Logan Landing officially launches with new show homes
After a successful soft launch in late 2024, developer Genesis Land has officially cut the ribbon on Logan Landing, a new community on the banks of the Bow River in southeast Calgary.
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The 350-acre community is east of Deerfoot Trail and south of 212th Avenue S.E., situated between the amenity-rich Seton neighbourhood and an expansive patch of untouched riverside wilderness. That means shopping, restaurants, schools, indoor recreation and a hospital is available to the north while to the south, there's just natural paradise.
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Cedarglen Homes, Partners Homes, Sterling Homes and Genesis Builders Group opened single-family show homes in December, with the latter adding street town show homes this spring. Paved pathways and lush landscaping around a storm pond in The Ridge, the first phase of development, are in place and in the future will connect to future phases called The Bench and The Valley. There are two environmental reserves that will keep the natural area along Southern Alberta's most natural resource intact, which includes habitat for bird species like the great blue heron, for generations to come.
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In the months since the show homes opened in Logan Landing, Genesis Builders Group received a prestigious BILD Calgary Region award for the parade's Mateo model, which won Best Single Family Home in the $741,000 to $840,999 category (price excludes land value). Genesis design manager Cindy Ross and her team styled the 2,397-square foot, three-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home following Japandi design conventions. The Japandi trend is all about natural fabric and calming colours, meshing Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian coziness.
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'This home is light and natural in tone with wood and linens. The furniture is lower in this style, so you can better see out the windows. You can see Japandi in the artwork, the bamboo and in the plaster on the fireplace. The fireplace doesn't go all the way up the wall like many do and the lights are suspended lower. I actually think this fireplace won us the award,' Ross says with a smile.
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The floor plan on the main floor has a secluded foyer at the front door, a mudroom with extra cubbies and a pantry with upgraded MDF rather than standard wire shelving. Architectural details include arched doorways, a 1990s trend that everyone wants again, Ross says.
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Upstairs, there's a pony wall between the open-to-below and the bonus room for a touch of privacy and a tray ceiling adds visual interest to the primary bedroom.
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Phases 1 and 2 of Logan Landing also include laned and duplex homes with options for secondary suites available in most models. Prices in the community start in the low to mid-$500,000s.
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Every new community has distinct selling features and for Genesis, the location on the Bow is the most important. The developer has passed or exceeded all the prerequisites for building safely and in harmony with the environment. To compensate for the inevitable ground disturbance that comes with community building, and in collaboration with the Alberta Native Plant Rescue Society, Genesis is gifting native seeds to new homeowners as encouragement to restore prairie plants in their yards.
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Japan Forward
33 minutes ago
- Japan Forward
From First Female Sales Rep to Diversity Leader
このページを 日本語 で読む Japanese women are making a meaningful impact around the world. If they were ever invisible, certainly they are not now. What inspired them to step forward into their roles today? This time, JAPAN Forward set out to feature Midori Ito, who became the first female sales representative at Sekisui House, for our series " Groundbreakers ." Midori Ito served as a Standing Audit and Supervisory Board Member at Sekisui House, one of Japan's largest homebuilders. She retired from the company in the spring of 2025 after a long and successful career. Starting as the company's first female sales representative, over time, Ito took on a key role in promoting diversity. She supported female employees who wanted to continue working through various life stages. Even after retiring from the company, she hopes to create a society where people can live fulfilling lives. Her focus now extends beyond the corporate world. In 2018, shortly after being appointed an executive officer in charge of diversity at Sekisui House, Ito introduced a groundbreaking policy. It required male employees to take at least one full month of paternity leave. "I've always wanted to support motivated employees. Looking back, unfortunately, many women left their jobs because they had to shoulder housework, childcare, or eldercare alone," she recalls. "If partners support each other, they can both grow their careers. I believe that mandatory paternity leave could spark those vital conversations. And more than anything, it makes children happier too." The initiative drew widespread attention both inside and outside the industry. Midori Ito (©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo) Things