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fukai

With Heartfelt Gratitude to Everyone Involved

By | 未分類

Starting from September 1st, we have once again begun the tasks of moving in furniture, assembling it, and cleaning. This time, the project is large-scale due to the high number of units we are handling. I am deeply grateful to all those who are tirelessly supporting our Dios business—our employees, the cleaning staff, the assembly specialists, the furniture suppliers, the home center staff, and the electricians.

At our company, we make it a priority to have all the furniture, appliances, and fixtures installed by the day before our customers move in. However, this involves an immense amount of paperwork and physical labor.

In the early days, I used to handle all these tasks by myself. I would go to the furniture stores, make purchases, go through the checkout, load everything into the car, transport it using a cart, and then stay up all night assembling the furniture alone. Because of those experiences, I truly understand the hardships of those working on-site.

Now, many people are contributing their labor to the success of Dios, and I am sincerely grateful for all the support we receive. At this moment, I feel truly happy. I believe the greatest happiness for a person is when they feel supported by others. Isn’t that the essence of business, a truly wonderful endeavor? I believe Dios is currently experiencing its happiest time.

Moving forward, we will continue to strive to provide the best service to our customers, with the support and cooperation of all involved. With heartfelt gratitude, I thank you all.

#Gratitude #FurnitureMoving #StaffAppreciation #DiosBusiness #CleaningWork #AssemblySpecialists #HomeCenter #Electricians #CustomerFirst #MomentsOfHappiness #Teamwork #BeautyOfBusiness #SupportAndAppreciation #WorkSatisfaction #OnsiteLabor

Unraveling the Delays in Expo 2025’s International Pavilions: A Call for Solutions

By | 未分類

There have been concerns raised about the delays in constructing the international pavilions for the 2025 Osaka Expo. With construction starting in August 2024, these pavilions have only eight months to be completed. Some countries have yet to begin construction, and others have not even secured a construction company.

At the Expo, Type A pavilions with unique designs are referred to as the “Flower of Expo,” emphasizing the crucial role they play. The architecture, materials, structure, and space of these international pavilions vividly express each country’s culture, ideology, technology, and industry. It is no exaggeration to say that experiencing these pavilion spaces is the essence of the Expo. Therefore, delays in their construction are a matter of great concern.

Japanese television reports often attribute the decision by some countries to abandon their Type A pavilion construction to “domestic issues,” such as financial problems, natural disasters, or political conflicts. However, while the construction of Japan’s pavilions is progressing smoothly, all international pavilions are facing delays simultaneously. This raises doubts about the explanations provided by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

I would like to investigate this issue further.

A few months ago, I was invited to the design unveiling party for the India Pavilion. The event was well-attended by the media, with many reporters capturing the presentation. A renowned Indian architect delivered an outstanding presentation using a projector, showcasing a pavilion design inspired by the Himalayas—something I had never seen before. During the party, I had the opportunity to speak directly with the pavilion director. She confidently and kindly explained the construction schedule to me, and I sensed no concern about meeting the deadlines from her demeanor. Yet, just a few months later, India officially announced the abandonment of their Type A pavilion construction.

The reason cited for the construction delays was the difficulty in finding a Japanese construction company. Additionally, some international pavilions that managed to find a Japanese construction company have held groundbreaking ceremonies but have seen little progress in construction.

Meanwhile, Japanese construction companies (general contractors) are globally renowned for their adherence to deadlines.

If these delays are indeed due to “domestic issues” within each country, why is it difficult to find a Japanese construction company? Furthermore, how do “domestic issues” result in construction delays when Japanese companies are known for timely completion? There seems to be a clear contradiction in this logic.

I aim to uncover the truth behind these issues and propose potential solutions for international pavilions. It is crucial that we address these challenges and find a way forward to ensure the successful participation of all countries in the Expo.

#Expo2025 #OsakaExpo #InternationalPavilions #ConstructionDelays #CulturalShowcase #ExpoSolutions #GlobalExposition #IndiaPavilion #PavilionDesign #ConstructionIssues #JapanExpo #WorldExpo #BuildingChallenges #Expo2025Solutions #InternationalCollaboration

Preparing for the Nankai Trough Megaquake: Essential Steps for Safety

By | 未分類

The Japanese government issued a “Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning” on August 8th. This massive earthquake is expected to occur every 100 to 150 years in western Japan. It is not a matter of if but when, and it is something we cannot avoid.

However, by preparing for disaster, we can greatly reduce potential damage.

