Column

COLUMN2026.08.01

Hayama Festivals in 2026 — Following the Town's Rhythm from Summer to Autumn

In Hayama, drums beat somewhere every weekend during summer. Bon dances on the beach, grand festivals in terraced rice field villages, and mikoshi (portable shrines) entering the sea. We've compiled a list of festivals held in Hayama and its surroundings from August to September 2026, including their distance from each Roopt property. These are not events made for tourists, but rather a glimpse into the town's everyday life.

COLUMN2026.06.09

Japanese Tourists Are Concentrating in the Wrong Places

A column considering overtourism and the potential of rural areas. It explores the meaning of staying in places like Hayama, Ishinomaki, and Shiogama, away from crowded tourist destinations.

COLUMN2026.06.09

The official website for vacation rental and share house "Roopt" has been completely renewed.

Introducing Roopt's completely redesigned official website, with new design and functionality. Experience the new Roopt, which blurs the lines between travel and daily life.

COLUMN2023.10.05

Individual Consultation Session on "Vacant Homes" for Inheritance, Utilization, etc.

With the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding, travel demand is recovering both domestically and internationally. Especially in 2023, which marked the first year after the pandemic, many people probably traveled for the first time in a while.

COLUMN2023.11.18

Summary of Share House Cases Utilizing Vacant Homes

Share houses are becoming widespread nationwide, and it seems they are gradually being accepted as a major lifestyle. Especially in Japan, where the population is declining and the birthrate is falling and the population is aging, "shi"

COLUMN2023.07.11

Individual Consultation Session on "Vacant Homes" for Inheritance, Utilization, etc.

Makigumi Inc., which has been working on utilizing vacant homes mainly in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture since its establishment in 2015, will hold an "Online Individual Consultation Session on Vacant Home Utilization" for vacant home owners in Japan in 2020.

COLUMN2024.02.05

Evaluation of Old Detached Houses for Investment in Modern Times

The landscape of real estate investment is undergoing significant changes due to recent developments. At the heart of these changes is the emerging need for new evaluation criteria. This article delves into the modern judgment criteria that investors, particularly those like Gaiax and our company Makigumi, emphasize.

COLUMN2024.02.05

Past Evaluation Models and Current Social Conditions

The field of real estate investment has seen its evaluation criteria and social perception change with the times. In particular, the question of how past evaluation models must adapt to modern diverse lifestyles and social conditions is becoming increasingly important.

COLUMN2024.02.07

What is a Non-Recourse Loan?

A non-recourse loan refers to a specific type of financing in real estate investment, characterized by the fact that collateral is set only on the property itself that received the loan.

COLUMN2024.02.07

Lifestyles and Demographics

Modern society is experiencing significant changes in traditional real estate values due to demographic shifts and diversifying lifestyles. Especially in rural areas, with declining populations, the demand and yields for new properties are no longer as promising as before.

COLUMN2024.02.07

Evolution of Workation and Remote Work, and Re-evaluation of Regions

In the post-COVID world, revolutionary changes in work styles have occurred alongside dramatic improvements in communication infrastructure. While working in an office was once common, it is now possible to work from anywhere.

COLUMN2024.02.07

The Spread of the Sharing Economy and Its Impact

The sharing economy is a new economic model that effectively utilizes unused resources and generates income from spare time and space.

COLUMN2024.02.07

Ama-cho: New Challenges in the Countryside and Successful Cases of Relocation

Ama-cho is part of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, a region with beautiful nature and rich culture floating in the Sea of Japan. The town has a population of 2,223 and an area of 33.44 square kilometers.

COLUMN2024.02.07

Successful Cases of Regional Revitalization in Ishinomaki City

After recovering from the Great East Japan Earthquake, Ishinomaki City has attracted attention as a model for regional revitalization. This city, which suffered immense damage from the earthquake, is taking a new step forward through creative reconstruction and sustainable community development.

COLUMN2024.02.07

Takigahara Farm: A Regional Revitalization Model in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Takigahara Farm is located in Takigahara-cho, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, a region rich in nature, and aims to disseminate new information from the region and create a sustainable community.

COLUMN2024.02.07

The Trajectory and Future of Regional Revitalization in Ogijima

Ogijima, an island floating in the Seto Inland Sea of Kagawa Prefecture, has attracted attention as a successful case of regional revitalization. This island, which once faced population decline and a decrease in regional vitality, has achieved recovery by combining the power of art and community to create new appeal.