were very different when Ito first joined Sekisui House. At the time, Japan had yet to enact the Equal Employment Opportunity Law. "When I first became a sales rep, most meetings were full of men. I definitely felt the pressure of being outnumbered," she recalls. But her uniqueness became her strength. "Being a woman made me stand out, and people remembered me," she says. Ito eventually became the company's first female sales representative. She later held roles such as store manager. Throughout her career, she sold a cumulative total of 300 homes and was even honored with the company's President's Award. "There was a time when I worried that customers wouldn't trust me just because I was a woman," she reflects. "But one customer once asked me, 'Why would being a woman be a problem?' It made me realize how meaningless it was to focus on gender differences. What really mattered was the value I offered the customer." When asked why she joined the company and the housing industry, she smiles. "It was a chance encounter — I just happened to see a newspaper ad. I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do when I was young. And that was okay." Ito began her career as a sales assistant at a model home park in Sekisui House's Kobe Sales Office. From the start, she found fulfillment not only in satisfying customers but also in collaborating with her team. "The sense of joy and fulfillment in work comes from building it up, day by day," she reflects. Midori Ito (©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo) Unlike most women at the time, Ito continued working after marrying at 23. Back then, many female employees left the workforce upon marriage or childbirth. She credits her family's support for enabling her to keep going. "That's what people used to call 'marriage retirement,'" she explains. "When I got married, my husband respected my decision to keep working. After giving birth to my eldest daughter, I was transferred to a model home site near my house. But there was no formal maternity leave system at the time." Ito drew inspiration from her mother. "Back in the 1960s, she was financially independent and studied bookkeeping while working so she could move into a better profession," Ito recalls. "I'll never forget that when I confided in her about struggles at work in her later years, she smiled and said, 'Failure is the foundation of success.'" After returning to work, Ito became the company's first female general sales representative. At first, she accompanied her manager on sales visits. But when it came time to discuss contracts, customers often directed their questions to him. "I realized that if things continued like that, I'd never sell a house on my own," she says. "So I spoke up and asked to start handling sales independently." Her success came from genuine care for her clients. She visited company housing complexes and asked about residents' family structures and how long they'd lived there. Then she tailored proposals accordingly. She also distributed newsletters and housing information, gradually becoming a trusted advisor. "Day and night, I was always thinking about how to bring joy to the customers right in front of me," she recalls. "Even something as small as noticing, 'That household over there might be thinking of visiting a model home,' kept me motivated." Eventually, Ito was appointed store manager. "Two junior female employees approached me, saying they wanted to work in sales. When I brought it up with my manager, he agreed on the condition that I take responsibility and become the store manager. I couldn't say no after seeing the fire in their eyes," she explains. However, the new model home they were assigned to was built on the site of a former construction office. It was in a subdivision where most homes had already been sold. Some colleagues warned it was a bad idea. "I definitely sensed a 'Let's see what she can do' attitude," she says. "But it was an older subdivision, and many homes were aging. So we went door to door, reaching out to neighbors to tap into the demand for rebuilding. When we opened the model home, so many customers came that they couldn't all fit inside. We had to hold a pre-opening event to accommodate them." That initiative led to 17 years of continuous success in the area. Ito and her team maintained the top market share throughout. Her leadership was also evident during times of crisis — especially after the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. At the time, she was the manager of the company's Yamanomachi model home site in Kobe. "As soon as I confirmed the safety of my family and employees, I rushed out to check on our homeowners," she says. "Not a single Sekisui House home was fully or partially destroyed. Seeing everyone's faces brought immense relief. It reaffirmed for me that a home is more than just a building — it's a shelter that protects lives and families." After turning 50, Ito reached a major turning point. Wanting to support the growth and retention of female sales staff across Japan, she volunteered to lead Sekisui House's newly established Women's Advancement Promotion Group. "The environments these women worked in and the challenges they faced were all different," she explains. "I kept asking myself, 'Are they truly receiving the support and development they need?' Until then, my focus had always been on helping customers directly. But I came to realize that by supporting female sales staff, I could indirectly support all