Andaz Tokyo, Hyatt's first lifestyle hotel in Japan, opened in Toranomon Hills, a breath of fresh air in the government district, and celebrated its first anniversary this June. Andaz Tokyo, based on the concept of respecting the city, culture, and individuality of each country, recently (June 8th to 12th) hosted the Andaz Cinema Salon in collaboration with the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2015 (SSFF & ASIA 2015), Asia's largest international short film festival, recognized by the Academy Awards.

And on June 11th, the first anniversary of Andaz Tokyo, a commemorative party for the film festival was held, featuring actor Tetsuya Bessho, representative of SSFF & ASIA, and festival ambassador and film commentator LiLiCo. Tetsuya Bessho said, "I'd like to thank Andaz Tokyo and General Manager Arnaud for supporting SSFF & ASIA. I hope a film will be set in this hotel next year." Afterward, film directors and movie fans from around the world enjoyed a glamorous evening at Andaz Tokyo. Andaz Tokyo goes beyond the confines of an ordinary hotel to invigorate the city of Tokyo and promote its charms to the world. General Manager Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry spoke about his thoughts on the first anniversary of its opening, his involvement with SSFF & ASIA 2015, and the appeal of Tokyo itself. --Congratulations on your first anniversary! You've been planning some exciting anniversary events, but could you tell us how and why you decided to collaborate with SSFF & ASIA 2015, which marks its 17th anniversary this year? Thank you. I met Tetsuya Bessho, representative of SSFF & ASIA, at Andaz Tokyo's grand opening party last year. Since the meeting was held during the SSFF & ASIA 2014, we spoke about various aspects of the festival. I was deeply impressed by Bessho's passion for the SSFF & ASIA, including its support for young talent from around the world and its history of producing world-class filmmakers. --And how did this lead to the idea of collaborating with the film festival? While preview events and commemorative parties are often held at hotels, I was surprised to find that the entire film program could be enjoyed in a hotel setting. The main reason we decided to collaborate was that the SSFF & ASIA concept aligned with Andaz's concept of "individuality" and "embracing the unique characteristics of the region." Andaz strives to provide a space where guests can feel comfortable and at ease, while also stimulating their senses. To that end, we offer the Andaz Salon, which offers creative experiences such as art and music, and we thought of hosting a Cinema Salon there. --What exactly is the "personal service" that Andaz Tokyo offers? At Andaz Tokyo, there is no service manual. Each staff member interacts with each guest individually, based on their own unique hospitality style. We believe that service that goes beyond a script creates true communication with our guests. This is a hotel that respects the individuality of not only our staff but also our guests. --The hotel's design and interior décor incorporate a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, reflecting our concept of utilizing the unique characteristics of each region. What do you personally think about Tokyo's individuality and charm? I believe that Tokyo is a city where people have a hospitable spirit, safe, beautiful, and rich in diversity. That's why I always encourage my guests to "get lost in Tokyo." Once you get lost, you'll discover beautiful shrines and temples, traditional Japanese houses, and shops rooted in everyday life. I believe it's a fascinating city where discovery is a joy. The name Andaz Tokyo comes from the Hindi word for "personal style," and it respects the cities, cultures, and individuality of each country from a global perspective. Andaz Tokyo is sure to attract more and more attention in the future as a special, relaxing space that is also stimulating and creative, and which spreads the charm of Tokyo to the world.