Our Team & Commitments
Jordy & Eriko Delage - The founders
After spending 15 years in Tokyo working in the export of Japanese craftsmanship, the COVID crisis prompted a deep reflection on the meaning of life. This led us to relocate to Ishigaki, a small island in Japan rich in potential yet lagging in sustainability—where we believed we could make a difference.
Our journey began with the opening of a sustainably managed beachfront villa, followed by Sky Valley Farm, a permaculture-inspired project dedicated to providing high-quality organic fruits and vegetables for our restaurants and local community.
When the opportunity arose, we acquired the hotel next to our home, transforming it into a family-friendly, sustainable, and community-driven project. Sky Ocean Ishigaki Eco Resort Hotel opened in March 2025.
At the same time, we established the Tethys Fund, a nonprofit initiative committed to environmental protection and education. We believe that education is the key to making the ecological transition both meaningful and effective.
For Jordy, Eriko, Shinji, Aoi, and Aya (our three children), our entire life is dedicated to our community—through our hotel, restaurant, farm, and nonprofit fund.
Our Core Team
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Eriko – Sky Ocean’s Final Boss
Japanese and fluent in French, Eriko initiated the Sky Ocean Hotel project. She began her career as a wedding organiser before working in the export of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Sky Ocean is her way of returning to a people-centred profession, with a commitment to creating a place where guests simply feel happy.
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Tomoko - The Chef!
Tomoko started at the core of our team and has held every position, from breakfast service to room cleaning.
For the 2026 season, she is returning as chef of the hotel restaurant – a role she left years ago when the former management made it impossible for her to continue. -
Filip - General Manager
Filip, from Poland, brings solid experience from managing ski resort hotels in Japan. After a short Workaway stay with us in 2024, he made the leap and moved to Ishigaki for a very different hospitality atmosphere. For the 2026 season, Filip will be at the heart of our operations, making sure you enjoy one of the best holidays of your life.
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Nicolas - Assistant Manager
A French national fluent in Japanese, English, and Spanish, Nicolas specializes in international human relations and joined us for the 2026 season. He can also assist you in Italian and Chinese.
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Kailyn - Service Artist
Kailyn decided to join us for the 2026 season after spending a few days with us as a guest in 2025. And really, who better to welcome our visitors than someone who already knows how to enjoy a holiday at our resort?
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Aya - Cleaning Wizard
Aya is a gentle member of our local community.
With an international background, she chose to settle in Ishigaki to raise her two children in the best environment she could find.
She is always happy to share the beauty of the island she loves.
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Sumire – The Food Witch
Sumire was at the heart of the 2025 season as our breakfast artist. Next season, she will focus on managing our farm and transforming our harvests, so we can serve you the most delicious locally produced tomato sauce.
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Jordy - The Lost Frenchie
Jordy tries to keep everything consistent across the farm, restaurant, hotel, and villas. His dream is simple: harvest at the farm, cook and serve grandma-style French dishes, and guide ocean and jungle tours every other day – when the schedule allows…
Seasonal Workers & Working Holiday
Our hotel operates in tune with the rhythm of the seasons, which naturally creates a need for seasonal staff. However, unlike many businesses, our approach to hiring during peak times isn’t driven by profit — it’s guided by values of community and cultural exchange.
We welcome team members from around the world through Japan’s Working Holiday Visa program — a one-year visa that allows foreigners to explore the country while gaining work experience. This creates a unique opportunity for them to discover the tropical wonders of Japan in a positive, international environment, while enriching our team with their own knowledge, background, and perspectives.
Whether owner, manager, full-time staff, or working holiday team member, everyone at Sky Ocean Ishigaki is treated equally. We all receive the same hourly wage — because fairness and respect are at the heart of what we do.
With gratitude, we would like to thank our past teams:
2026: Marc,
2025: Mickael & Sayaka, Dawid & Karolina, Liam & Brie, Josh & Sam, Sebastian, Alex & Maxime, Anais & Mathilde, Mateo & Elsa, Kristof & Laura, Charlotte & Léa, Martin & Tyna, Emma & Robbie, Jess & Saskia, Alberto & Saskia.
A special thanks to Tanaka Masaharu and Miyagi Ikuo, who saved us more than once during the renovations — and still do.
Tethys Fund (Japan Philanthropic Foundation)
Our Tethys fund offers around 10M YEN annually to Ishigaki local associations involved in ecological activities and education linked to ecological projects..
Beach cleaning to protect biodiversity
Our entire team is engaged in beach cleaning activities, and our hotel is officially registered as a collection point. We also provide beach cleaning bags to customers who would like to give a hand.
SeaGrass Conservation Project
Run by Nosoko Elementary School and supported by our community, including Sky Resorts’ Founder’s son, Shinji.