#Japan #Planet Labs #Kurashiki #Nakanishi House #Supported by PlanetDAO

Revitalizing Cultural Heritage: The Nakanishi Residence Project

In an inspiring move that intertwines technology and tradition, Planet Labs, a pioneering company focusing on historical building preservation, has initiated a funding program aimed at the restoration of the Nakanishi Residence, a 120-year-old cultural landmark located in Kurashiki's Shimonotsui area. This project marks the beginning of Planet Labs' broader initiative called "Supported by PlanetDAO," which seeks to underpin the regeneration of Japan's historical structures through community support and investment.

The Historical Significance of Nakanishi Residence

The Nakanishi Residence stands as a testament to the region’s rich maritime history and the prosperity brought by the shipping industry from the Edo to Meiji periods. Once a bustling port area connecting Osaka and Hokkaido via the North Sea route, Shimonotsui flourished under the stewardship of the Nakanishi family, known for their shipbuilding trade. This architectural marvel not only showcases unique design elements and traditional construction techniques but also embodies the stories and heritage of the community.

However, with the house left vacant for years, its condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to a scare in 2017 over possible demolition due to safety concerns. Community members, local government officials, and non-profits banded together to advocate for its preservation, successfully halting the demolition. Yet, with an estimated renovation cost of approximately 300 million yen, restoration was still a distant dream.

A New Vision for Shimonotsui

Enter Tatsuya Hasegawa, a recent transplant from Tokyo, who was inspired by the community's steadfast commitment to preserving their heritage. After learning about the Nakanishi family's story and the struggle to save the residence, he firmly believed that revitalizing this historical landmark was his mission. Thus, in 2023, he founded Akatsuki Co., Ltd., aimed at driving initiatives that safeguard the cultural legacy of Shimonotsui.

By 2024, Hasegawa started turning dreams into reality by renovating a portion of the old Nakanishi family estate and launching "Shimonotsui Inn, Kazemachi Shiomachi," a lodging facility that offers a cultural experience centered around Japan's heritage. This serves as a pilot project paving the way for the full-fledged revitalization of the Nakanishi Residence in the future.

The Nakanishi Residence Restoration Plan

The first phase of the Nakanishi Restoration Project focuses on refurbishing two buildings within the residence to create a lodging facility combined with a cultural hub that showcases Japan's intangible heritage. The project is projected to commence operations by January 2027 at the earliest, and the funding goal for this phase is set at 20 million yen.

Project Components:

• - Two-Story House: To be transformed into a lodging facility where guests can immerse themselves in local history and culture under the theme "A Place to Experience Kurashiki's Heritage."

• - Warehouse: This space will be converted into a multi-purpose venue for musical events, dining experiences, and community gatherings. Programs such as "Gastronomic Voyage" will promote local food culture and heritage, enhancing community engagement.

Funding and Support

The funding raised will be directed towards essential renovation works necessary to establish the accommodation and cultural experiences envisioned for the Nakanishi Residence. Supporters can contribute through various tiers, ranging from 10,000 yen for reports on project progress to higher tiers that include free stays or experiences at the new venue.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

As the momentum of the project builds, supporters are not just monetary contributors but actively involved in shaping the future of Shimonotsui. PlanetDAO enables participants to collaborate in decision-making processes, thus ensuring that the project's benefits extend to the local community as well.

Representatives from both Akatsuki and Planet Labs are calling for support from individuals and organizations interested in sustaining this initiative that aims to link the past with generations to come. The vision is clear: a town where people will continue to thrive for the next 300 years.

This rebirth of the Nakanishi residence is more than merely restoring a building—it's about preserving the cultural narrative and memory of Shimonotsui's historic identity and sharing it with future generations.

For further details about the project, please visit Planet DAO's official website.