Trunk (Hotel) TOKYO
Entrepreneur Yoshitaka Nojiri brings socially-conscious hospitality to Japan, with a vibrant community hub in Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya neighbourhood. Words: Ben Thomas | Photography: © Masahide Iida / Courtesy of Trunk (Hotel)
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he definition of socialising is changing in today’s digital age, with many operators seeking to provide a vibrant hub for both hotel guests and locals. Yet for Trunk (Hotel) – a new concept in Tokyo’s Shibuya district – the notion is about much more than catching up over coffee. Along with the more traditional aspects of connecting with fellow travellers, the project strives to enable guests to make meaningful social contributions through their stay. A member of Design Hotels, Trunk is the brainchild of Yoshitaka Nojiri, and has been brought to life with the creative direction of
Hiroe Tanaka. Both have a track record in the wedding industry, yet the property is the duo’s first venture into the hotel sector. “Trunk (Hotel) defines socialising by focusing on five elements – environment, local first, diversity, health and culture,” explains Nojiri. “We aim to provide sustainable methods of contribution, enabling guests to put their desire to help others in society into action.” As a result, every aspect of the hotel reflects the socialising concept, whether that be through providing a platform for human interaction or giving back through social contributions. The architecture, for example, is the work of husband-and-wife team Mount Fuji
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