In April 2024, NYK opened a new Hokkaido branch in Sapporo City, Hokkaido. This has become our sixth branch, following Yokohama, Nagoya, Kansai, Kyushu, and Akita. It marks the first branch opening in Hokkaido since the closure of the Sapporo branch in 2009, a span of 15 years. This article introduces the Hokkaido branch's significance, background, and objectives.

The purpose is to further strengthen our group's existing businesses in Hokkaido, contribute to resolving regional logistics challenges, and support sustainable revitalization. Our group is involved in energy transportation for electricity and gas companies and car and container transportation businesses in Hokkaido. The Hokkaido branch was established as a base to deepen these existing businesses and invest in new growth ventures.

Overview of the Hokkaido Branch:

- Branch Name: NYK Line Hokkaido Branch
- Address: 8F Urbannet Sapporo Building, 6-1-2 Kita1jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, 060-0001- Contact: +81-11-557-8102
- Branch Manager: Masahiro Morimoto

Main Group Companies Operating in Hokkaido:

- Kinkai Yusen Kaisha Ltd. / Kinkai Yusen Hokkaido Co., Ltd.
- Sanyu Inc.
- Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd.
- Hokuyo Kaiun Co., Ltd.
- Yusen Koun Co., Ltd. / Yusen Koun Hokkaido Co., Ltd.

Even after the closure of the Sapporo branch in 2009, our group continued to operate in Hokkaido energy transportation for power and gas companies, large-scale agricultural machinery transport via car carriers, logistics businesses through Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd., and container transportation via Ocean Network Express (ONE). Transportation of agricultural and marine products also remains a significant business, involving Kinkai Yusen Kaisha Ltd., its subsidiary Sanyu Inc. Corporation, and Yusen Koun Co., Ltd. The logistics expansion expected from new semiconductor factories and data centers, as well as the promotion of offshore wind power through submarine cable laying, is also anticipated.

Renewable energy and next-generation fuel-related businesses are positioned as new growth ventures. In 2023, five regions in Hokkaido were selected as "promising areas" for offshore wind power generation, and our group started operating crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for offshore wind power projects at Ishikari Bay New Port. CTV ship and operation management are handled by Hokuyo Kaiun Co., Ltd. Additionally, branches have been established in Akita and Kyushu to engage in renewable energy businesses.

Q: What is the structure of the Hokkaido branch?
A: We started with two people: Kunihiko Kawashiro and me. He was the former president of Ishikari Bay New Port Service, which operates a tugboat business and other services in Ishikari Bay. (As of the article publication, the Hokkaido branch had three employees.) Our Hokkaido branch building includes group companies Hokuyo Kaiun Co., Ltd., Kinkai Yusen Hokkaido Co., Ltd., Sanyu Inc., and Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd. We are all working to expand our business activities and network in Hokkaido and the surrounding areas.

Q: What is the aim of establishing the Hokkaido branch?
A: We aim to implement our medium-term management plan, emphasizing ambidextrous management by advancing our existing core business and investing in new growth businesses in Hokkaido.

Q: What types of businesses are included in the existing operations?
A: After the closure of the Sapporo branch in 2009, we remained engaged in energy transportation for power and gas companies, large-scale agricultural machinery transport using car carrier vessels, logistics operations offered by Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd., and container shipping offered by Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE). Transportation of agricultural and marine products is a significant part of our existing operations, with Kinkai Yusen Kaisha Ltd. focusing on this area. Also involved are Yusen Koun Hokkaido Co., Ltd. and Sanyu Inc., a subsidiary of Kinkai Yusen Hokkaido Co., Ltd.that handles coastal forwarding.

Looking ahead, growth in logistics is expected to result from establishing semiconductor factories and data centers and promoting offshore wind power generation through submarine cable laying.

F Village & Hidden Night View Spots (by NYK Line Hokkaido Branch)

Hokkaido, known for its numerous tourist attractions and delicious gourmet offerings, from meat to vegetables to seafood, has much to offer. Here are some new and hidden spots to explore.

The new attraction is "F Village" in Kitahiroshima City, which includes Es Con Field, home to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. The facility features a dome stadium with natural grass and offers hot springs, saunas, and a brewery for local beer, providing excitement even for non-baseball fans. The recommended activity is the stadium tour, where you can enjoy the grand view from the bench, locker room, and natural grass field. Watching a game with the roof open is refreshing, offering the best beer garden experience.

Hokkaido Ballpark F Village

Next, introducing hidden night view spots. From the summit of Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo City, you can overlook the urban area and lush nature. At night, the city lights sparkle like jewels, offering an exciting and emotional experience.

Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

The Otaru Tenguyama Observatory in Otaru City offers a stunning view of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. The summit is full of enjoyable spots, and the Netflix series "First Love" was filmed here, further increasing its popularity. The transition from sunset to night, known as the "magic hour," is particularly recommended.

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