YOSHIMI HASHIMOTO, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CAPITOL HOTEL TOKYU IN TOKYO, EXPLAINS WHY RITZWELL FURNITURE WAS CHOSEN TO FURNISH THE SPACES OF THE RENOWNED HOTEL, WHICH HAS BEEN RENOVATED THANKS TO A DESIGN BY KENGO KUMA.
"The food, clothing, and shelter of Japanese people in the past were all wonderful. Any deference to things abroad is a mistake." _Kitaoji Rosanjin
500 meters from the National Diet Building, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is located next to Hie Shrine, revered as the village shrine of Edo Castle. The opening words above are from artist and gourmand Kitaoji Rosanjin, who in 1925 gave life to the members-only high-end restaurant Hoshigaoka Saryo and well correspond to the spirit of the charming hotel.
This hotel first stood for 20 years as Tokyo Hilton Hotel, Japan's first foreign capital-affiliated hotel, followed by 23 years under the name Capitol Tokyu Hotel. Through this history under two names, the hotel has led the advance of Japan's hotel industry. Following renovation as The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in the fall of 2010, too, the hotel has been loved by VIPs and by noted artists from overseas and Japan.
This is a place that receives guests from the world over. We spoke with Ms.Yoshimi Hashimoto, Assistant General Manager of the hotel, about how Ritzwell furniture fits into the hotel.
Carrying forward history and putting down roots in the area
“The site where this hotel stands was originally a low hill, famed as a spot with gorgeous view of the stars, the area was a place for social gatherings by the nobility in the Meiji period (1868-1912). Here, Kitaoji Rosanjin opened the Hoshigaoka Saryo, a member only gourmand club in the later days of the late Taisho period (1912-1926). With the passage of eras, Japan's first foreign-affiliated hotel, Tokyo Hilton Hotel, was born here in 1963. And 43 years later—20 years under the Hilton name and 23 years as Capitol Tokyu Hotel—deterioration of the structure led to a decision to rebuild. In 2010, the hotel made a new start as The Capitol Hotel Tokyu.
Ms. Hashimoto was involved in the project for the two years leading to the reopening. What Tokyu Capitol Tower took as its perspective was "the trinity of nature, buildings, and culture" that is present as an undercurrent in Japanese architecture.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu took up that brand concept to make itself a one-of-a-kind luxury hotel that integrates a traditional Japanese style with contemporary Japanese aesthetics.
"As a flagship hotel of the Tokyu Group, we had to create a hotel that would satisfy all stakeholders, under a mission of enhancing the value of the Tokyu brand overall."
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu opened its doors in October 2010. Foreign guests from North America, Europe, Asia, and other origins are increasing in number, and the occupancy rate has recently returned to its pre-COVID-19 pandemic level.
"In our guest rooms division, affluent foreigners make up over 70% of our guests. Due to its location, the restaurant hosts many members of the Diet, top executives of companies, and families visiting neighboring Hie Shrine. At a typical hotel, banquet rooms are used primarily at night and rarely in the morning. At our hotel, however, the rooms often host meetings, study sessions, and other activities from the morning, remaining fully operational throughout the morning, noon, and evening."
Weddings often take place Hie Shrine with receptions held at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. The hotel has also earned a sterling reputation in the industry for its cuisine.
"Our hotel prides itself on its outstanding cuisine. Meals at a hotel often evoke the image of high-class French cuisine, and most of the hotel chefs have in fact learned French cooking. When we opened in 2010, for the main dining area that is the most prestigious restaurant in the hotel, we spent considerable time discussing whether to go with high-class French cuisine as in the past, or make a new change to Japanese cuisine, In the end, we went back to our brand vision and decided on Japanese cuisine for the main dining area, based on our wish to offer true Japanese hospitality at the hotel. As Japanese cuisine was subsequently added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013, I think the choice we made was not a mistake."
Creating an authentic hotel, second to none other in the world
Upon its opening, Tokyo Hilton Hotel was Japan's first foreign-affiliated hotel. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, which has long been a favorite of many overseas artists and VIPs, has a hole-in-the-wall element to it. In its environment adjacent to the verdant grounds of Hie Shrine, an interior that evokes a Japanese-style setting and elements is perfectly suited to the hotel.
"This spring, a foreign-affiliated hotel opening in the Yaesu area of Tokyo created a buzz with a rate of 250,000 yen per night. But for some time, hotels in Japan, even top-class hotels, have been called quite affordable by global standards. I like traveling and have stayed at a number of hotels overseas. Compared to Paris, London, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, and other major cities, I found the prices of hotels in Tokyo to be reasonable. Passing through the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic, in a harsh environment of rising costs, labor expenses, and energy prices, I feel that hotels in Tokyo have finally caught up with price ranges appropriate to the services offered by specific hotels. Human resources shortages in particular are a fairly serious problem for the industry overall, therefore if they proceed with pre-pandemic ways of operating, customer and employee satisfaction which are both key indicators decline. We have an obligation to create value commensurate with the price."