In Japan, there is a saying: “備えあれば憂いなし” (“Prepare for the worst, and you will have nothing to worry about”). By taking preventive measures, we can significantly minimize the impact of disasters.

One important step is securing your furniture. During the Northern Osaka Earthquake, both of our company’s televisions toppled over and were damaged. TVs are particularly prone to falling, so special care should be taken. Large furniture can be stabilized using tension rods between the top of the furniture and the ceiling. Additionally, it’s crucial to identify and familiarize yourself with evacuation sites in advance.

Gasoline-powered generators, such as those sold by Honda, are also useful. I found them very convenient during disaster drills at evacuation sites. During disasters, having access to information is critical. While radios used to be the main source, today, smartphones, the internet, and social media are vital for staying informed. Thus, chargers, generators, and mobile cables are essential.

The government’s announcement of the “Nankai Trough Megaquake Warning” will likely increase disaster awareness across Japan, leading to more information and availability of disaster preparedness goods.

In Kobe, there are facilities where you can experience the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 and learn about earthquake preparedness. Take this opportunity to thoroughly prepare for disaster prevention and ensure your safety.

#NankaiTroughMegaquake #EarthquakePreparedness #DisasterPrevention #SafetyMeasures #EmergencyReadiness #FurnitureSafety #GeneratorPower #SmartphoneSafety #DisasterInformation #HanshinAwajiEarthquake #KobeEarthquakeExperience #StayPrepared #SafetyFirst #BePrepared #InformationIsKey

Toward a Meaningful Global Event: Addressing Concerns for Expo 2025 in Osaka

By | 未分類

As we edge closer to the much-anticipated Expo 2025 in Osaka, concerns about the timely completion of the national pavilions, known as the “Flower of Expo,” are mounting. These worries extend beyond mere construction delays to include cost overruns, delayed accident reports, slow resolution of issues, and inadequate safety measures. Reflecting on these multifaceted issues, it seems that the challenges are less about the participating countries and more about the organizational issues on the Japanese side, which appears to be the main culprit.

The initial motivation to host Expo 2025 at Yumeshima in Osaka included plans to integrate a casino—a project not feasible in residential areas such as Suita City. Since a casino is a private business, public funds could not cover the substantial infrastructure costs needed for utilities, highways, and subways. Thus, the Expo served as a strategic platform to develop the necessary infrastructure using tax revenues.

I believe that if a business strategy is sound, there should be no issue with its implementation.

Today, the world faces numerous serious issues. Territorial conflicts continue to result in loss of lives in many countries. This summer, we are experiencing unusually high temperatures, underscoring the severe concerns about global warming. By 2050, we might witness the complete disappearance of the Earth’s rainforests. Excessive development has led to environmental degradation and the emergence of new diseases. Moreover, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen. Humanity is at a crossroads, unsure of what actions to take, what to protect, and which direction to move towards.

The 2025 Expo should be a global event that addresses these significant challenges. It needs to champion the health, happiness, and cultural solidarity of humankind. If the Expo can truly be an event that evokes universal empathy, only then will we truly understand its significance.

Although our company is a small entity, we are committed to contributing as much as we can to realize the peaceful and humanitarian goals of the Expo.

(Photograph) Inside the campus of Harvard University

The 1970 Osaka Expo (67 million visitors)

#Expo2025 #OsakaExpo2025 #GlobalChallenges #SustainableDevelopment #CulturalSolidarity #HumanityAtCrossroads #EnvironmentalConcerns #GlobalWarmingAwareness #PeacefulInitiatives #InnovativeStrategies #YumeshimaExpo #CasinoDevelopment #HarvardCampus #WorldUnity #ExpoPreparations

Delving into the Cool Night of Fireworks at the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

By | 未分類

Tomorrow, August 3rd, marks the spectacular evening of the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, beginning at 7:30 PM. I have the pleasure of accompanying some international guests to the riverside to enjoy this luminous spectacle. I warmly invite everyone to join us and ensure not to miss this breathtaking display.

The art of fireworks, interestingly, was first invented in Japan. It dates back to the Edo period—a time when air conditioning was nonexistent. On hot summer nights, people dressed in airy yukatas and used fans to create a breeze, finding mental respite in the coolness that this brought.

The Edo era was known for its isolationist policies, resulting in 250 years of peace without wars. Contrary to popular belief that Japan was a male-dominated society, the Edo period was quite the opposite; it was a time when women held significant strength. Typically, women detested war, and during this period, when men were less preoccupied with battles, women’s influence was notably strong within households.

For instance, a divorce was as simple as a woman placing a “mikudarihan” (three-and-a-half-line letter) on the table: stating merely, “I am, from you, parting.” Such a letter would leave the husband profoundly shocked.

