In July 2000 Hotel Nikko Bayside Osaka, under construction next to Universal Studios Japan, conducted the Hotel Nikko International Interior Design Competition via the interenet. The site’s official requirements page registered approximately 4500 hits, and of 58 entries, including 8 from 4 foreign countries, the proposal by ILYA’s Hisato Murai was awarded first place. Owned by Sougou Shouji, operated by JAL Hotels, architectural design by Murai and Partners, Ltd., the 32 story, 641room hotel is scheduled to open in April 2002. ‘Fly to the dream’ – the airship-like, modern hotel is soon to open.