging from general contractors to KOMBUCHA sales to an advertising agency, I made a career change to a back-office position at a foreign law firm. Having experienced difficult times myself, I value creating a workspace where everyone can work comfortably and enjoyably.

In the future, I hope to live between Japan and Europe.

Naru Developments

早瀬 文智と岡 雄大によって創業された旅館及びホテルの企画・開発・運営会社。 日本各地へのチェーン展開ではなく、土地の声を聞きその場所が持つ歴史や風土、慣習に思いを馳せながら開発を行い、実が成るようにその場を育てていく運営を目指しています。

しおまち企画

「住みたいまち、しおまち」を目指す瀬戸田地域のソフトデベロッパー。 尾道市・地域DMOとともに「しおまちとワークショップ」を開催し、地域内外の人々や企業が加わり、地域課題の解決に向け、さまざまなまちづくりのアイデアを提案、実践してきました。2021年にSOIL Setodaを開業後は、シャッターが目立つしおまち商店街を中心に空き家のリノベや小商用の店舗区画と住宅を併設したユニットの開発を進めていくことで、街に多様性をもたらし、「すみたい街」であるための開発を行なっています。

Terrain

東京とカリフォルニアを拠点に調理器具の製作と自社出版等の活動をするクリエティブスタジオTerasuと共に創業。同じ価値観を持つ生産者、シェフ、デザイナー、アーティストといったあらゆる人々が、その土地の風土を食の観点から引き出すことを目的に集い、活動しています。時には環境再生型農業によって栽培された豆を専門に取り扱うコーヒーロースターを、SOILが展開する先々で飲食店を、そして時には独立した店舗を運営することもあれば、食材の研究開発も行います。

FERMENT

飲食・人・ホテルを通しそれぞれの手法で都市とローカルを構想する3社（Media Surf Communications inc. , Haku inc, , Staple inc.)が2019年11月に設立、2020年2月にオープンした日本橋兜町のマイクロ複合施設「K5」を企画・開発。現在はHOTEL K5の運営を行っています。“REVITALIZE THE CITY（街の再活性化）“のビジョンの下、街に強い点を打ち、この場所からユニークなカルチャーやコミュニティを生み出すことを目指します。