of their customers, too." Her efforts soon expanded beyond gender, and Ito became a key driver of broader diversity initiatives. These included mandatory paternity leave for men and workplace accommodations for employees undergoing medical treatment. She worked to ensure Sekisui House could be a place where everyone could thrive, regardless of their circumstances. In the spring of 2025, Ito retired from Sekisui House after decades of dedicated service. She now continues her mission as a board member of the general incorporated association Expo 2025 Sakuyahime Congress — a group of female business leaders committed to improving lives. "It [the association] began with recipients of the first Osaka Sakuyahime Award, established in 2016 by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry to honor outstanding female leaders," Ito explains. "Led by Kayoko Fujimoto, CEO of the Fujimoto Yume Group, the group includes many influential women. We've formed deep bonds by openly sharing our challenges and how we've overcome them." The group was launched as a consortium in 2019 and became a general incorporated association in 2023. "We've been able to continue thanks to the support of so many people," Ito says. "I've always wanted to give back to my hometown, Osaka." At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the group is leading three key initiatives. One of them is the Sakuya Wolf Project, which features 10 wolf-shaped benches created by artist Tomoko Konoike. These benches are installed at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. Looking to the future, Ito says, "After the Expo, we plan to lend these benches to various locations free of charge. We want to use art to inspire and uplift communities." But Ito emphasizes that her focus goes beyond women to include broader diversity. "Ms Konoike reminded us that even the term 'women's empowerment' can sometimes create divisions," she explains. "Our goal is to support everyone, not just women. Through connection, we hope to help build a future rooted in well-being at its core." Founded in 1960, Sekisui House is one of Japan's leading homebuilders. In recent years, the company has expanded its global presence, particularly in the United States, with a focus on detached housing. For the fiscal year ending January 2025, Sekisui House reported sales of ¥4.0585 trillion JPY (around $27.9 billion USD). As of January 2025, the company employed 15,664 people on a standalone basis, including 3,320 licensed first-class architects. ( Read the interview in Japanese . ) Interview by: Naomi Yasuda, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
5 hours ago
- Japan Forward
SUZUMO Takes Japan's Delicious Rice Culture Global with Cutting-edge Tech
このページを 日本語 で読む Sushi, onigiri, and donburi are emblematic of Japanese cuisine everywhere they're found. At the heart of their culinary global reach is Suzumo Machinery Co, Ltd, the pioneer in rice processing machinery. Its innovations have helped deliver the "deliciousness and warmth" of Japanese rice to the world, fueling an international boom in Japanese food. In April, SUZUMO ushered in a new era of leadership. Minako Suzuki, a member of the founding family and the company's former president, is now Chairman. At the same time, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Toru Taniguchi is the new President. Determined to share the company's future vision and evolving missions, the two executives sat down for an exclusive interview with JAPAN Forward at SUZUMO's headquarters in Tokyo. "Our rice processing machines deliver real value to customers by improving efficiency, reducing labor, and ensuring uniformity in the foods made by the machines," says Taniguchi. The newly appointed president emphasizes that SUZUMO's strength lies in its commitment to "spreading the word about delicious food," a mission that has guided the company since its inception. "We're not just selling machines, we're carrying forward our founder's vision of delivering Japan's culinary culture to the world." President Toru Taniguchi (©Hidemitsu Kaito) "Our goal is to create something that doesn't yet exist," Chairman Suzuki explains. She learned this lesson directly from her father, the company's founder. "Inheriting the founder's philosophy, our corporate vision is 'Delivering "Deliciousness" and "Warmth" to the world' through our machines," she adds. SUZUMO Chairman Minako Suzuki. (©Hidemitsu Kaito） Nevertheless, the journey toward realizing this vision has been far from easy. Over half a century ago, the founder made a bold decision to focus on machinery for processed rice products instead of confectionery equipment. That strategic shift laid the foundation for the company's success today. "We entered the United States market in the 1980s and experienced the sushi boom firsthand," Taniguchi recounts. "At the time, sushi often looked appealing but lacked authentic taste. That's when we realized the importance of offering guidance on rice preparation and other fundamentals." "Japanese food overseas can become even more delicious. And we provide value-added services to make that possible," he adds. "That is our strength." SUZUMO is highly regarded for its comprehensive after-sales care, which starts even before machine installation and extends through years of use, including maintenance and repair services. SUZUMO's compact Sushi Machine efficiently shapes sushi, which can be automatically transferred to trays using the Sushi Transfer Unit. In Japan, sushi