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Urban Revitalization Lab in Nagaoka City: Fostering Innovation in City Centers

The Urban Revitalization Lab is a collaborative initiative focusing on enhancing the vitality of city centers. Scheduled to take place from October 2nd to 3rd, 2025, in Nagaoka City, this program invites participants to contribute to strategies aimed at generating innovative ideas that will shape the future of urban areas. The lab is organized by the Cabinet Office in conjunction with the University of Tokyo’s Center for Real Estate Innovation (CREI).

Objectives of the Urban Revitalization Lab

The primary aim of the Urban Revitalization Lab is to deepen the implementation of revitalization strategies for city centers, create networks among various stakeholders, and encourage mutual learning and exchange. Participants will engage in case studies of successful urban revitalization initiatives observed in various municipalities. This particular event emphasizes creating an environment conducive to innovation in next-generation urban renewal processes.

Key Details of the Event

• - Event Theme: Formation of an Innovation-Creating Environment in City Centers
• - Dates: October 2nd (Thursday) – 3rd (Friday), 2025
• - Location: Center city area of Nagaoka
• - Number of Participants: Approximately 5 research students (Transport and accommodation costs covered under Cabinet Office guidelines)

Expectations for Research Students

Participants accepted into the program will be expected to collaborate with Lab Director Daisuke Hasegawa and engage in hands-on fieldwork, case presentations, and discussions with local stakeholders. By the end of the program, each research student must compile a report summarizing their findings and insights, which can be beneficial for their own fields.

Target Audience

The program is targeted at town managers, chamber of commerce staff, shopping street association members, urban development companies, and government officials who meet the following criteria:

• - Have implemented initiatives related to the theme and are capable of presenting case studies.
• - Can attend the entire program.
• - Are willing to leverage insights from the event and other participants’ findings in their own projects.

Participants wishing to attend without presenting can apply as listeners, though they will be responsible for their own transportation and lodging costs.

Application Process

Prospective applicants can access the application form through the provided URL by August 31, 2025. Submission of the necessary details is required for selection.

Application Link: Application Form

Program Agenda

Day 1

• - 1330-1530: Presentation on creating an innovative environment in city centers by the Lab Director and Nagaoka City representatives.
• - 1540-1800: Field survey of local projects aimed at innovation, including expert commentary.
• - Evening: Networking event (participation fee applicable).

Day 2

• - 930-1000: Presentation of initiatives by Makoto Watanabe.
• - 1000-1125: Presentations by participants regarding their innovation-related projects.
• - 1130-1300: Discourse on the insights gained from the first day’s activities and the efficacies of city revitalization strategies.

Note: The program agenda is subject to modification.

Background of the Lab Directors

Daisuke Hasegawa: A PhD graduate of Tsukuba University, he has been involved in urban planning and public transportation projects. He is currently affiliated with the University of Tokyo's Center for Real Estate Innovation.

Makoto Watanabe: Expert in urban planning and innovation design, he also serves as the director of the Regional Collaboration Center at Nagaoka Zokei University.

Nagaoka City’s Initiatives

Nagaoka City is collaborating with four universities and one technical college to create a hub of people, goods, and information in its central district. The aim is to foster new industry creation through innovation and to expand diverse activities among various groups. The city is recognized in the framework of Regional Revitalization 2.0 as a promising area for 'new combinations' and has been selected as part of the Regional Nexus Hub under the Cabinet Office’s startup ecosystem strategy.

For more information on the second phase of the startup ecosystem cities, visit: Startup Ecosystem Hub.