#Japan #Obihiro #Tokachi #scheme verge

Introduction to the Obihiro Food Walk Project

A vibrant new initiative is set to launch in Obihiro, aimed at creating a community where people can walk, dine, and share experiences. This project collectively embodies the spirit of Obihiro and Tokachi, focusing on the future of urban development under the vision of "Reinventing Cities" by scheme verge Co., Ltd.

Founded by Takaki Kan-nan, scheme verge is now participating in the newly established wholly-owned subsidiary, Obihiro Food Walk Co., Ltd., set to officially commence operations in May 2025. This venture will foster collaboration among diverse local businesses ranging from tourism and food to cultural industries and AI, enhancing the local economy and community engagement.

Project Overview

The initiative will kick off with a third-party allocation increase in May 2025, resulting in a projected capital of 20 million yen. As a founding partner, scheme verge will play a crucial role in advancing the concept of the “Food Walk City,” leading to the establishment of the Obihiro Food Walk Consortium in June 2025. This will aim to strengthen collaborations with various local stakeholders.

Previous Initiatives by Scheme Verge

Scheme verge has previously contributed to urban development in Obihiro and Tokachi. Notably, their support for a symposium on mobilities in 2020 organized by Nagoya University demonstrated their commitment to urban revitalization far beyond transportation, involving a diverse range of community players. In 2023, the “Tokachi Obihiro Bus Travel Ticket” was created and marketed, showcasing collaborative efforts with local businesses.

For more information on the bus pass, visit Tokachi Pass Overview.

Background Behind the Obihiro Food Walk Company

Obihiro's city center has historically been the heart of Tokachi, housing essential urban functions such as administration and lodging. However, the area has faced rising suburbanization and population decline, leading to significant urban decay. The recent closure of the iconic Fujimaru Department Store, which had been a symbol of the area for over 120 years, accentuates these challenges.

Despite such setbacks, private sector initiatives are emerging, notably the rebuilding efforts led by Fujimaru Co., Ltd., and the development projects around Hotel NUPKA, indicating that change is already underway.

The “Obihiro Food Walk Project” is envisioned to unify these disparate efforts into a cohesive redevelopment model. This concept extends beyond Obihiro’s core, incorporating themes such as the Hokkaido Spaceport project in Daiku Town, high-value agricultural initiatives across Tokachi, and the design of a new urban-rural interaction model.

Envisioning the Future City

The Obihiro Food Walk Project aspires to create a lively urban environment where walking, dining, and cultural interactions flourish. It aims to leverage Tokachi's agricultural strengths to offer localized food experiences, promote equestrian culture, enhance wellness tourism through communal bath experiences, and build a connected community that naturally merges tourism, daily living, commerce, and regional pride.

Five Strategic Business Areas

1. Tourism Development Initiatives: Aiming to create immersive, enjoyable experiences through guided culinary tours within the city and scenic bus tours to nearby areas, as well as developing a self-guided tour app promotes extended stays in Obihiro.

2. Area Management Activities: Fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment through innovative space utilization and revitalizing underused buildings to enhance tourist engagement and contribute to sustainable urban living.

3. Integrated Regional Commerce: Establishing a system where visitors can connect with local products, thus encouraging meaningful engagements and cultivating brand loyalty. This will include hosting markets and partnerships with local restaurants.

4. Promotional Activities: Using social media and digital advertising, the initiative will strategically showcase Obihiro and Tokachi's unique offerings to national and international audiences, simultaneously merging tourism with local product promotion.

5. Data Management Operations: Collecting and analyzing visitor data to visualize community engagement, allowing shared insights that foster new collaborations and continuous improvement of urban living experiences.

Management Structure and Investment Partners

The leadership of Obihiro Food Walk Co., Ltd. will be headed by Tetsuya Kashio, founder of Tokachi City Design and Hotel NUPKA, along with several planned external board members from various sectors including tourism, finance, and construction. This diversified approach will facilitate effective and sustainable community development.

Prominent local businesses, including wholesale markets, financial institutions, and real estate firms are set to invest in the first capital increase, strengthening the affiliation with local enterprises essential for this comprehensive city redevelopment plan.

Future Developments and Collaborations

Post-May 2025, the focus will be on executing tourism-related projects, bolstering area management, promotional strategies, and data initiatives progressively. A consortium involving various stakeholders from different sectors is also set to convene for its inaugural meeting in June, aimed at accelerating collaborative urban development in Obihiro;

For inquiries regarding the Obihiro Food Walk Project, please reach out via the contact information provided by the Tokachi City Design Company

Contact: [email protected]

About Scheme Verge

Scheme verge, headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo, was founded in July 2018 and specializes in urban and transportation solutions with a focus on overcoming complex social and technological challenges. For more details, please visit Scheme Verge Website.