COLUMN2024.02.07

Successful Case of Regional Revitalization: Gojome Town

Gojome Town is rediscovering the charm of the region and creating new value through a multifaceted approach.

COLUMN2024.02.08

Technology and the New Wave of Real Estate Investment

Recent advancements in construction technology are changing the traditional concept of depreciation periods. Modern buildings now possess durability that allows for use over 100 years. Especially in rental properties, share houses, and accommodation facilities, it has become clear that user satisfaction comes from different sources than before.

COLUMN2024.02.08

Evaluation of Old Detached Houses for Investment in Modern Times (1) Understanding the Changing Era of Real Estate Investment – Past Evaluation Models and Current Social Conditions

This first video in the series provides an overview of how old detached properties have been evaluated in the past, and what perspectives are needed going forward.

COLUMN2024.02.10

Self-Renovation Know-how (1) DIY Vacant House Renovation from Tokyo to Tottori – Achieving Your Ideal Home with Renovation

This introduces the experience of a teleworker who relocated and self-renovated a vacant house. It explains the process of finding a vacant house, the background of self-renovation, the costs and time involved in renovation, and reasons why self-renovation is recommended.

COLUMN2024.02.10

Self-Renovation Know-how (2) First Renovation – Unexpected Pitfalls?! Secrets to Successful DIY Renovation

This explains how to proceed with self-renovation based on actual experiences. We will discuss the difficulties, successes, and failures, providing insights for those planning a new renovation to consider beforehand.

COLUMN2024.02.10

Evaluation of Old Detached Houses for Investment in Modern Times (2) The Nuclear Family Era is Over! – Lifestyles and Demographics

When evaluating real estate, it is essential to first understand the demographic changes in Japan and rural areas, as well as shifts in lifestyles in the post-COVID era.

COLUMN2024.02.10

Evaluation of Old Detached Houses for Investment in Modern Times (3) The Spread of the Sharing Economy and Real Estate Valuation – The Spread of the Sharing Economy

This explains the logic of how the spread of the sharing economy impacts real estate prices and introduces specific sharing economy services.

COLUMN2024.02.13

New Evaluation Criteria for Vacant Homes: An Approach Emphasizing Simplicity and Practicality

For investors and property owners who own vacant homes, accurately assessing the value of their assets is extremely important. However, traditional evaluation methods currently do not adequately reflect changes in social conditions and diversifying usage scenarios.

COLUMN2021.11.30

What kind of town is Shiogama? Introducing tourist spots where you can learn about Shiogama

Shiogama City is the second smallest municipality in Miyagi Prefecture by area. However, it has the longest history among cities in Tohoku, and tracing its history back, it played a politically and economically important role as a naval port and commercial port.

COLUMN2023.02.20

[Share House Where You Can Live with Cats] Catwalk DIY Workshop Held at Roopt Hiyorigaoka

Many people who watch cat videos on social media like YouTube and Instagram probably think, "I want to own a cat someday."

COLUMN2023.02.18

[Forestry] A program to learn how to use a chainsaw "safely" and "enjoyably" in Ishinomaki by the Weekend Forester Training School

If you live in the countryside rather than the city, you want to do things you can only do there. We hear such voices surprisingly often. In particular, many people seek involvement in primary industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.

COLUMN2023.04.21

[Cherry Blossoms] 6 Recommended Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Miyagi Prefecture Accessible by Car ~ Shiogama City, Matsushima Town, Higashimatsushima City, Ishinomaki City ~

In Miyagi Prefecture, cherry blossoms typically reach full bloom around mid-April, and the season is bustling with cherry blossom viewers. Around the four Roopt share house properties in the prefecture (as of April 2023), there are also recommended spots.

COLUMN2023.10.16

Summary of Gas Stations in Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture

With the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding, travel demand is recovering both domestically and internationally. Especially in 2023, which marked the first year after the pandemic, many people probably traveled for the first time in a while.

COLUMN2023.11.18

I've compiled a list of gas stations in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is located roughly halfway between Sendai City and Kesennuma City, and one of its characteristics is that you can go to various places by car. It also has a history of prospering from maritime transport, and even now, ships come and go from the port.

