The sake brewery that will be turned into a workation retreat. (Photo courtesy of Yokamos)

       YAMAGATA -- A project to renovate and transform a sake brewery built in the Meiji period (1868-1912) into a retreat where people can take "workations" -- a mix of vacation and remote work -- has been launched by Yokamos, a general incorporated association based in the Yamagata Prefecture town of Oguni in northeastern Japan.

       With the words "stirring up the world through the power of fermentation" as the project's theme, the facility will aim to attract both locals and out-of-towners, and revitalize the community. Yokamos plans to open the retreat in March 2022.

       Yokamos was established this past March by local Oguni residents and outside entrepreneurs, with the purpose of launching projects that take advantage of the community's resources. The wooden sake brewery is two stories high, with a total floor area of about 150 square meters. The building was loaned to Yokamos by the Sakuragawa Shuzo brewery, founded in 1882, and renovations began on Sept. 21.

       A rendering of the 1st floor of the workation retreat. (Photo courtesy of Yokamos)

       The interior has a modern flavor, but retains the feel of a sake brewery. A 28-seat cafe will be built on the first floor, serving local food, food made with sake lees, and desserts, making it a place of rest for everyone. The second floor will boast 14 work stations equipped with information and communications technology. The space can also be used for seminars.

       In 2022, Yokamos will convert the tatami rooms in the brewery into overnight accommodations, and start selling bath salts made of sake lees. In preparation for collaboration after the new facility is opened, Yokamos says it will also start a program in which one can experience what it's like being a winter bear and deer hunter. Total operating expenses stand at 100 million yen (approx. $874,000). Yokamos received 50 million yen (approx. $467,000) from the Japanese government in telework promotion subsidies.

       Yokamos co-head Hirokazu Ishii, said, "We want to make this a place where, through the involvement of locals and non-locals, something new is born, and can make life a place where things brew and ferment."

       (Japanese original by Taisuke Kodera, Yamagata Bureau)

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