During a tumultuous economic climate that threatens to dampen even the most festive of moods, taking time out to improve one’s body and mind becomes all the more important. From the essential skin care products that serve to protect and enhance our health, to the natural foods that enrich and energize our bodies, the close of the year is the perfect time to renew one’s personal commitment to self-improvement.

For those of us living in Japan, the healing waters of traditional onsen and the soothing splendor of the Japanese countryside are the perfect salve to restore vitality in preparation for a challenging business year ahead. The following companies offer some of the best solutions to keep you in good health throughout the year 2010.

Niki Club Resort

Niki Club was opened in 1986 in the Yokosawa area of Nasu highland with only six rooms available for customers. In 1997 the number of rooms expanded to fourteen. In 2003 we built an east annex called NIKI Club and Spa which has an excellent spa facility. Our east annex quickly became a talking point for everyone as this building was the first hotel project done by Sir Terence Conran in all of Asia. The occupancy rate for fiscal 2004 reached 90 percent and this result was a rather nice surprise for us. In 2006, for our 20-year anniversary, we opened an outdoor theater called “Shichi seki butai” in the garden and also completed a guest house called “Kanki-Kan.”

In addition, we produced a glass studio and a pottery studio called “Art Biotope,” which is specially for guests interested in enjoying an extended stay. We planned to situate those art facilities right in front of Niki Club. The studio, owned by an investor who is one of our guest members, is operated and managed by Niki Club.

Now our main building, Auberge (Niki Club 1986), east building Spa Hotel (NIKI CLUB & SPA), our cultural seven-stone stage monument “Shichi seki butai,” and a multi-purpose space are together in the same area. We finally managed to complete the fundamentals of our original culture resort concept that we’ve been envisioning from the very beginning.

This year, we are celebrating the resort’s 24th anniversary. Within the past 20 years, the style of Japanese tourists has changed significantly from primarily group activities to individuals who relish their own time. We believe that a growing number of hotels categorized as “small hotels” reflects the change in the style of tourism. Niki Club earned its recognition and good reputation because of this new trend.

Meanwhile, we are facing the global economic crisis, which, along with various problems in modern society has heightened anxiousness and led some to isolate themselves and lose touch with the rest of society.

In an article titled “The Prospects of Post-Consumer Society” published in the Bunshun Shinsho, former President of Saison Group, Seiji Tsutsumi, and sociologist Chizuko Ueno try to uncover clues for methods we can use to rebuild our society while consumer confidence is at an all-time low.

New York University emeritus professor Ryuzo Sato also recently advocated the reestablishment of “warm capitalism” versus the “ruthless capitalism” that is the current economic trend in America (Nihon Keizai Shimbun, October 26, 2009). In addition, he suggests that the notion of a “fraternal principle” of new government should be discussed more often.

That is why it is important for all of us working in the hospitality industry to focus on the true potential of cultural values and put those values into practice. As a matter of fact, recently guests have been showing a strong interest in resort culture. For example, their interests now seem to be focused on having new dining experiences, typified by an interest in the food’s ingredients, area of production, production status, and consideration for the global environment, rather than simply having a traditional experience. They are not just looking to have an ordinary experience, such as going to hot springs or eating good food.

Hitomi Kitayama, President, Niki Resort Inc.

Resort areas have now become unique places where people can work on self-improvement. These guests reflect a love for nature and cherish their daily lives while seeking a renewed spirit and zest for life.

Niki Club has been holding an event called Summer Open College “Schule im Berg,” in cooperation with the NPO Art Biotope, since 2008.

In summer 2009, the event’s theme was “Body, Language and Environment.” We invited creators from various disciplines from all over the world. We also held classroom lectures and workshops and nearly 1,000 people participated in those sessions over the course of five days. The number of participants increased by 1.7 times compared to 2008.

This shows that tourism that has an art-or health-oriented theme will attract more people in today’s society. We hope that the Open Summer College will become an important cultural component of the Nasu Royal Resort area. We also hope that the Yokosawa area continues to increase its role as a cultural district.

GOJO Japan

GOJO Industries, Inc. is the leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings and has been in business since 1946. GOJO has a history of innovation in the field of skin care. The most notable inventions produced by GOJO are the original formula waterless heavy duty hand cleaner and PURELL, America’s number one instant hand sanitizer.

GOJO Japan Inc. was established in 1997 in order to provide hand sanitizer, skin care products and other innovations from the GOJO Industry Inc. line of products.

We initially launched with our hand soap product for professional users and expanded our offerings to include a hand sanitizer for the medical industry. GOJO Japan was a pioneer in this area and has opened up a new market in Japan for gel-style hand sanitizers. Our broad portfolio includes hand cleaning, hand washing, hand sanitizing and skin care formulas. GOJO Japan formulas use the latest advances in the science of skin care. We are known for state-of-the-art dispensing technology, engineered with attention to design and functionality.

GOJO Japan serves a variety of markets with comprehensive skin health and hygiene solutions. GOJO Japan also provides solutions for various industries such as hospitals, the food industry, the manufacturing industry and many other major business markets.

In recent times, many companies have devoted new attention to their overall BCP (Business Continuity Plan). Considering Japan’s current H1N1 situation, many companies have made the decision to include hand sanitizers as a primary tool for protection. Please contact us to find an appropriate solution for your particular working environment.

For further details please contact us at: tel: 03-5280-4807, e-mail: info@gojojapan.com, web: www.gojo.com/japan.aspx

LINC Media

LINC Media Inc. has established a new health foods division branded Unique Cures. The Unique Cures concept is one whereby we believe that each part of the world has its own uniquely healthy and efficacious foods and natural remedies, and which we plan to introduce to Japan. While some natural remedy companies are moving towards more complexity and human intervention, our strategy is to focus on simple, pure, active foods with reputations for being conducive to aiding lifestyle and dietary ailments.

Visit our website to see our first product – one of nature’s best documented health foods – Manuka Honey from New Zealand. This palatable Active 7+ Manuka honey is available in 250gm, 500gm, and 1kg sizes. Our honey is sourced directly from the apiarists and contains no additives, nor has it undergone any processes that might damage its delicate taste and healing properties. Unique Cures: dedicated to giving you the best that nature can give.

Please feel free to contact us at: honey@lincmedia.co.jp or tel: 03-3499-2399, web: www.uniquecures.jp