Tokyo is a city known for its creative pulse and eclectic energy.
So to carry this vibe into the accommodation industry, three ethically minded Japanese entrepreneurs founded a the BnA chain of hotels where guests can experience ‘live-in art’.
Speaking to FEMAIL, PR and Marketing Manager for the BnA Sabrina Suljevic shared the inspiration for the growing hotel collective and revealed plans for international expansion.
Three ethically minded Japanese entrepreneurs founded a the BnA chain of hotels where guests can experience ‘live-in art’
PR Manager for the BnA Sabrina Suljevic shared the inspiration for the growing hotel collective
In 2015, the co-founders of BnA Keigo Fukugaki, Yu Tazawa and Yuto Maeda, decided to create a unique introduction to the Tokyo art scene by designing a one room ‘living art’ experience, beneficial for both artists and travellers.
‘Most of the BnA team have extensive experience working in creative fields, and we noticed that a lot of talented artists were struggling in Japan,’ Ms Suljevic said.
‘This is partly because the market is very small and culturally, most people in Japan don’t buy or own art.’
The BnA offers a unique introduction to the Tokyo art scene beneficial for both artists and travellers
Many Japanese artists struggle to make ends meet due to a weak art market
The community focused project aims to become a hub for up-and-coming Japanese artists, traveling creatives and art lovers alike.
In keeping with the sustainable and ethical message of the collective, artists receive a percentage from every reservation.
The response was so overwhelming that the trio launched the two-room BnA HOTEL Koenji in 2016 followed by the BnA STUDIO Akihabara, a five room project which opened its doors this year.
To date, BnA have worked with over 60 creatives across many mediums of art to create their innovative, quirky hotels.
In keeping with the collective’s ethical message, artists receive a percentage from every reservation
To date, BnA have worked with over 60 creatives across many mediums of art to create their innovative, quirky hotels
‘Contrary to common perception, we don’t think of BnA as a hotel, but rather as an art platform promoting local artists and their community,’ Ms Suljevic said.
‘Each room concept is curated to play on different parts of our imagination, feelings and ideas.’
The brand are in the process of global expansion and hope to have locations outside Japan within the next two years.