restaurants, supermarkets, diners, hotels, takeout and delivery specialty stores, and food processing factories are all expanding their use of rice processing machines for various purposes. This widespread acceptance is helping to expand SUZUMO's business, with overseas demand growing especially rapidly. According to a survey by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the number of Japanese restaurants overseas has surged to approximately 187,000 in 2023, compared to around 55,000 in 2013. It's a remarkable 3.4-fold increase in just ten years. SUZUMO's products are now available in over 90 countries worldwide. In recent years, overseas sales have grown from around 20% to nearly 30% of total revenue. North America leads these with 44.5% of overseas sales, while Asia and Europe also continue to be strong markets. The Middle East is likewise emerging as a promising region. There, demand is driven by rising sushi demand in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, with its affluent consumers. At international exhibitions, live demonstrations of making sushi and rice balls draw significant interest from attendees. (Scene from the NRA Show in the United States.) "With widespread access to information through social media, interest in Japanese cuisine is naturally spreading worldwide, beginning with overseas travelers," Taniguchi explains. "Pairing rice with various other ingredients is virtually limitless, and rice-based dishes will only continue to multiply." He explains that the company is actively adapting its offerings to suit local tastes. "Dishes like chicken katsu curry and poke-don (Hawaiian-style tuna bowls) are becoming popular in Europe. As long as rice-based meals keep spreading, there will always be a role for us." Even university cafeterias in the United States are now using SUZUMO's Rice-Serving Machine Fuwarica. "As Japanese food gains in popularity, different communities are developing their own local ways of preparing and enjoying Japanese cuisine," Suzuki adds. It is no exaggeration to say that Japanese food is evolving beyond its traditional roots, giving rise to entirely new, rice-based culinary cultures. "Adapting to local food cultures is essential," Suzuki emphasizes, suggesting that growth lies in embracing change itself. In America, sushi is widely available in supermarkets and other retail stores as well as restaurants. (The sushi section at a US supermarket.) While the domestic sushi restaurant market is reaching maturity, SUZUMO is looking forward. The company is actively promoting the adoption of its Rice-Serving Machine Fuwarica across the full spectrum of establishments, including small restaurants. Fuwarica features a proprietary "rice loosening function," which, as Suzuki explains, "adds just the right amount of air to freshly cooked rice to create a fluffy texture." It's a product born from the continuous pursuit of truly delicious rice. For SUZUMO, innovation in rice technology never stops. Rice-Serving Machine Fuwarica is equipped with intuitive touch controls and dispenses warm, fluffy rice in precise portions with excellent hygiene. It's now in use at airport lounges and other high-traffic locations. The ONIGIRI WOW! shop at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. (Photo courtesy of Zojirushi Corporation via SUZUMO) SUZUMO's Fluffy Onigiri molding machine is helping Zojirushi to serve perfectly shaped rice balls at the Expo's ONIGIRI WOW! shop. (Photo courtesy of Zojirushi Corporation via SUZUMO) At the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Zojirushi Corporation is hosting an onigiri specialty shop called "ONIGIRI WOW!" It offers visitors a chance to experience the fluffy texture of perfectly prepared rice. SUZUMO has provided the shop with its Fluffy Onigiri moulding machine, enabling guests to enjoy freshly made, delicious rice balls with ease. "Our machines are being used at the Expo to prepare sushi and rice bowls," explains Taniguchi, who visited the venue. "It's a wonderful opportunity for people around the world to experience Japanese food culture, from sushi and onigiri to donburi. "I'm thrilled to see the Expo helping to champion the appeal of Japanese cuisine," he adds. To meet the growing demand for its latest products, the company is currently building a new factory in Saitama Prefecture. "We plan to introduce more efficient production methods and expand our manufacturing capacity," Suzuki notes. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in March 2026. Rendering of SUZUMO's new factory under construction in Tsurugashima City, Saitama Prefecture. (Courtesy of Suzumo Co, Ltd.) SUZUMO is also prioritizing digital services and AI-driven solutions to enhance not only kitchen workflow, but also overall restaurant operations. Looking ahead, the company aims to accelerate the development of versatile, value-added services, including potential partnerships with outside firms. "As a food lifestyle producer, we aim to enhance SUZUMO's social value and solidify our business foundation," Taniguchi says, bringing the interview to a close. "Our goal is to achieve sustainable growth through management that balances profitability with a commitment to the SDGs and sound governance." This article is published in cooperation with Suzumo Machinery Co Ltd . Author: JAPAN Forward このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
7 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Immigration in Japan: So, You Want to Live Here?