Additionally, the average number of children per family during the Edo period was about two to three, in contrast to the war-ridden Sengoku period, where families typically had up to seven children. The fewer number of children during the Edo era represented an ideal balance for women, avoiding the extremes of having too many or too few responsibilities.

Moreover, the women’s preference for beauty is evident from the elaborate kimonos and designs that emerged during the Edo period. The initiation of fireworks during this time was also driven by women’s admiration for the stunning vistas they painted in the night sky—making the tradition of fireworks essentially a celebration of women’s cultural influence.

As recent summers have become particularly hot, making it challenging to concentrate on work, the fireworks night offers a delightful escape. Forget the stresses of daily life for a moment and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan’s Edo period. Please join us to experience this traditional spectacle and enjoy a night filled with history, beauty, and communal joy.

Embracing the Vibrant Summer Festivals in Osaka

By | Life in Japan

Dear Esteemed Guests,

We are delighted to share that some of our esteemed foreign guests, including directors of overseas pavilions for the 2025 Osaka Expo, have already begun settling into their apartments in Osaka. While we understand that preparations for the expo keep you busy, we warmly encourage you to take some time to experience the traditional cultural festivities that Japanese summers have to offer.

On July 14th, a small shrine near Osaka hosted a summer festival. The highlight of this event was the spirited movement of the heavy portable shrines, carried by robust men. It was a powerful display of human vitality, almost as if paying tribute to the gods. As you may know, Kyoto’s famous Gion Festival reaches its climax on July 16th. In Osaka, the Tenjin Festival takes place on July 24th and 25th, followed by the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival on August 3rd. Despite the high humidity and heat of Japanese summers, these festivals offer a refreshing and enjoyable experience. It’s a testament to the wisdom of our ancestors, who found ways to feel cool and comfortable even without air conditioning.

At a recent summer festival near Shitennoji Temple, the “Kongō Gumi” construction company had a booth. This company, renowned for building temples and shrines, has a history dating back 1,400 years to the Nara period, making it the oldest corporation in the world. They utilize traditional carpentry techniques, assembling wooden structures without nails, using intricate joinery instead. I had the pleasure of exchanging business cards with their sales manager and even inquired if they could build a house for me, to which I received a positive response.

Kongō Gumi graciously gifted me a cypress coaster, accompanied by a note stating, “This coaster is resistant to humidity but vulnerable to fire. Its durability exceeds 1,000 years.” Such craftsmanship and attention to detail are truly remarkable.

We encourage our foreign guests residing in Osaka to take a short break and explore the local surroundings. Japan is brimming with fascinating experiences waiting to be discovered.

Warm regards,

Embracing Hospitality: A Warm Welcome from Dios Co., Ltd.

By | 未分類

It has been reported that the construction of the Type A international pavilions for the World Expo is experiencing delays. As Japanese citizens and hosts, we are deeply concerned that this may cause us to inadvertently appear disrespectful to our esteemed guests from abroad.

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane Prefecture. This museum, established by real estate entrepreneur Mr. Adachi, features a magnificent Japanese garden. For twenty consecutive years, this garden has been ranked first by a prominent American magazine dedicated to Japanese gardens. The dedication and meticulous care of countless skilled gardeners are evident in the tranquil beauty of this landscape.

As we strolled through the beautifully maintained gardens, we reflected on the essence of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Historically, Japanese hosts would offer tea to their guests while showcasing a meticulously manicured garden, embodying the spirit of hospitality through time and effort devoted to creating a serene environment. This was how the Japanese showed their hospitality to their guests.

As a small company, the scope of what we can offer our guests is limited primarily to housing. However, we at Dios Co., Ltd. believe that what we can provide, though modest, is meaningful.

We firmly believe that experiences in Japan are not just about work. Rather, it is the experiences outside of work that contribute to rich and meaningful international exchange. These moments of cultural immersion and relaxation will leave a lasting impression, far beyond professional achievements.

At Dios Co., Ltd., we are committed to welcoming you with warmth and ensuring that your stay in Japan is fulfilling. Although our contributions may be modest, we strive to make a positive impact on your experience in our beautiful country.

Thank you for choosing Dios Co., Ltd. We look forward to welcoming you with open hearts and making your stay in Japan a memorable one.

Introducing Our New Tree Pruning Service: Expert Care for Your Garden

By | Cleaning

When living in a detached house, it is essential to recognize the need for regular garden maintenance. In rental properties, landlords might arrange for garden pruning once a year, but generally, tenants are responsible for maintaining their gardens themselves. Without periodic maintenance, approximately every six months, plants can grow too large, making pruning a more significant and challenging task.

