Chairman’s Message

The predecessor of today’s Arealink Co., Ltd., WELL’s Giken K.K., was established in 1995. 
At that time, I vowed to be number one in my chosen field of business, even if it were a niche sector. I had quite a few concerns at the time about the undeveloped areas within the real estate industry. I was therefore enthusiastic about wanting to bring about a transformation. Then, with this in mind, I launched a real estate company that focused on property leasing and parking businesses. However, the product I finally chose to realize my aim was self-storage (trunk rooms).

In the 25 years since our founding, we have grown into a leading company boasting more than 100,000 units in total in 2020—the largest number in the industry. However, the spread of self-storage units in Japan pales in comparison to major countries across the world.

Japan definitely does not have large living spaces, and Japanese people have always had a spirit and way of living that cherishes things. I believe that, depending on our approach and product planning, the business has the potential to grow even further.

We have grasped the potential needs of customers; from outdoor storage using containers to building-type indoor storage and dedicated motorcycle storage. We also have a proven track record in planning these and maintaining high usage rates, which we can leverage when planning new products. In the future, we hope to continue launching new services and standards that keep up with the changing times.

Under our management philosophy of “Providing convenience,joy, and excitement through our products and services.” and in line with our easy-to-understand and concrete principle of “solving the challenges faced by society,” we will step up to the plate in overcoming difficulties and adversity . Our aim is to be a company that remains strong even in times of struggle so that we may continue to grow over the next few centuries. I remain deeply thankful for your ongoing support and cooperation.

In 2023, I assumed the role of President, inheriting our founder’s core philosophy: “Providing convenience,joy, and excitement through our products and services.” This commitment remains our unwavering foundation, regardless of how the times may change.

Since joining the company as a new graduate approximately 15 years ago, I have witnessed market shifts firsthand on the front lines. My current mission is to preserve our culture of integrity while accelerating our evolution through IT and digital transformation. We are strategically prioritizing investments in DX, including AI, and steadily expanding our business through the development of innovative products and services.

Compared to international markets, Japan’s self-storage industry still possesses significant room for growth. This untapped potential represents the vast possibilities inherent in our services. By leveraging our unique strengths—a lean management structure and expertise cultivated through rigorous employee education—we aim to become an indispensable presence in society.

At AreaLink, just as I experienced, we offer an environment where anyone with high aspirations can find equal opportunity, regardless of age or background. We remain committed to a spirit of challenge, working as one to enrich our customers’ lives through self-storage solutions. As we continue to lead the further development of the industry, we sincerely ask for your continued support.