このページを 日本語 で読む In Chitose, Hokkaido, Taki Kensetsu Kogyo is quietly reshaping what immigration can look like in Japan. Led by Yuichi Taki, the small construction firm employs workers from over ten countries and supports them with multilingual manuals and a practical, empathetic work culture. Taki believes that if Japan needs foreign labor, it must also create an environment where people can thrive. His company shows what's possible when both sides commit. Yet such examples remain rare. As Japan struggles to attract and retain foreign residents, the question remains: what's holding it back? This is exactly the question author and expert Fusako Yanase explores in part five of her series on immigration. In this installment, she examines the practical and social barriers facing immigrants in Japan, from language and licensing to education and long-term integration. Fifth in the series. Read the series Immigration in Japan Language remains one of the most significant barriers. In Japan, it's nearly impossible to find employment without Japanese proficiency, and most certification exams require it as well. Yet even after investing time and effort into learning the language, its utility beyond Japan can be minimal. A foreign friend of mine once joked, "I married a Japanese partner and learned the language to live with their family, but outside Japan, it's useless. Talk about a poor return on investment!" For someone who works entirely in English, it's natural to want to get started quickly using English rather than learn a local language from scratch. And even for non-native English speakers, if they're already used to the alphabet, countries that use it may feel more accessible and easier to adapt to. Is this barrier inevitable just because Japanese is the dominant language? Aspiring for jobs in Japan, Vietnamese students learn Japanese ( © Sankei) Not necessarily. Language barriers exist all over the world, but creative solutions can lower them. There are two main ways to lower Japan's language barrier: Increase support for Japanese language education for incoming foreigners and their families. Expand the number of workplaces in Japan where people can work in English (or other languages). Japan lacks both options. That is why it remains a less attractive destination for foreign workers. This isn't unique to Japan, but whether someone can utilize their career or qualifications from their home country can be a critical factor. Even those with advanced professional expertise often find that Japan is not a country where it's easy to qualify for their prior careers. For example, someone who is a doctor or nurse in their home country must pass Japan's national medical or nursing exam to practice. This is a common international challenge. However, a few countries have mutual recognition agreements for medical qualifications. Japan, though, has very few such agreements. Even experienced teachers with years in the classroom must obtain a Japanese teaching license to work in schools. Former business owners face similar hurdles. Without proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Japanese, starting a business or securing financing can be a major challenge. Skilled professionals in fields like beauty or hairstyling also run into obstacles, as many national certification exams are conducted entirely in Japanese. For those who have fled their homeland to Japan, finding employment and achieving financial independence is an immediate priority. And for those planning to stay even temporarily, ensuring a supportive educational environment for their children becomes equally important. Japan provides free compulsory education. Children of refugee applicants working under a "Designated Activities – Work Permitted" visa are eligible to attend public kindergartens, nurseries, and elementary or junior high schools. In many cases, even those without legal status can enroll their children by applying directly to the educational institution. These services are funded by Japanese taxpayers. However, it's important to remember that foreign residents also contribute through taxes once they begin working. In recent years, despite problems in some areas, the idea of multicultural coexistence has gained broader acceptance. It has become increasingly rare for Japanese parents or students to view Japanese language instruction or supplemental support for foreign children as discriminatory. Many, in fact, now actively support and cooperate with these efforts. Foreign technical intern trainees have been working in caregiving in Japan. Hikone, Shiga Prefecture (©Sankei by Sarasa Shimizu) In urban daycare centers and schools, it is now entirely normal to see children from diverse backgrounds learning in Japanese, side by side with their Japanese peers. When people claim that "Japan accepts very few refugees," the focus is often limited to the small number of applicants who meet the officially recognized definition of refugee. This narrow view fuels the perception that "Japan rejects foreigners." And from there, the debate quickly turns to calls for reforming the immigration and refugee recognition system. While legal reforms are certainly worth discussing, a broader perspective reveals a deeper issue: Japan is increasingly not being chosen as a destination by refugees or by other would-be immigrants. Asking "Why isn't Japan being chosen?" prompts a closer look at the structural and social challenges that make life in Japan difficult for non-Japanese residents and those with foreign roots. What aspects of Japanese society are unwelcoming or inconvenient? What makes long-term settlement so difficult? Addressing these questions is essential — not only for supporting those who genuinely need protection, but also for helping Japan evolve into a more inclusive and multicultural society. A December 2, 2023, feature in Weekly Toyo Keizai titled "Foreign Workers Aren't Coming! Companies That Get Chosen, Companies That Are Abandoned" made the point starkly. Japan is no longer a "chosen country," and the day may soon come when foreign workers stop coming altogether. The next installment dives into this very topic. Japan was once a top destination for workers from emerging Asian nations, known for offering strong earning potential. But as of December 2023, South Korea had taken the lead, with Japan in second place and Taiwan rapidly closing in. Saddled with a weakened yen, Japan no longer held the same appeal it once did. Foreign residents serve as a mirror reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of Japanese society. Many of the challenges they face, whether in language education, skills training, or access to housing that accommodates religious and cultural needs, require more than policy tweaks. Real progress depends on sufficient government investment and broad support from the private sector. These are not issues that immigration reform alone can fix. So, how do you see it? Continues in Part Six: What Brings Refugees to a New Land? Author: Fusako Yanase In addition to being an expert on immigration, Yanase is a best-selling author and former Honorary Chair of the Certified NPO Association for Aid and Relief, Japan. このページを 日本語 で読む
