Valpas's solution was featured in the June/July 2025 issue of ‘Hotel Ryokan’“PR”
Special Feature｜”Hygiene Management”

Valpas Solution Promoted Across Japan by Canon Marketing Japan

In Japan, Valpas is promoted by Canon Marketing Japan Inc. (hereinafter “Canon MJ”). As part of its commitment to open innovation with startups offering cutting-edge technologies and business models, Canon MJ launched the “Canon MJ MIRAI Fund” in 2024 and invested in Valpas, headquartered in Finland. Leveraging its long-standing expertise in providing total IT solutions to the hotel industry across its groups, Canon MJ is now supporting Valpas’ entry into the Japanese market under the theme of "Safe, Secure, and Sustainable Travel and Tourism."

IWayfarer is the first hotel group in Japan to implement Valpas across all guest rooms, setting a new benchmark in hygiene, comfort, and guest assurance.

The recent surge in inbound tourism has brought with it a marked increase in bed bug infestations. As the number of international visitors to Japan continues to rise, the issue is becoming increasingly pronounced. While many accommodation providers are hesitant to publicly address these incidents, hygiene management has become a non-negotiable standard in the post-pandemic era, and bed bugs are now a growing concern in that context. Traditionally, bed bug countermeasures have relied on chemical treatments or heat-based extermination. However, these methods come with significant downsides: environmental impact, high costs for pest control and cleaning, loss of revenue due to room closures, and reputational risks from social media and online reviews. (What’s more, bed bugs have developed widespread resistance to pesticides, making these treatments increasingly ineffective and unreliable.)

On the guest side, there has been no way to proactively identify in advance whether a hotel is safe from bed bugs, leaving travelers vulnerable to both physical and psychological distress. As a result, both hotels and their guests face serious, unavoidable risks.

Valpas sets a new global standard in hospitality to these pressing challenges, helping safeguard both guests and accommodation providers in an increasingly demanding travel environment.

The core function of the Valpas platform lies in its ability to guarantee guests bed bug safe stays by automatically capturing and neutralizing bed bugs brought in by guests before they have a chance to spread, using a device installed at the head of each bed. Powered by innovative and proprietary technology, Valpas offers two types of devices: bed leg type that replaces the legs of the bed, and standalone unit designed for legless beds or traditional futons. Both types are seamlessly installed at the head-end of the bed. These have been carefully designed to replicate the natural habitat of bed bugs and attract them, allowing them to be captured before they spread. It is supported by IoT and AI-enabled mobile and web applications that provide 24/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and centralized control. Through the Valpas mobile or web app, a digital safety certificate displayed in the app allows hotels to assure guests of a secure and clean stay, meaning no pesticides are used, and the room is protected by design against infestations.

If a bed bug— or any insect — is captured, the platform immediately notifies the hotel staff via the app. The staff is then guided step by step to confirm whether the insect is a bed bug. If confirmed, the app provides clear on-screen instructions for safe handling — without the need for external pest control or disruptive treatments. Mr. Lance Koide of Wayfarer highlights the technology’s efficiency: With Valpas solution, there’s no need for any pest control measures, such as spraying chemicals. You’re only notified when something actually happens. There’s absolutely no redundancy or wasted time—that’s what makes it truly outstanding.

In addition, Valpas offers the “Bed Bug Safe” certification label, which verifies that a hotel is free from bed bugs thanks to its advanced technology. This label can be integrated into hotel websites and OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), serving as visible proof that the Valpas technology is installed in every room. In fact, leading hotels in Europe have reported that this certification has led to increased direct booking conversion rates on their own websites, while also contributing to higher guest satisfaction. Ultimately, the wider adoption of this certification label will go hand in hand with the broader implementation of the Valpas solution itself.

The hospitality industry is often described as a “business of 24/7 constant vigilance”, requiring hoteliers to protect both guests and staff around clock. “In terms of hygiene in particular, we never know what might happen,” says Mr. Koide. “That’s why we need to simulate and prepare preventive measures in advance, as thoroughly as possible. When it comes to room cleaning, we always ensure that our own inspection staff conduct a final check. Only then can we truly maintain the quality of our guest rooms. Installing Valpas has added an extra layer of reliability to our operations: it reduces the risk of oversight, streamlines preventive control, and gives our team more confidence that no issue will go unnoticed so we can guarantee great stays to our guests. It gives travelers the peace of mind they deserve, knowing we’ve invested in their safety and well being.

By combining final human inspection with the digitalization and visualization of hygiene management through the Valpas platform, hotels can both maximize the potential of their staff and enhance the overall presence and credibility of their properties. Looking ahead, we can expect Canon MJ and Valpas to play a leading role in ushering in a new era of hygiene management and guest satisfaction in the hospitality industry.