【特集】妙高市で進む大型リゾート建設「キャパがない」不安抱える住民の本音【新潟】スーパーJにいがた7月2日OA

The large-scale resort development project in Myoko City has finally begun with temporary construction work for the hotel this April. Local stakeholders and the administration, anticipating economic benefits, are proceeding with preparations at a rapid pace. However, some residents are concerned about the changes to their town. We interviewed various voices regarding the development. ■Shigehito Kamoi, head of the Suginozawa district "The rice is grown using 100% mountain spring water. Even in the hot summer, the spring water is very cold. I think it's very gentle on the rice." Shigehito Kamoi is the head of the Suginozawa district in Myoko City, where development is underway. He runs a guesthouse while also focusing on rice farming. Suginozawa rice has been sold under the brand name "Gift from the Moon" since 2025. ■Shigehito Kamoi, Head of the Suginozawa District "The best outcome would be for tourists who come for the rice to buy it as a souvenir. That's the fastest way for it to spread." The "resort development" project is underway at the Suginohara Ski Resort in Myoko City. The Singapore-based foreign investment fund, Patience Capital Group (PCG), is investing a massive sum, estimated at approximately 200 billion yen over 10 years, in this major project aiming to create a world-class mountain resort. ■PCG CEO Ken Chang "We want to make this Shin'etsu region an attractive area, attracting more and more visitors from both Japan and overseas." Temporary construction has begun at the Suginohara Ski Resort. The first phase of construction will be the "Six Senses Myoko," a luxury resort brand developed by the British hotel giant IHG. It will have 7 floors above ground and 1 basement floor, with a total of 57 rooms including suites, as well as condominium-style residences. The first phase is scheduled to open during the 2028-2029 winter season. The hotel's furnishings and ingredients will utilize local resources within a 160km radius. ■ Mr. Shigehito Kamoi, head of the Suginozawa district "We've already received requests to serve this rice once the hotel opens. (Foreigners) surprisingly like salted rice balls." This is a great opportunity to promote the local area. However, as the district head, he also has significant concerns. ■ Mr. Shigehito Kamoi, head of the Suginozawa district "People in the area often mention that the houses around their homes are becoming increasingly deserted, and it's hard to hide the anxiety." Early April – PCG and Myoko City held a completely closed-door briefing session for residents. ■Basically in favor: Local resident "The explanation was that they want to do it safely and quickly. Local residents want to maintain the status quo, or even better. If it gets worse, absolutely not..." ■Basically in favor: Local resident "I'm worried about what kind of impact foreigners and immigrants will have on the community." Since the development was made public, inquiries about land and vacant houses have flooded in. Prices have skyrocketed, and many residents are putting their homes up for sale. ■Shigehito Kamoi, head of the Suginozawa district "For us, this development is really 50/50. There are clear good and bad points." The opening is scheduled for two and a half years from now. While there are concerns, the movement is accelerating. In June, the prefecture established a new organization to facilitate smooth cooperation with the developers and local governments. ■Governor Hideyo Hanazumi "I thought the start and speed of the project from the businesses would be a little later, but they've started moving at a very early stage. It's better to hurry." Mr. Kamoi - ■Shigehito Kamoi, Head of the Suginozawa District "First of all, the local residents aren't yet convinced and ready to start. Within that context, I feel that the administration, city, and prefecture are moving a little too quickly." The second Resort Development and Revitalization Council meeting was held in June. Businesses and the administration explained their directions for improving secondary transportation and fostering tourism content. On the other hand, some locals expressed discomfort with the pace... ■Masafumi Nakajima, Chairman of Myoko Tourism Management "I think content creation is important, but if we don't work together to solve problems in order to welcome visitors safely and securely in our region, even if something good is created, it could cause inconvenience to visitors, and local residents would be having a very hard time." These are some of the challenges the region will face, such as illegal parking, noise pollution, and securing personnel for taxis and rideshare services. ■ Myoko City Official "We are carefully assessing both the positive and negative aspects of the problem, and are considering budgeting and implementing countermeasures for next fiscal year." How is the local government reacting to this development? The head of Myoko City said: ■ Myoko City Mayor, Yoji Kido "T...