A 50-Year Celebration: Enhancing Community Spaces in Nagaoka

In a remarkable initiative to give back to the community during its 50th anniversary, the Apaman Shop Nagaoka East, under Shinano Real Estate Co., Ltd, has collaborated with Nagaoka Institute of Design to revamp a local bus stop. The newly constructed bus shelter, located at the Echigo Kotsu "Hatsudensho-mae" bus stop, aims to provide a comfortable waiting area for the residents of Nagaoka City, shielding them from the scorching summer sun, heavy rains, and snowy winters.

The Voice of the Community Drives the Project

The need for a bus stop shelter arose from the voices of the community. The "Hatsudensho-mae" bus stop, frequented by local residents and students, operates with buses arriving every 20 minutes. However, during summer, the lack of shaded areas forced many waiting passengers to stand in the scorching heat or take refuge under the company's property, highlighting the urgent need for a dedicated shelter. Inspired by the significant community need, employees suggested that the company give back in a meaningful way, leading to the inception of this project.

Collaboration between Students and Corporate Entities

The design of the bus shelter was entrusted to Professor Junya Sato and seven architecture students from the Nagaoka Institute of Design. Starting in the autumn of 2024, they focused on ensuring harmony with the surrounding landscape, user comfort, and safety throughout the design process. They created blueprints and models, conducting simulations to assess visibility from the viewpoint of bus drivers.

The design prominently features the words "Bus Waiting Room," along with the Apaman Shop logo and the university’s name, effectively symbolizing the collaboration between the community, academic institutions, and businesses.

Comfortable Waiting Area Designed with Users in Mind

Inside the bus shelter, an L-shaped bench has been installed to accommodate 5-6 people, designed to encourage interaction among users waiting for buses. The students aimed to create a space that would naturally facilitate casual conversations between waiting individuals.

Openings allow passengers to monitor the arrival of buses from a seated position, while the use of UV-cut fabric for the covering helps protect them from harsh sunlight. The shelter's construction also acknowledges the snowy conditions typical in the region, ensuring snow does not fall into the waiting area. Furthermore, motion sensor lights enhance security during nighttime usage, and strategic entrance placements reduce wind exposure.

A Multi-Stakeholder Effort

The total cost of building the bus shelter amounted to approximately 3.5 million yen, with financial support from both Nagaoka City and Echigo Kotsu, contributing 500,000 yen each, while Shinano Real Estate covered the remaining costs. This collaborative endeavor reflects a unified approach involving businesses, educational institutions, government, and transportation services to improve community living standards.

Insights from Shinano Real Estate's CEO

Soichi Tanaka, representative director of Shinano Real Estate, expressed his heartfelt connection to the project, stating that while it might seem like a simple venture, it signifies a meaningful contribution to the community. He hopes that the bus shelter serves as a safe haven for locals, offering them a place of comfort and respite.

The aim is for the bus stop to become a beloved fixture that residents can rely on every day.

Showcasing Local Charm through Instagram

Shinano Real Estate has launched an official Instagram account to promote the unique features of Nagaoka and the daily life around their real estate business. Through insightful posts detailing not only property listings but also events, campaigns, and community engagements, they are fostering meaningful connections with locals and those considering moving to the area. The project's progress has also been documented on their Instagram, providing insights into their commitment to building a community-focused establishment.

Visit Shinano Real Estate on Instagram for a closer look at their initiatives and the distinctive character of Nagaoka.

Moving Forward

Shinano Real Estate envisions continuing to expand its role within the community through social media, aspiring to become a vital presence in residents' lives— a company they remember in times of need. They believe that helping people find homes is just a starting point, leading to a more profound appreciation for the Nagaoka lifestyle. They remain dedicated to solving local issues and fostering partnerships between industry and academia, ensuring they are an indispensable real estate firm for the community.

Company Details:

- Business Name: Shinano Real Estate Co., Ltd.
- Location: Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, 2-49-1 Misawa
- Founded: October 1972
- Business Focus: Real estate rental brokerage and management
- Website: Shinano Real Estate

- Company Name: Apaman Co., Ltd.
- Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Nature of Business: Rental brokerage franchise with the largest number of stores in Japan
- Website: Apaman