#Japan #Tokyo #LIFULL #urban experience #Sensuous City

The Launch of 'Sensuous City 2025'

On September 24, 2025, the LIFULL HOME'S Institute, which operates as an internal think tank of LIFULL Co., Ltd., based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, released its latest research report titled 'Sensuous City [官能都市] 2025.' This study revisits urban allure through the lens of personal memories and relational experiences, aiming to articulate and share the sentiment that 'there's something special about this city.'

The bygone edition of this research, originally titled 'Sensuous City [官能都市],' emerged in 2015, prioritizing subjective feelings and societal perceptions over mere statistical evaluations of urban environments. By introducing a 'new urban evaluation metric,' the previous report encouraged residents to reflect on what makes their cities meaningful.

As the world continues to grapple with challenges like population decline, aging demographics, natural disasters, and rapid technological evolution, urban spaces are reaching critical points of change due to skyscraper redevelopments, soaring property prices, and the decline of small businesses. The latest report, 'Sensuous City 2025,' builds on previous frameworks of 'relationships' and 'bodily experiences,' introducing an extended evaluation across eight indicators and 32 categories—targeting core cities with populations of over 200,000. Additionally, cities with populations exceeding one million were divided into blocks to reflect the real-life sentiments of approximately 40,000 actual residents.

LIFULL HOME'S Institute aspires through this research to revive the city's enchantments that cannot be quantified purely by economics or technology. It seeks to guide people on discovering their 'happy city' and enhance its allure.

Key Findings

The latest survey reveals surprising trends:

• - High Satisfaction Levels in Major Cities: The average satisfaction rating, gauged out of ten points, stands at 6.53, with over a third of respondents scoring above 8. Tokyo's 23 wards lead with an impressive 6.78. Interestingly, cities with populations of over 300,000 exhibited higher averages compared to cities with greater populations.
• - Concerns Over Declining Urban Atmosphere: When asked if they noticed the decline of bustling city centers, 30.1% of overall respondents agreed. However, 44.3% of those in cities with less than 300,000 residents expressed similar concerns. This statistic highlights a stark contrast with larger urban centers, suggesting that smaller cities are experiencing significant setbacks in vibrancy.

The Top Sensuous Cities

In scrutinizing the top 50 cities, it’s evident that leading urban centers and their inner-city areas are thriving. The latest rankings spot Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Fukuoka dominating the list. Success in attracting residents and maintaining charm has become the decisive factor in these urban assessments.

Behavioral Shifts in Cities

Recent changes in residents' behaviors indicate a growing connection to their cities. Reports of increased engagement in local volunteerism, enjoying local delicacies, and experiencing live performances suggest a communal spirit thriving in more 'sensuous' cities. The importance of walkability, cultural experiences, and social interaction remains paramount in shaping urban life.

Insights from LIFULL HOME'S Institute

In a statement, Mako Shimabara, Director of LIFULL HOME'S Institute, emphasized that evaluations of cities should present a fresh perspective on urban explorations, moving beyond mere rankings. As urban settings adapt and evolve, the role of community experiences and individual relationships with cities becomes critical to fostering spaces that embody joy and pride.

The report also introduces the concept of 'narrative' as a vital metric in understanding urban sensuousness, stressing that the blend of personal experiences with collective memory creates a city’s unique identity. Ultimately, 'Sensuous City 2025' aims to inspire future urban policy and developmental frameworks that resonate deeply with the inhabitants’ senses and feelings.

For those interested in exploring the full report, it is available for free on the official LIFULL HOME'S website, with downloadable PDF options. Interested readers just need to cover shipping costs.

For further insights, visit the LIFULL HOME'S Institute official site.