Additionally, as trees grow taller, the work becomes more hazardous, making it difficult for the average person to manage. Larger pruning jobs also involve more extensive branch and leaf disposal, which can be quite burdensome.

At Dios, we have established partnerships with experienced arborists to provide expert garden maintenance services. Proper garden care is not just about the amount of work but also about enhancing the beauty of your garden and trees. The appearance of your garden from the street greatly influences the overall impression of your home.

A well-maintained garden not only boosts the credibility of the home but also affects its real estate value. At Dios, we offer comprehensive advice on garden pruning, gardening, and exterior home improvements in English. For those interested in enjoying home gardening, we can also prepare the soil and create vegetable beds, which is a great activity for health.

Our arborists, with 30 years of experience, will ensure that your garden receives the best care possible. If you have any concerns or issues with your garden, please feel free to consult with us.

We look forward to helping you create and maintain a beautiful, thriving garden. Your satisfaction and the enhancement of your home’s beauty are our top priorities.

Here is our 2024 Business Vision Statement: https://www.dios.co.jp/archives/4313

Vision Statement 2024 at Dios Co., Ltd.

By | Vision

At Dios Co., Ltd., we are proud to announce our Vision Statement for 2024.

This vision represents the collective goal of all Dios staff and the overarching management objective of our company. It is not just the vision of our CEO but a shared commitment of our entire team, guiding us in our work.

Commitment to Foreign Residents in Osaka: At Dios, we are dedicated to providing a warm and compassionate heart to our foreign customers living in Osaka. We believe that high technical skills and a warm, compassionate heart must coexist.

Expertise and Experience: With thirty years of experience specializing in services for foreigners in Osaka, we have honed our skills in English proficiency, property information management, legal knowledge, contract management, negotiation, accounting, interior design, furniture storage, logistics, property cleaning, property renovation, repair techniques, and housing aesthetics.

Customer Satisfaction: Our ultimate goal is for our customers to leave Japan saying, “I’m glad I came to Japan,” “The living environment in Japan was wonderful,” and “The Japanese people are kind; I will never forget Japan.” To achieve this, our staff is passionately dedicated to their work, always keeping in mind the importance of providing a warm and compassionate heart.

We aim to positively impact our customers’ lives, making their experience in Japan a lifelong memory and showcasing the wonderful nature of Japanese hospitality.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and look forward to walking this journey together.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Masahiro Fukai
CEO
Dios Co., Ltd.
22.May.2024

Welcoming Expats to Osaka with Warm Hospitality: 30 Years of Excellence in Serviced Apartments

By | Vision

For the past 30 years, Dios has proudly specialized in providing serviced apartments in Osaka for expatriates working at foreign enterprises and consulates. Our commitment to excellence and understanding of the unique needs of our international clients has made us a trusted name in the real estate industry.

At Dios, we ensure that our serviced apartments are fully furnished and include weekly cleaning services as part of the rental package. Our dedicated interior coordinator meticulously analyzes the size, color, design, and functionality of each apartment to select the most suitable furniture and appliances. We then purchase these items, ensuring the highest standards of comfort and style.

Our strong partnerships with IKEA Osaka Kobe, IKEA Sweden, and reputable logistics companies enable us to maintain a reliable inventory, efficient transportation, assembly, and disposal of furniture. We continually strive to enhance our operational efficiency to serve our clients better.

After furnishing the apartments, we provide weekly housekeeping services to keep the living spaces immaculate and ensure the proper use and maintenance of all items. This comprehensive service eliminates the stress and time-consuming process of purchasing, assembling, and disposing of furniture, which can take up to three months when done independently.

By valuing our clients’ time, we offer a seamless move-in experience where life can start immediately from the contract commencement date. Our business model is designed to save our clients up to six months of setup and relocation time, making it a world-class service that we believe will soon be embraced globally.

Our vision at Dios is to provide “warm-hearted hospitality.” The illustration on my business card signifies, “Come to Japan with just one suitcase.”

We aim for our foreign clients to leave Japan with fond memories, appreciating the excellent housing and the kindness of Japanese people. This is our vision and ultimate goal.

To learn more about our vision statement, please visit Dios Vision Statement.

We look forward to welcoming you to Osaka and making your stay a memorable one.

Warm Regards,
Dios Co., Ltd
22.May.2024

The following photos are of actual serviced apartments provided by Dios, designed by our interior coordinator.