EcoFlow Technology Japan, a developer and seller of portable power supplies and other power solutions, opened its EcoFlow House, built in the mountains of Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, to the press on April 4.
EcoFlow House is located in a steep mountainous area about 10 minutes by car from Yokoyama village in Ina City. Originally, the land was developed as a ski resort, but it has been disused for about 60 years due to the decrease in snowfall. 30-40 years ago, the land was used as a campground, but that was also closed due to the decrease in population. Now it is used as a center for activities such as paragliding, mountain biking, and off-road baby carriages.
According to Taku Nakai, Director of Marketing Japan, Marketing Department, the idea of creating EcoFlow House was the impetus for the creation of the EcoFlow House.
The company’s best known products are portable power supplies and solar panels, but it also sells home power systems that combine these products to create an off-grid environment, and the event will serve as a demonstration venue for these products.
The solar panels installed on the roof can provide the equivalent of 12.2 kWh of electricity, which is the amount of electricity a family of three is expected to use in a day. Water is carried in polyethylene tanks and pumped up by a motor, making it as easy to use as an ordinary kitchen sink.
The kitchen on the first floor is fully equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, etc. for comfortable living, while the second floor is a bedroom with three beds in a row.
Not only is there no electricity or running water, but there is also no communication environment in the remote mountainous areas. Therefore, EcoFlow House is using Starlink, a communication service that uses low-orbit satellites, to create a Wi-Fi environment that is comparable to that of urban areas. I was able to use this Wi-Fi environment for an online meeting in between interviews, and was able to work comfortably without interruption.
As for toilets, a simple type is installed under the eaves, which will be used. At present, there is no bath, and they are considering installing a goemon bath in the future, where water can be heated and used by electricity.
Also, there is no air conditioner installed at this time, and it may be difficult to live in the summer as it is, but the company plans to announce a portable cooler as a new product soon, and such equipment is expected to be available for testing.
The company has been running a campaign since mid-March to offer a one-night stay at EcoFlow House to purchasers of the DELTA 2 portable power supply, and has already received a large number of applications; the company will be ready to accept them by mid-April and will invite winners in turn.
In this press release, Mr. Nakai emphasizes the cooperation with local companies and organizations. He said that the project would not be possible without the backup of numerous local companies and organizations, including ERUK, which operates “ASOBINA,” a service that provides support for transportation to and from the villages at the foot of the mountain. With this background, the company plans to conduct various activities in Ina City from the three perspectives of the environment, tourism promotion, and disaster prevention, centered on the EcoFlow House.
At the press opening, chef Tatsuro Watanabe, owner of “kurabe CONTINENTAL DELICATESSEN” restaurant, which offers a menu using local ingredients, and others cooked galette and pasta using a portable power supply and served them to those involved. Miyajima Sake Shop, which produces “Shinshu Nishiki” and other Japanese sake, and Kamoshika Cider Brewery, which makes cider from local apples, also cooperated in this effort, and will also convey the appeal of Ina’s food to those who experience the stay.
ERUK Representative Director Keiki Kuremoto, who originally represented Japan in paragliding competitions and provides experience services for various outdoor activities in his hometown of Ina City, said, “Every time I go to Europe, I feel the climate change firsthand. It is the same in Japan. When the temperature difference between the two countries becomes severe, updrafts are more likely to occur, allowing for larger flights,” he said, stressing the importance of protecting the natural environment.
While he says this, he also understands the use of electricity and other science and technology, saying, “Paragliders are made of chemical fiber, and once on the ground, it is important to charge electronic devices, live normally, and secure electricity for the World Championships.
Katsuhiko Yamashita, president of BEE DESIGN, who was in charge of the design of the EcoFlow House, is an artist who creates airbrush art, sculptures, and murals. He often works outdoors and says, “Sometimes it is difficult to secure a power source for shutter art. At large sites, we sometimes have to fight for electricity, but if we can generate electricity on the spot with solar power, it will change the way we work on site,” he said.
Yasuhiro Hanaya, an alpinist and the president of First Ascent, who runs a mountain lodge on behalf of Ina City, also commented, “If we can do this in a place like a mountain lodge, which is a little more serious, we can start with a small gear and incorporate it into life at the foot of the mountain. I hope it will lead to higher and higher performance and a reduction in environmental impact.
© Source travel watch
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