Tomoyasu Kato single-handedly transformed an ailing family business into a sprawling empire of hotels, spas, entertainment venues and a popular chain of udon noodle restaurants. Now he has set his sights on attracting affluent overseas travelers to a series of small-scale luxury resorts he plans to build in various scenic locales across the nation.
Kato, the president and chief executive officer of Kato Pleasure Group, said the rapid growth in inbound travelers presents ample opportunity to lure wealthy foreigners to the Fufu brand of boutique hotels the company is producing in partnership with real estate firm Hulic Co.
By 2020, when Tokyo will be hosting the Olympic Games, he plans to open six new Fufu-brand venues in popular destinations such as Kyoto and Nara.