COLUMN2023.10.17

I've compiled a list of gas stations in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, attracts many tourists and is a city with heavy car traffic as people pass through it during coastal drives. There are tourist spots like Shiogama Shrine that are easily accessible by car, but for those who enjoy driving,

COLUMN2024.07.10

[Event Report] An event to socialize at a share house while eating 200 gyoza was held at Roopt Ishinomaki Chuo-COMICHI-

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, an event for residents, local community members, and Roopt staff to interact was held at the Roopt share house, Roopt Ishinomaki Chuo-COMICHI-.

COLUMN2022.02.09

8 Stylish Cafes and Local Gourmet Restaurants in Higashimatsushima

The Sanriku-Matsushima area in Tohoku is famous for its abundant seafood, such as wakame seaweed, oysters, and mackerel. The Kinkasan fishing grounds, in particular, are where the Kuroshio (warm current) and Oyashio (cold current) collide, making it one of the world's three major fishing grounds.

COLUMN2022.02.04

7 Shopping Spots in Higashimatsushima to Enhance Your Daily Life and Hobbies

Shopping is essential for daily life. It's no exaggeration to say that whether food and daily necessities can be easily obtained or not determines the richness of life when shopping in a residential area.

COLUMN2022.01.20

9 Tourist Spots in Higashimatsushima and Activities You Can Enjoy in One Day

Higashimatsushima City is located almost halfway between Sendai City and Ishinomaki City, the two major cities in Miyagi Prefecture. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, redevelopment led to an increase in families living there, and it is also a city with a well-developed education system. In addition, Higashimatsu

COLUMN2023.10.05

Individual Consultation Session on "Vacant Homes" for Inheritance, Utilization, etc.

Makigumi Inc., which has been working on utilizing vacant homes mainly in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture since its establishment in 2015, will hold an "Online Individual Consultation Session on Vacant Home Utilization" for vacant home owners in Japan in 2020.

COLUMN2022.05.06

Recommended for Work or Breaks! 8 Cafes and Coffee Shops in Ishinomaki [Part 1]

Ishinomaki is a region rich in food, with attractive restaurants and izakayas throughout the city. There are also many cafes and restaurants, where you can relax after a meal or work on your computer.

COLUMN2022.05.06

Recommended for Work or Breaks! 8 Cafes and Coffee Shops in Ishinomaki [Part 2]

This column introduces cafes and coffee shops around Ishinomaki Station. In the first part, we introduced 4 shops, but in the latter part of the column, we will continue to introduce wonderful cafes. Please find your favorite shop.

COLUMN2022.06.22

7 Spots to Learn About Ishinomaki's History and Culture

What do you want to know when you visit an unfamiliar town? There are many things, such as delicious restaurants and tourist attractions. Among them, there are certainly people who want to experience history and culture.

COLUMN2022.06.05

9 Shopping Spots in Ishinomaki – From Kitchen Staples to Sweets

When living, what kind of shops are available and what can be bought are important points. For example, when it comes to food, whether there is a supermarket nearby where ingredients can be bought is more important than restaurants where you can eat out.

COLUMN2022.05.23

10 Recommended Lunch Spots to Enjoy Ishinomaki's Rich Food Culture

Ishinomaki is famous for its fishing industry, but agriculture is also thriving, and there are many restaurants offering dishes made with local ingredients. In addition to the deliciousness of the food, the charm of the ingredients and the owner's commitment

COLUMN2023.09.26

For Museum Hopping! 15 Recommended Museums in Miyagi Prefecture

Museums, where you can cultivate your sensibilities and calm your mind while experiencing Japanese and international art, are consistently popular among all generations. You can see things that can only be seen in that place.

COLUMN2023.10.18

Individual Consultation Session on "Vacant Homes" for Inheritance, Utilization, etc.

Japan is a country rich in four seasons, and autumn, in particular, is a beautiful season for autumn leaves. Miyagi Prefecture, where Roopt's share houses are located, also has many spectacular autumn foliage spots. Therefore, this time, we will introduce autumn foliage spots in Miyagi Prefecture.

COLUMN2023.10.05

Recommended for Hot Spring Lovers! Day-Trip Hot Springs and Saunas in Miyagi Prefecture's Coastal Area

Miyagi Prefecture has nationally famous hot spring towns such as Akiu Onsen and Naruko Onsen. These hot spring resorts, surrounded by rich nature, are among Miyagi Prefecture's leading tourist destinations.

