Subject to the strict regulations of the Asuka Law, regional development in Asuka Village is highly restricted. To navigate these challenges collaboratively, Hoshino Resorts and Asuka Village entered into their very first partnership agreement.

Mr. Watanabe: With the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage designation officially finalized this year and HOSHINOYA Asuka scheduled to open next year, anticipation is incredibly high. I am keen to see how Asuka Village will evolve moving forward. To begin, could you share your experiences with the personnel exchange, which forms a vital part of this partnership?

Ms. Hanatani: My first assignment was on Taketomi Island in Okinawa. When I heard the population was only about 300, my immediate thought was, ""That is even smaller than Asuka Village!"" (Laughs). However, once I arrived, I witnessed a remarkably beautiful relationship between Hoshino Resorts and the island community—a true state of coexistence and prosperity. The resort uncovers elements of daily life that the islanders take for granted, refines them, and shares them as unique cultural charms with the guests. Visitors express how wonderful and delightful it is to stay at HOSHINOYA, while the locals express heartfelt gratitude for the preservation of their heritage. Experiencing this made me realize that if a similar facility were established in our village, it would inspire our residents to cherish Asuka Village even more deeply.

Ms. Sato: I was assigned to Asuka Village just as the "Michi-no-Eki Asuka" (roadside station) was being established, and I was placed in charge of tourism operations. My responsibilities included verifying details for articles featuring landmarks like the Ishibutai Mounded Tomb and compiling tourism accommodation statistics. It allowed me to gain insights into governmental frameworks and perspectives that I would never have encountered through standard Hoshino Resorts operations.

Ms. Hanatani: I am incredibly grateful to have experienced a different industry at a young age. Approaching the experience with a blank slate allowed me to absorb a wealth of new perspectives and broaden my horizons. It has already been eight years since that assignment. Since returning to our respective positions, we have both gotten married, and now, we have children.

Ms. Sato: Yes, it is wonderful that it happened for both of us. I also got married and am currently expecting my second child; this exchange truly transformed my life.

Ms. Hanatani: In my case, I was born and raised in Asuka Village. After graduating from university, I worked at a private company for just one year. While I enjoyed the hospitality industry, I happened to see a recruitment announcement for the village office in a local public relations newsletter while visiting my parents' home. I was fortunate to be hired. During my first year handling tourism, the opportunity for the personnel exchange with Hoshino Resorts arose. I volunteered because I wanted to experience tourism from the forefront of the private sector.

Ms. Sato: From everyone's perspective, Ms. Hanatani seemed like the perfect fit for the role.

Mr. Watanabe: Ms. Sato, you are originally from the Kanto region. Did you have an interest in Asuka Village prior to your assignment?

Ms. Sato: To be honest, I did not know much about it initially, other than a vague awareness that it was once the capital during the Asuka period. However, during my university years in the Faculty of International Studies, I focused on cross-cultural exchange and regional revitalization—specifically how to breathe new life into local communities. The primary reason I joined Hoshino Resorts was its core philosophy of discovering and sharing local charms through its accommodations. The prospect of conveying a region's unique appeal to local residents, domestic travelers, and international guests through diverse storytelling captivated me. Hoshino Resorts meticulously develops a unique concept tailored to the local character of every single property it builds. Joining the company felt like the only choice for me.

Ms. Sato: I appreciated the opportunity to engage in diverse responsibilities at Hoshino Resorts, but experiencing the fascinating work at the Asuka Village Office made me realize how rewarding public service can be.

Ms. Hanatani: What aspects of the work did you find most engaging?

Ms. Sato: Serving a community from a governmental perspective is an unparalleled opportunity. Because Asuka Village was once the nation's capital, fragments of that grandeur endure. The presence of the remarkable figures who once resided here resonates throughout the village. This is an allure entirely unique to Asuka. I also realized that to truly revitalize a community, one must genuinely reside there to comprehend its authentic virtues.

Mr. Watanabe: Mayor Morikawa mentioned that he was already looking toward global communication from the moment the village initiated the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage bid.

Ms. Hanatani: Initially, I worried that people might laugh if such a small village spoke of a "global stage," especially since there are still many people within Japan who are unfamiliar with Asuka Village. However, working as a public official has made me realize that we must turn our gaze toward the world. Local residents often take their surroundings for granted, saying, "There is nothing special here in Asuka." Yet, the more you learn about this place, the more fascinating it becomes. Asuka Village is filled with these hidden wonders, and I am deeply committed to promoting them effectively.

Mr. Watanabe: Asuka Village is indeed filled with captivating mysteries.

Ms. Hanatani: In fact, only a tiny percentage of Asuka Village has been excavated and fully understood; over 90% still lies beneath the earth. It fills me with a sense of wonder to think that the very paths I walk today might yield new historical narratives decades or centuries from now, revealing what once transpired beneath our feet.

Ms. Sato: There is a genuine possibility here that discoveries will emerge to rewrite the established theories found in history textbooks.This perfectly embodies Nara’s classic promotional slogan: ""Nara is a place to be seen with the heart."" I truly believe this phrase was written with Asuka Village in mind. Nara is a destination best experienced slowly, free from the constraints of time, allowing one's imagination to freely recreate the past. Every visit brings new discoveries, offering a profound depth unique to Nara. Asuka Village holds a history even older than the Nara period (Heijo-kyo), which gives it a powerful sense of romance. My time here allowed me to truly appreciate the fascination of history for the first time, as I physically felt how the past intimately connects to our present lives.

Mr. Watanabe: What kind of visitors do you hope to welcome to Asuka Village in the future?

Ms. Hanatani: I hope we can attract visitors who hold a deep respect for the local efforts dedicated to preserving this historical landscape. I want our guests to slow down and immerse themselves in Asuka Village through all five senses. Passing through quickly by car is a missed opportunity. By walking or riding an electric bicycle, you can feel the gentle breeze and hear the seasonal sounds of nature. It offers a complete escape from the mechanical noise and commercial bustle of urban environments.

Ms. Hanatani: When I returned to Asuka Village after completing my assignment, I was enveloped by a profound sense of nostalgia. Stepping off the train in autumn, I was greeted by the chirping of birds, the gentle hum of insects, and the sweet fragrance of fragrant olive (kinmokusei). It grounds you in the changing seasons. In the evening, the cry of the evening cicadas (higurashi) fills the air, and I realized, ""This is it—this is the essence of Asuka."" It offers a comforting refreshment for the mind, allowing you to completely forget the frantic pace of daily life. I believe this experience aligns seamlessly with the core stay philosophy that HOSHINOYA cherishes.