Bringing Japan’s rural riches forward together
We promote the value of rural life, traditions, and culture—the origins of our way of life—connecting people, products, and markets, to create the future together.
Bringing the abundance of rural life into everyone’s daily lives
In an uncertain and increasingly diverse world, we will create a society where everyone can enjoy the riches nurtured in rural areas.
I pay my heartfelt respect to the sentiments of those who came before us.
We learn from the history and wisdom of the land, carefully examining the core of the land, our society, and the problems we face in it.
We will create a sustainable framework that persists to the next generations.
I was once a business person working for a company in Tokyo. While I found fulfillment in my global work, I think I was constantly questioning what “true richness” really means.
It was then that I first heard the name Tamba Sasayama. Together with my family, we decided to make the move. Here, a rich history and culture still thrive, woven together by 1200 years of tea production, 850 years of pottery, and beautiful rural landscapes. As an outsider, I understand its value all too well.
However, this wonderful culture, tradition, and nature will not be passed on to the next generation if we simply wait. I am convinced that only when the passion of local leaders intersects with new knowledge and urban networks, will these “rural riches” thrive a hundred years into the future and beyond.
Deeply rooted in this land, we will act as a bridge connecting people to people, resources to products, and local communities to the metropolis. With ideas that transcend existing frameworks, we will create a prosperous community where future generations can be proud to live in this land.
Kenji Kajiwara - Representative Director - Creative Rural Village Inc.
梶原 健史 / Kenji Kajiwara
CEO
He pursued a multifaceted career at Sony Corporation in human resources, the gaming business, and consulting. Leveraging the management experience and creative perspective he cultivated at the forefront of “people,” “organizations,” and “entertainment,” he moved to Tamba-Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, in 2022. Deeply involved in the utilization of local resources and branding, he established “Creative Rural Village Inc.” in 2026 as a regional trading company. As the head of all operations, he serves as a hub connecting rural and urban, as well as Japan and the world.
小山達朗／Tatsuaki Koyama
Head of Product Development / Head of Merchandise Sales
He is a former Tamba Sasayama city hall employee. Currently operating a guesthouse in a renovated traditional Japanese house, he specializes in product development and new business ventures. As a “connector” with experience in both government and private sectors, he excels at collaborative business development that leverages connections across various fields.
中森恵佑/ Keisuke Nakamori
Head of Human Resource Development / Head of Business Development
Born in Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, he is a former city hall employee. He now works with NOTE Inc., which handles the restoration of old houses, and Capital, a general incorporated association that aims to solve regional issues. At Creative Rural Village Inc., he leverages his knowledge in commercializing regional resources to oversee human resource development and new business development. Based on his experience in both the public and private sectors, he is promoting the development of the next generation of talent and the creation of a new social model for rural areas.
北川 祥 / Akira Kitagawa
Head of General Operations
A native of Tamba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture. As a practicing acupuncturist, he supports the physical and mental health of local residents from the perspective of Eastern medicine. He is well-versed in the region’s unique culture and social dynamics, possessing a network and deep insights that only a local can offer. At Creative Rural Village Inc., he oversees operations. He builds the foundation for projects to be executed smoothly, supporting sustainable business practices.
モリル恵太／Keita Morrill (Intern)ational Marketing Support
An environmental studies student at International Christian university, he has taken a leave of absence to come intern at Creative Rural Village Inc. In Tamba Sasayama he hopes to continue deepening his knowledge of agriculture and nature, while experiencing the fundamentals of business operations. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, he is responsible for English translation, overseas marketing, and supporting Tamba Sasayama Academia.