COLUMN2023.09.18

A Must-See for Travel Lovers! 12 Recommended Guesthouses in Miyagi Prefecture

Tohoku is a region visited by many travelers, and each prefecture has many attractive guesthouses. Miyagi Prefecture also has a plethora of guesthouses that we highly recommend staying at, so this time we will introduce recommended guesthouses in Miyagi Prefecture.

COLUMN2023.11.19

[2024 Edition] Recommended First Sunrise Spots in Miyagi Prefecture

With restrictions due to the COVID-19 infection easing in 2023, the first sunrise of 2024 is expected to see the largest crowds in several years. Miyagi Prefecture also has recommended first sunrise spots.

COLUMN2023.09.26

Spend Your Days Off with Books. A Compilation of Libraries in Miyagi Prefecture

For those who love books and reading, bookstores and libraries are truly places of healing. Libraries, in particular, offer a wide range of books that can be read for free, and also provide insights into local history.

COLUMN2023.10.05

For Family Outings and Dates! A Compilation of Movie Theaters in Miyagi Prefecture

Movie theaters are one of the recommended destinations for family outings and couple's dates. It's fun to watch a trending movie together and share your thoughts, or to go alone and immerse yourself in the work.

COLUMN2023.09.26

Recommended for History and Culture Lovers! Introducing 13 Museums in Miyagi Prefecture!

There are numerous museums throughout Japan, providing important clues to understanding local history and culture. Additionally, museums with interactive exhibits and workshops offer a fun experience for families.

COLUMN2023.10.05

What is a Share House? Explained with 12 Recommended Share Houses in Miyagi Prefecture!

In recent years, lifestyles have diversified, and the number of people moving into share houses has increased. Share house living offers various benefits, such as sharing furniture and appliances, and fostering interaction among residents.

COLUMN2023.08.14

[Higashimatsushima] Visited "Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons," Miyagi's New Community Hub

In Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture, a new facility called "Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons" opened in the autumn of 2022, within walking distance of Roopt's share house (Roopt Okumatsushima).

COLUMN2022.12.21

[Parking] Coin Parking Lots Around Ishinomaki Station ~ Ishinomaki City Chuo

For tourists visiting the area around Ishinomaki Station or locals coming to shop, knowing where to park is important. Here, we've compiled information on 24-hour coin parking lots.

COLUMN2022.12.25

[Parking] Coin Parking Lots Around Shiogama Station ~ Hon-Shiogama Station

Shiogama City has many recommended tourist spots, such as Shiogama Shrine, making it a place you'll want to visit by car. Here, we've compiled information on 24-hour coin parking lots around JR Senseki-Tohoku Line Shiogama Station to JR Senseki Line Hon-Shiogama Station.

COLUMN2022.07.06

[Renovation] Makigumi PR's Thorough Explanation of Roopt's Renovation! Shiogama Kaigandori Edition

Roopt has many appealing points, and one of them is "renovation." Makigumi Co., Ltd., which operates Roopt, is a company specializing in renovating vacant houses.

COLUMN2023.02.25

Worth Knowing! Complete Guide to Rent Averages in Each Municipality in Miyagi Prefecture! [Written with ChatGPT]

For those considering moving or relocating, knowing the local rent average is very important. However, obtaining this information can be quite difficult.

COLUMN2023.08.08

[Roadside Stations] Recommended Roadside Stations in Ishinomaki City & Onagawa Town, Miyagi Prefecture for Tohoku Drives

When going on sightseeing trips or drives, "roadside stations" are always a point of interest. You stop not only for a break from driving but also to buy local specialties or have a meal. Roopt's share houses

COLUMN2023.11.14

Guide to Utilizing "Roopt's Vacant House Portal Site for House Closing" for Those Troubled by House Inheritance

Makigumi Co., Ltd., which operates share houses and guesthouses by utilizing vacant houses often considered to have low asset value, launched the "Vacant House Portal Site for House Closing" in the spring of 2023.

COLUMN2022.06.19

[Report] "1st Roopt MEET UP" Touring Roopt Bases and Miyagi's Port Towns

Roopt not only recruits residents but also regularly holds events to introduce many people to share house living and the charms of Miyagi Prefecture.