Kengo Kuma & Associates supervised the design of a part of The Capitol Tower where our hotel in including the exterior, interior shared spaces, and the main lobby. The design is simple and evocative of Japan, with the shadows of the space overall creating a striking appearance.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu decided to incorporate Ritzwell furniture in 2019, eight or nine years after its opening.
"A dozen years have passed since we opened. Up to now, we regularly undertook reviews in terms of both physical and non-physical aspects, but as the world's luxury hotels increasingly expand into Japan, we need to further refine ourselves to compete against those hotels on an even footing. Beginning a few years ago, we tackled inclusion in the Forbes Travel Guide, a global hotel rating service. Starting from the 'recommendation' framework, we went through four stars and, finally, three years ago, reached our goal of five stars, which we have maintained since. We naturally needed to enhance our skills in terms of service, but beautifully maintained, functional physical aspects were also a must, as well as things that would resonate with our guests. When renovating guest rooms, we decided to furnish high-class guest rooms with furniture that exudes a sense of authenticity appropriate to The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. Wanting to make this hotel one that represents Japan and displays a powerful presence to the world, in selecting new furniture we decided to go not with famous overseas brands but rather eminent made-in-Japan furniture that lends a Japanese atmosphere."
The result was a decision to adopt Ritzwell furniture in All Day Dining “ORIGAMI”, The Capitol Bar, and the exclusive The Capitol Lounge “SaRyoh”.
"Ritzwell's furniture reveals careful attention to detail throughout. The BEATRIX HIGH BACK EASY CHAIR, placed in The Capitol Suite also features ergonomic design that cradles the body in kindness and comfort. The furniture is also interesting for expressions that make unique use of different materials such as wood, leather, and cloth. Its lines, imbued with a delicacy and warmth yet not overly casual, lend an "aesthetic of subtraction" to the atmosphere of the furniture, maintaining a fine balance between luxuriousness and a simple Japanese image. There are other items with a high degree of finish, created from high-quality materials typical of Japan and imbued with the heart and soul of outstanding artisans, but these can impart a weighty impression in a hotel adopting a simple and modern concept in design aspects, and can be difficult to match with interior design. Ritzwell has a certain lightness and sophistication that yet evokes an aesthetic sense of Japan, which I feel is aligned with the direction that The Capitol Hotel Tokyu seeks. Reactions from overseas guests have also been very good."
Since its founding, Ritzwell has aimed for furniture that makes it easy to choose, with a position that is neutral for overseas users as well. It seeks to create a pared-down aesthetic, delicate with no sense of the unnecessary. It is an honor for the brand to resonate with the aesthetic of subtraction.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu from here on out
"Customers differ in personality. As an example, to make the placement of room furnishings more convenient for guests staying consecutive nights, we make subtle changes to arrangements with consideration of the movement lines of the individuals, and otherwise maintain an attentive perspective and try to exert our imagination. Earning five stars is tough, but in truth, what comes afterward is also hard. Naturally, I think that furniture also has a great presence as an element allowing us to maintain five stars."
No limit exists on the service required of five-star hotel staff. Constantly reading customers' behavior and taking action a step ahead is crucial. Even when the hotel is unable to meet a customer's request, it is possible to recover the situation through word from resourceful staff members.
"What luxury hotels like us should increasingly focus on is more personal service. For example, we share detailed information among staff in housekeeping, bell captain’s desk, restaurants, front reception desk, concierges, and guest relations, such as guests' favorite settings for taking a break, morning routines, and non-preferred foods. The next time guests visit, they find a preferred comfortable environment in the hotel, without having to say a thing while making reservations. We express, "We know all about you, and so we've made thorough preparations today, and await your visit." To me, a hotel that is able to provide customers with the ultimate spaces for relaxation, naturally and casually, is first-class. That's how we always want to be for our guests.The Capitol Hotel Tokyu spares no effort in its aims to be, and to remain, the best hotel. We would be thrilled if Ritzwell furniture is also able to play a role in these efforts. We hope to continue melding into this space that brims with hospitality in an historic hotel.
While no ratings guidebook exists for the world of furniture, the Salone del Mobile Milano (Milan Furniture Fair) event at which Ritzwell exhibits every year may be the closest thing. Our true value is judged by all who touch Ritzwell's furniture, and by all owners who offer their affection to Ritzwell's furniture. Just as every staff member of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu does, Ritzwell, too, devotes itself to self-examination and study.”
Photocredit by Tonari_no_koho
