Real estate investment company Genkai Capital Management Co., Ltd. of Fukuoka City, headed by President Masatoshi Matsuo, has begun investing in commercial facilities, purchasing the large suburban shopping center uto (located in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture), as of July 31st. Though Genkai Capital has invested in office buildings and other properties, this time the company decided that there was investment value to be found in the revitalization of community-based commercial facilities, which are not conventionally the subject of large-sized funds, thereby deciding to move ahead with the acquisition.

Funds operated by Genkai Capital Management purchased land and buildings from uto owners Carino Co., Ltd. (formerly Kotobukiya Co., Ltd., located in Kumamoto City, headed by President Eiji Baba). The purchase amount has not been disclosed. Uto is comprised of Jusco, a large-sized supermarket, as well as specialty shops, for a total of 70 tenants. Annual business volume ranges between ¥7-8 billion. Floor space totals 42,000 sq. meters, and there are 2,100 parking spaces. Established in 1995, the mall has faced falling profits due to competition from the nearby AEON shopping plaza.

Management of the specialty stores has been contracted to a Carino Co., Ltd. Group company, which has recommended additional investments in the buildings as well as sales promotion events targeted mainly at residents of the area. Once management gets off the ground, Genkai Capital is considering selling the property to long-term investors.