Japanese ultra-luxury accommodations brand Hotel The Mitsui announced the appointment of new general managers for its properties in Hakone and Kyoto.
Effective yesterday, 1st July, Manabu Kusui takes on the helm as the founding general manager of Hotel The Mitsui Hakone which is set to open in Kowakudani, Hakone next year.
At the same time, the brand also named Yoshihito Kaseda as the new general manager at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
Under their collective leadership, Hotel The Mitsui will continue to embody its brand concept Embracing Japan Beauty, and remain committed to offering deeply immersive experiences rooted in the local culture and nature.
Meet Manabu Kusui
Kusui was a key figure at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto since its pre-opening stages, handling the launch and its initial operations.
In his new post, he will oversee the launch of the Hakone property and continue to serve as the cluster general manager for Hotel The Mitsui, supporting the brand’s operations in Kyoto.
Kusui said of his assignment: “It is both an honour and a humbling responsibility to be appointed as the cluster general manager for Hotel The Mitsui, as well as founding general manager of Hotel The Mitsui Hakone.. Since the opening of Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto in November 2020, it has been a privilege to be part of this brand’s journey. I am truly delighted to now take part in this new chapter, as we expand to Hakone, a region of deep natural and cultural beauty within 2026. As our two properties in Kyoto and Hakone resonate with and complement one another, I look forward to further enriching the brand experience. We sincerely hope you will continue to follow and support our journey.”
Kusui began his career in 1994 at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, later gaining international experience at Hyatt Regency Saipan, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, before returning to Japan.
He went on to hold key leadership positions, including director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo; director of sales and marketing at the Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi, Tokyo; and deputy general manager for sales and marketing at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.
Meet Yoshihito Kaseda
With a distinguished career across leading luxury hotels and resorts including Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Claridge’s in London, Conrad, and Hilton, Kaseda is widely recognized for his strong leadership and management acumen.
Drawing on his extensive experience, he is set to bring a fresh vision and vitality to Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto.
He said of his new assignment: “It is a true honor to be entrusted with this important role at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a property that embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics. I feel a deep sense of responsibility and purpose as I take the next step forward, building upon the singular and exceptional legacy established under the leadership of former general manager Kusui. Together with our dedicated team, I will strive to deliver memorable experiences for each and every guest. At the same time, we aim to remain a hotel that is deeply rooted in the spirit of Kyoto and cherished by the local community for years to come.”
Kaseda began his hospitality career in 2004 at Hilton Tokyo Bay, and gained international experience at Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa (Philippines) and held management roles at Conrad Tokyo.
At Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, he served in various leadership positions, including director of rooms.
In 2020, he moved to London to join the prestigious Claridge’s as director of rooms, further strengthening his operational and management expertise across the global luxury hotel sector.
He returned to Japan in 2022 to rejoin Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, where he oversaw hotel operations as hotel manager.
