Our Corporate Communications staff spend time getting to know Sumitomo Corporation's different business sites around the world, reporting on how the people at those sites work. We will keep you up to date with the world of Sumitomo Corporation, which extends to every corner of the globe.
Taro Ueno,
Mass Media Relations Team, Corporate Communications Department
Taro Ueno joined Sumitomo Corporation in January 2009, and was dispatched to Corporate Communications Department. After proudly finishing in seventh place in sailing at the Beijing Olympic Games, he joined the company for a second time (first in 2003). On weekends, he coaches the Company’s sailing club. In charge of the Kansai District and Financial and Logistics Business Unit, he is currently looking for a spouse.
Senri Central District Restructuring Project
This is a restructuring project for the area around Senri Chuo station in Senri New Town, which was originally developed in 1962, covering an area of 5.2 hectares owned by Osaka Prefecture, Toyonaka city, and others. The Senri Tower, a 50-story condominium building developed by Sumitomo Corporation, has 356 apartments.
Universal City Walk (UCW)
A commercial complex connected to Universal Studios Japan with more than fifty tenants, including restaurants and a variety of shops. Management and maintenance of the facility has been delegated to Sumisho Urban Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.
Sumisho Urban Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1997, the company specializes in the planning, development, management, and maintenance of commercial facilities. With 13 branches nationwide, it deals with Decks Tokyo Beach, Kishiwada CanCan Bayside Mall, and other facilities.
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This is the king of Osaka local foods!
When UCW first opened, the third floor, which is on ground level, was made up of mainly fast food restaurants; the fourth floor mainly retail shops, specializing in fashion; and the fifth floor (top floor), mainly restaurants. However, because of inefficient sales affecting the fourth floor retail shops, research efforts were made, including a questionnaire targeting UCW customers. It seems that a majority of customers expected UCW to offer a better selection of restaurants. In particular, we found a strong demand for Osaka's well-known local foods among visiting tourists, who also enjoy restaurants with an American-style atmosphere.
Even weekdays see huge crowds.
From a variety of "konamon" (food made from wheat and other flour) such as okonomiyaki, kushiage and other foods local to Osaka, takoyaki, a famous casual dish was chosen as most popular. Once the takoyaki eatery opened, it attracted far more customers than expected, especially on the fourth floor. An increase in customers led to more traffic on the floor and a positive impact on neighboring shops. Nakazawa says, "At first, I thought Osaka Takoyaki Museum would merely be a nice place for tourists to enjoy a snack, but instead it has gained enormous popularity and has grown into a leading attraction at UCW."
Not all challenges are successful, but each challenge is potentially an opportunity for future success.
Such challenges lead to business know-how that our Real Estate Division is proud of. This visit showed me that our real estate business, with its long history, will continue to pursue new challenges and developments based on its know-how, gained through valuable experience.
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