#Japan #Tokyo #Urban Planning #Public Spaces #Sotonoba

Sotonoba's 10th Anniversary Celebration

On November 1, 2025, Sotonoba will commemorate its 10th anniversary with an event titled "The Future of Public Spaces - Pioneering the Next Decade" at MIDORI.so Nagatacho in Tokyo. As an organization, Sotonoba aims to enhance public spaces and foster community engagement through innovative practices and discussions.

Reflecting on a Decade of Changes

The event will feature a two-part talk session reflecting on the past decade. The first session is dedicated to reviewing significant shifts in public spaces over the last ten years, including themes like Walkable Cities, Tactical Urbanism, and Place-making. Esteemed panelists such as Ms. Sawako Ima and Professor Soon-Jun Han will share insights on how public spaces have evolved alongside societal needs and urban planning trends. Coordinator Shiona Arai will guide the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive look at the transformative impact of Sotonoba's initiatives.

Looking Ahead - The Next Ten Years

The second session will focus on the future, addressing the new roles public spaces must adopt in relation to people, society, nature, and local economies. Key voices in urban design, like Ms. Yukako Ishikawa, Ms. Rika Ishizuka, and Mr. Seta Uesugi, will discuss strategies for upcoming practices in public spaces. Led by Coordinator Koichiro Tamura, the dialogue will explore the proactive changes needed to enrich urban environments for the forthcoming decade.

Event Details

The anniversary event will be hybrid, allowing for both in-person and online participation. The venue, MIDORI.so Nagatacho, located at 2-5-3 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, will open its doors at 12:30 PM, with the main activities set to commence at 1:30 PM and continue until 5 PM.

Participants and Costs

• - In-Person General Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Bird: ¥1,000)
• - Online Participation: ¥2,500
• - Sotonoba Community Members: Free

To secure your spot, please register via Peatix. Note that community members should use a discount code for registration. The registration deadlines are indicated on the event details page.

Retrospective Exhibition

In addition to the talk sessions, there will also be an exhibition reflecting on the past decade of Sotonoba's contributions to public spaces, available from 12:30 PM until 6 PM.

Notable Guests

Participants will include a host of recognized experts:

• - Sawako Ima: Deputy Director, Urban Environment Division, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
• - Soon-Jun Han: Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Yamaguchi University
• - Yukako Ishikawa: Co-Representative Director of for Cities and Board Member of Social Green Design Association
• - Rika Ishizuka: Co-Representative of Public and Design
• - Seta Uesugi: CEO of YADOKARI

Timeline

• - 13:30-13:45: Introduction and Overview of Sotonoba's Achievements
• - 13:45-15:00: Reflection on Changes in Public Spaces (First Session)
• - 15:00-15:10: Break
• - 15:10-16:25: Discussion on Future Directions (Second Session)
• - 16:25-16:50: Closing Remarks
• - 16:50-17:00: Group Photo Opportunity

Important Notes

Please remember that cancellations or changes to your registration cannot be accommodated after submission. Recording or photographing the event is prohibited to ensure the comfort of all participants. The schedule is subject to change, and the organizers may remove anyone whose behavior disrupts the proceedings.

Sotonoba remains committed to creating better public spaces through innovative discussions and collaborative efforts. For more information and updates, visit our official website.

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Sotonoba: Enhancing the Essence of Public Spaces Together.