Anyone familiar with Tokyo knows that, as global cities go, it can be challenging for most foreign nationals to live and work. Mori Building Company, Ltd., Japan's largest commercial landlord and its "First Family of Urban Redevelopment," through the single-minded determination of its president and CEO, Minoru Mori, has spent the last 17 years bringing to fruition Mr. Mori's vision for revitalizing Japan. With an unconventional and ambitious redevelopment strategy, the Mori Building Company aims to reinvent Japan's urban landscape to benefit both native communities of Japanese, as well as the global workforce that comes to live and work in Tokyo for leading multinationals from the U.S., Europe and other international markets.
The bold philosophy goes beyond real estate. Indeed, this total lifestyle concept - branded MORI LIVING - is being introduced in the U.S. today at the Employee Relocation Council's (ERC) 2003 Global Workforce Symposium in Atlanta, GA. MORI LIVING is the lifestyle manifestation of the visionary development plan of Mori Building Company, where the companyÕs dynamic environments in the heart of Tokyo enable residents to enjoy all aspects of everyday life - culture, cuisine, fitness, nature, business and pleasure - almost seamlessly. MORI LIVING frees up time for residents to design better lifestyles for themselves, in comfortable communities where new encounters take place every day and where every moment is full of wonder and excitement.
"In much the same way Nike began as a small shoemaker and ultimately grew into a global lifestyle brand, we at MORI LIVING believe that, in the 21st century, lifestyle and business are intimately interconnected in urban centers," said Aska Mori, deputy manager, Property Management Division, Residential Leasing Group of Mori Building Company. "We are at the ERC 2003 Global Workforce Symposium to give relocation managers - who are sensitive to evolutions in urban living - a chance to preview and experience what the new Tokyo lifestyle with MORI LIVING is and can be."
Formed in 1964, the Employee Relocation Council (ERC) is a professional membership association concerned with workforce mobility around the globe, including Japan. Current membership includes more than 1,250 representatives from corporations and government and military agencies as well as nearly 10,000 individuals and companies that provide relocation services targeted at both U.S. domestic and international moves.
Worldwide, the ERC's mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, education and networking to global workforce mobility professionals and stakeholders through specialized training, credentialing, meeting events and information exchange. MORI LIVING is the first Asian lifestyle brand to participate in the ERC Global Workforce Symposium.
Why MORI LIVING?
Japan is the third most popular destination for businesses to relocate personnel, with 26 percent of employees transferred, according to the most recent International Survey by the ERC. "With so many foreign nationals living and working in Tokyo, it is important that we at MORI LIVING address the most significant needs of this population," noted Ms. Mori.
In fact, MORI LIVING offers solutions to the top seven challenges sited by workforce mobility professionals. The first, of course, is "location, location, location." MORI LIVING is living at the heart of it all, at the active ARK Towers, relaxing Atago Forest Tower, the cool sophistication of The Prudential Tower Residences, and the newest, hottest residences in Tokyo: Roppongi Hills Residences. All fully furnished Mori Serviced Apartments are located in close proximity to major business districts, stylish shopping streets, restaurants, attractions and international and American schools in Central Tokyo. Executives and their families will find it very easy to get around, as public transportation hubs are within walking distance.
The second most common hurdle for foreign nationals to overcome in Japan is the language barrier. Mori Serviced Apartments feature 24-hour bilingual concierge service to manage a myriad of everyday tasks, such as twice-weekly housekeeping and linen supply, announcement of guest arrivals, message services and taxi call service. Priority access to round-the-clock English-language medical care also is available.
Spacious, open-plan apartment layouts were cited as the third most important concern. Unlike Westerners' perception of tiny spaces, MORI LIVING boasts a wide array of lavishly appointed fully serviced apartments, from Studios to Three-Bedrooms. High-quality furniture, accessories, amenities and utensils are included.
Safety and security came in fourth on the list, which is where MORI LIVING provides a unique point of distinction. All Mori Serviced Apartment buildings are equipped with state-of-the art earthquake-resistance and safety features. Built-in early warning disaster systems provide an extra measure of reassurance.
Companies relocating from the U.S. and Europe named spa and fitness facilities their fifth top priority. "MORI LIVING is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our residents," said Ms. Mori. "All residents of Mori Serviced Apartments have access to four different spas with pool, sauna and gym facilities and a full range of treatments." Green Hills Spa, located atop the Atago Forest Tower, offers spectacular views of Tokyo while working out. ARK Hills Spa and Roppongi Hills Spa have been designed under the supervision of Conran & Partners, the world-renowned flagship interior design firm of Sir Terence Conran. Motoazabu Hills Spa features a well-equipped gym and golf driving range.
Technology and infrastructure were named sixth most important concern to workforce mobility professionals. MORI LIVING offers ultra-high speed internet connections and communications systems, called MII Ð Mori Information Infrastructure. Reaching home is never a problem or worry.
Finally, Japan's lack of acceptance of credit cards is a challenge for most foreign nationals accustomed to using plastic instead of traveler's cheques and cash. MORI LIVING is comfortable for most international guests, as Mori Serviced Apartments, on-site restaurants and shops accept most major credit cards and try to have bilingual staff at all times.
Multi-use Developments Set Mori Building Company Apart
Mori Building Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and has been the leader in creating cutting-edge, multi-use urban developments. Mori is JapanÕs largest commercial urban developer and real estate operator. The company was founded in 1959 and currently includes urban development and the planning, design supervision, operation and management of office, residential, commercial, hotel and other cultural and entertainment facilities under its scope of business. The company operates more than one hundred office buildings in Japan along with two thousand housing units and high-profile shopping centers. MORI LIVING is the companyÕs lifestyle brand.
For more information on MORI LIVING and relocation opportunities at Mori Serviced Apartments in Tokyo, please visit the companyÕs newly redesigned website, www.moriliving.com.