Page 24 - #91+eng

C

Naomi explained that small towns like Shikoku-
chuo City often face significant information disparities
compared to urban areas, and traditional practices can
persist, making it challenging for new information to
penetrate. However, there are people who have returned
to their hometowns from cities or have relocated here
from elsewhere. Among them are entrepreneurs and
creative individuals who are contributing to the revi-
talization of these regions.
“For instance, we use the space where the laundromat
is located to plan and host regular events, with a focus on
food, and it’s become a hub for people to gather, fostering
a sense of community. I believe that such activities are in
demand as they are relatively scarce, and they help in ex-
panding social connections and networks.” Naomi added.

LAUNDRY HOLIDAY Community

Shikokuchuo City, the location of LAUNDRY HOL-
IDAY, is a small city with a population of less than
100,000. In Naomi’s opinion, the area is very slow and
local, so it is close to each other. People say hello to each
other in the morning and start chatting, which is a dai-
ly routine. If there are some places to do it, where would
make you happier.
It’s headquarters to many manufacturing companies
and is economically prosperous. The population has been
declining, but there’s turnover due to job relocations,
and a high percentage of women in the workforce, lead-
ing to many dual-income households, making the demand
for laundry services high.
LAUNDRY HOLIDAY is located along a major road,
ensuring high visibility, and providing a safe environment
for our customers. While there are few establishments in
rural areas implementing new approaches, they have re-
ceived positive feedback from many customers, which
they greatly appreciate.
Initially, the target audience LAUNDRY HOLIDAY
aimed for were families in the 30-50 age group living in
“We use the space where the laundromat is located the vicinity. The catchment area for a laundromat typi-
cally extends to a radius of about 3 kilometers, and at most
to plan and host regular events, with a focus on 5 kilometers, for those who use cars. This demographic
has indeed become the main user group. From an age
food, and it’s become a hub for people to gather, perspective, they also have a significant number of senior
families in the 60-70 age range.
fostering a sense of community. I believe that such The operating ethos of YOSHIO ICE CREAM embod-
ies Naomi’s commitment to community building – sup-
activities are in demand as they are relatively porting local producers and suppliers by using locally
scarce, and they help in expanding social connec- sourced ingredients, which allows YOSHIO ICE CREAM
to build a network of farmers.
To give you a better idea of the details of LAUNDRY
tions and networks.” HOLIDAY renovation, here’s our conversation with Naomi.

24 25