COLUMN2022.08.19

[MEET UP] Enjoying Miyagi's Port Towns "in Their Own Ways" - "2nd Roopt MEET UP"

Roopt not only recruits residents but also regularly holds events to introduce many people to share house living and the charms of Miyagi Prefecture.

COLUMN2022.06.29

[Sea Kayaking] Experiencing Ishinomaki's Sea with All Five Senses at 'Nakano Kayak' - Experience Report

Many of Roopt's share houses are located in the coastal areas of Miyagi Prefecture, allowing residents to enjoy not only seafood but also many marine activities. Roopt residents and guests

COLUMN2023.11.18

[Share House x 〇〇] Examples of Share Houses as Multi-Purpose Facilities and Benefits of Operating Them!

Various types of multi-purpose facilities are emerging in Japan. These facilities offer a "two-for-one" experience for customers and create attractive synergies for operators. Roopt

COLUMN2022.06.08

[Report] A Share House is Where You Can Make Your Dreams Come True. "Daydreaming in a Share House" Roopt Higashimatsushima Shintome Edition (Held on 2022/03/08)

At Roopt, a share house utilizing retro properties, the landlord and guests freely imagine and discuss fun ways of living, such as "I wish I could do that" and "I wish I had this."

COLUMN2022.06.12

[Report] A Share House as a Tourist Information Center!? "Daydreaming in a Share House" Roopt Shiogama Kaigandori Edition (Held on 2022/03/22)

At Roopt, a share house utilizing retro properties, the landlord and guests freely imagine and discuss fun ways of living, such as "I wish I could do that" and "I wish I had this."

COLUMN2022.06.15

[Report] Discovering a World Unknown to You Through Share House Living! "Daydreaming in a Share House" Roopt Shiogama Kaigandori Edition (Held on 2022/04/22)

At Roopt, a share house utilizing retro properties, the landlord and guests freely imagine and discuss fun ways of living, such as "I wish I could do that" and "I wish I had this."

COLUMN2022.08.05

[Board Games] "Daydreaming in a Share House" Fun Game Tournament in a Super Spacious 9LDK House (Held on 2022/06/22)

Readers, what comes to mind when you hear "share house"? That's right, board games! Board games, where everyone can communicate and have fun together, are a great way to enjoy a share house.

COLUMN2024.07.15

Top 10 "Frequently Asked Questions" During Share House Viewings and Their Answers [Roopt Staff Speaks]

At Roopt, which operates share houses mainly in Miyagi Prefecture, various people come to view share houses every day. Some come because they are "considering moving in and want to see it once," while others "just want to take a look."

COLUMN2024.08.07

Do You Need Qualifications to Operate a Share House? Explaining the Key Points of Operation

Have you ever wondered if you need qualifications to operate a share house? For those interested in share house operation, we explain everything from property selection to key operational points. Smoothly operate a share house.

COLUMN2021.11.30

If You're Looking for Shiogama Gourmet, This is the Place! 5 Recommended Gourmet Spots in Shiogama

The seaside town of Shiogama is known as a fierce battleground for sushi, with one of Japan's highest catches of fresh tuna and production of fish paste products. In Shiogama, you'll find not only sushi restaurants but also establishments serving local seafood.

COLUMN2021.11.30

10 Recommended Shopping Spots & Stylish Cafes in Shiogama

Hon-Shiogama Station is located in the center of Shiogama City. Shiogama is famous as a tourist destination with a blessed natural environment and excellent fishing port location. In another column, we introduced its gourmet scene and tourist spots, but this time

COLUMN2022.07.10

[SUP] Getting Refreshed and Having Fun with SUP in Ishinomaki's Sea (by Active Life Lab) - Experience Report

Many of Roopt's share houses are located in the coastal areas of Miyagi Prefecture, allowing residents to enjoy not only seafood but also many marine activities. Roopt residents and guests

COLUMN2022.07.21

[Surfing] Introduction to Surfing in Ishinomaki and Higashimatsushima ~ 'Carlsbad' Surfing Lesson Experience Report ~

Many of Roopt's share houses are located in the coastal areas of Miyagi Prefecture, allowing residents to enjoy not only seafood but also many marine activities. Roopt residents and guests

COLUMN2023.01.06

[Workation] Tried a One-Week Workation at Roopt Share House in Miyagi

Did you know that you can do a workation at Roopt, a share house operating mainly in Miyagi Prefecture? Roopt's share houses accept not only residents but also overnight stays.