Preservation
Sufficiency
Community
Museum
Gusthouse
Restaurant
Studio
Member's Club
So in colaboration with Subtraction Records
Tokyo/Osaka
Spring 2025
Funktion
Museum
Gusthouse
Restaurant
Rental Studio
Members' Club
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Copyright © 2025 Subtraction Records. All Rights Reserved.
Conclusion:
It comes as no surprise that the Members’ Club concept distinctly surpasses the other proposals in its ranking, primarily due to the fact that it comprehensively and harmoniously incorporates the vast majority of the advantageous features and elements that the alternative ideas individually offer, all consolidated within a singular, multifaceted framework.
Low Traffic
Low Competition
Scalability
Subject: Fujita House
Project: Brand Development for Historical Site Reconstruction
Phase 1. Definition
Chapter 1. Challanges and Opportunities
Purpose:
1. To breathe new life into the historic site while safeguarding its heritage.
2. To find a sustainable revenue model that ensures self-sufficiency.
3. To contribute meaningfully to the community—locally, regionally, nationally, and globally—through purposeful connection and engagement.
Objective:
Harmonize multiple conflicting priorities.
Criteria:
1. Preservation
Focus on attracting fewer, higher-caliber visitors to minimize wear and tear on the site.
2. Self-Sufficiency
Generate income through strategic commercial use of the space, innovative services, and distinctive branding.
3. Community Engagement
Collaborate with existing communities to foster involvement.
Bridge diverse groups (e.g., local communities with global, musicians with architects, comedians with graphic designers).
Cultivate a new community around the site’s renewed purpose.
Potential Ideas:
1. Museum
2. Guesthouse
3. Restaurant
4. Rental Studio
5. Members Club
Pros and cons:
Museum
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Concept: Turn the house into a small museum showcasing samurai artifacts, craft objects of the era, other art and documents, with the house itself as the centerpiece exhibit.
Pros:
Preserves and celebrates the house’s history as a public good. Steady foot traffic from tourists and educational groups. Low operational complexity (entry fees, minimal staff). Potential for grants or cultural funding.
Cons:
Lower profit margins compared to hospitality or events.
Requires initial investment in exhibits/artifacts (or loans from collectors).
May struggle to compete with larger museums in Osaka. Limited appeal to repeat visitors unless exhibits rotate.
Guesthouse
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Concept: A small, upscale traditional inn offering an authentic experience
of the era with modern luxurious comforts.
Pros:
Higher revenue potential from premium room rates (e.g., ¥100,000-¥200,000/night). Appeals to Osaka’s large tourist market, especially international visitors. Preserves the house’s historical charm while generating steady income. Unique selling point differentiates it from chain hotels.
Cons:
Higher safety compliance. Requires ongoing staff (cleaning, front desk, kitchen). Seasonal fluctuations in tourism could affect occupancy.Strict heritage regulations may limit modifications.
Restaurant
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Concept: Fine dining with Japanese cuisine in a historic samurai setting.
Pros:
High revenue potential from premium pricing (e.g., ¥25,000-¥45,000/person).
Ties into Osaka’s reputation as a food capital.
Attracts affluent locals and tourists seeking unique dining.
Exclusive ambiance boosts word-of-mouth marketing.
Cons:
Significant upfront planning for kitchen setup and staffing.Competitive restaurant market requires top-tier chef/menu.Noise and odors could affect the house’s integrity.
Rental Studio
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Concept: A unique venue for photo shoots and private events like weddings, meetings, or performances.
Pros:
High per-event fees (e.g., ¥100,000-¥1,000,000) with minimal daily upkeep.
Low staffing needs—operate on an as-booked basis. Appeals to diverse clients (corporates, couples, artists). Showcases the house’s ambiance without heavy modification.
Cons:
Inconsistent income due to sporadic bookings. Wear and tear from events could damage the property. Requires strong marketing to attract clients in a competitive market. Limited scalability beyond the house’s capacity.
Members Club for Osaka Creative Elite
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Concept: An exclusive hub for artists, designers, and innovators with workspaces and events.
Pros:
Recurring revenue from membership fees (e.g., ¥50,000-¥200,000/year).
High prestige and exclusivity enhance the house’s status. Fosters a creative community, boosting Osaka’s cultural scene. Minimal daily disruption to the property compared to public-facing options.
Cons:
Niche audience may limit membership pool. Initial outreach and vetting process could delay launch. Requires ongoing event planning to retain members. Risk of low uptake if pricing or vibe doesn’t resonate with creatives.
Visualization map, designed to help with assessment at a glance, how each of the five selected ideas aligns with and supports the intended purpose distribution.
Phase 1. Chapter 2. Decision
Comparative Summary Score
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Sufficiency
Low
Moderate
Moderate
High
Very High
Community
Low
Low
Low
Low
Very High
Traffic
Moderate
Very Low
Moderate
Variable
Low
Competition
Very High
High
Very High
High
Low
Preservation
Very High
High
High
Moderate
High