HANA HOSPITALITY Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Founder & CEO: Glass Wu) is proud to announce that The GALA Hotel Umeda, which opened on March 3, 2025, in the Nakatsu area of Osaka, celebrated its first anniversary in March 2026. To express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the past year, we hosted a special 1st Anniversary Celebration Party.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many guests who attended. The event featured a celebratory cake-cutting ceremony, and guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere filled with delicious food and free-flowing drinks. The celebration was further elevated by live musical performances, creating a glamorous and warm environment for everyone to enjoy this significant milestone.
Glass Wu, Founder and CEO of HANA HOSPITALITY Co., Ltd., shared the following remarks:
"The first year since our opening has been incredibly meaningful and fruitful for our hotel. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our guests and all those who have supported us daily. Moving forward, we will continue to stay close to the needs of our diverse guests—including families—as we strive to provide even higher quality service and a comfortable stay experience."
Mr. Kazuhiko Maeda, General Secretary of the Osaka City Council, who also spoke at last year's opening, offered his congratulations:
"Over the past year, many international visitors attending the Osaka-Kansai Expo have stayed at The GALA Hotel Umeda and given it high praise. Furthermore, the hotel has designed rooms where small children and mothers can feel at ease, making it a popular choice for a wide range of families."
■ A Look Back at the Opening
On our opening day, we held a glamorous ribbon-cutting ceremony. We were honored to welcome several special guests, including Atsuko Maeda, a former member of the iconic Japanese idol group AKB48 who is also widely recognized internationally.
Following the ceremony, a dialogue was held between CEO Glass Wu and Atsuko Maeda, where they discussed the hotel's core concept and the story behind its creation. Ms. Maeda expressed her resonance with the hotel’s philosophy, commenting:
"It’s a spacious and beautifully designed hotel that is very easy for families to stay in. I think it’s wonderful to have a hotel that is so filled with such thoughtful intentions."
About The GALA Hotel Umeda
The GALA Hotel Umeda, located in the Nakatsu area of Osaka, is a boutique hotel that offers sophisticated design paired with warm, attentive hospitality. Situated just a step away from the city's hustle and bustle, we provide a tranquil sanctuary where both travelers and business professionals can enjoy a truly special stay.
Our interior design is centered on the concept of "Harmony with Nature," incorporating the warmth of wood and lush greenery. We aim to be a hotel where guests can escape the everyday through a space that is both modern and deeply relaxing. The vibrant and refined aesthetic creates an uplifting atmosphere—much like traveling abroad—ensuring that the stay itself becomes a cherished memory.
The hotel offers a total of 100 guest rooms, including Deluxe Family Suites and Luxury Suites, all featuring spacious living areas and premium amenities. Select rooms are fully equipped with kitchens and washer-dryers, making them ideal for long-term stays and family travel. We also provide a stress-free environment for guests with small children, offering crib rentals and specialized facilities for preparing baby formula.
■ Our Philosophy and Commitment
The GALA Hotel Umeda was established to meet the diverse needs of today’s modern travelers.
For long-term guests, we offer suites equipped with kitchens, living areas, and washer-dryers, creating a stay experience that feels just like home. A distinctive feature of our hotel is its departure from traditional hotel design, which often leans toward a male-centric perspective. Instead, we have consciously crafted a space where female travelers, groups of women on vacation, and business professionals can feel truly comfortable.
Furthermore, by incorporating thoughtful design elements tailored to female travelers and business guests, we continue to create spaces that meet the diverse needs of all our visitors.
■ Facilities and Location
Located in the hotel lobby, Areca Café & Bar (open 8:00–21:00) offers a peaceful morning experience with freshly baked bread, while in the evening, guests can enjoy a premium selection of Osaka-brewed craft beers and fine wines.
With its convenient location within walking distance of Umeda Station, the hotel serves as an ideal base for sightseeing, business, and shopping for both domestic and international guests. The GALA Hotel Umeda has grown not merely as an accommodation facility, but as a hub that showcases the charms of Osaka and creates new experiences.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many guests who have visited and supported us throughout our first year. We view this first anniversary as a fresh start and will continue to strive to provide an even more comfortable and memorable stay experience.
We sincerely thank everyone who has supported us so far, and we look forward to welcoming you to The GALA Hotel Umeda in the years to come.
