#Japan #Tokyo #Community Building #LOCAL ZEBRA ACADEMY #Nagano Project

Discovering the Future of Local Development in Nagano

On April 16, 2026, the LOCAL ZEBRA ACADEMY will hold its first event outside Nagano, specifically in Tokyo's HOME/WORK VILLAGE. This initiative aims to share insights and foster connections around the themes of community, urban development, and the management of spaces where people feel at home.

The event, set to kick off at 6:45 PM, will feature three prominent guests who have been deeply involved in local development and place-making:

• - Yasushi Ishiwata from WAT Corporation
• - Takeho Sato from The Youth
• - Masanobu Hino from Hakuhodo Kettle

These speakers will share their experiences and insights on creating spaces that facilitate interaction among diverse groups, from community gatherings to fostering creativity among entrepreneurs.

As urban areas and rural communities become increasingly interconnected, the discussions will provide valuable guidance for individuals looking to establish a base of operations in local areas, start businesses rooted in the community, or contemplate relocating to regional settings.

In the latter part of the event, Masakatsu Fujiwara from Morito LLC will join moderator Hiroyuki Ono for a cross-talk segment that will include topics from the NAGANO Shrine Forest Project. This project intends to enhance Nagano's appeal by leveraging its natural beauty and rich food culture to create a new gateway to the region, particularly near the Nagano Interchange.

This innovative project is designed to integrate a forest and various facilities, partnering with architect Haruka Tono, known for developing the adjacent OYAKI FARM. Participants will learn about the project’s concepts and vision as they approach the construction phase.

The excitement surrounding this first event in Tokyo reflects a broader intent to engage with stakeholders nationwide, inviting those interested in development, regional management, and the curation of local narratives. The learning opportunities will be valuable not only for those familiar with Nagano but also for anyone intrigued by the evolution of local economies and communities.

About Our Speakers

Yasushi Ishiwata (WAT Corporation)

Founded in 2013, WAT Corporation emphasizes the creation of places for meaningful interactions within communities. Under the philosophy of providing ‘healthy places to communicate,’ WAT runs multiple cafes and venues, including the renowned coffee roaster “Coffee Wrights” and the art museum cafe “ENFUSE.”

For more information on WAT Corporation, visit wat-inc.jp

Takeho Sato (The Youth)

As the founder of The Youth, established in 2015, Sato is committed to bridging gaps between different cultures and generations. His initiative has successfully launched various spaces, such as the Local Lounge “Echoes” in Sendai, with the goal of fostering collaboration within the community.

Learn more about The Youth at the-youth.com

Masanobu Hino (Hakuhodo Kettle)

Hino has played a pivotal role in local revitalization and has received multiple awards for his work in fostering sustainable community projects. His contributions include developing initiatives that highlight local identities and strengths.

Read more about Hakuhodo Kettle at kettle.co.jp

Masakatsu Fujiwara (Morito LLC)

Fujiwara has been actively involved in various community-oriented events tailored for youth engagement, including initiatives aimed at revitalizing local economies and fostering new narratives in Nagano.

Event Details

Date: April 16, 2026
Time: 18:45 to 20:30 (Doors open at 18:20)
Venue: HOME/WORK VILLAGE, Classroom 209, 2-4-5 Ikejiri, Setagaya, Tokyo
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Ikejiri-Ohashi Station, or 16 minutes from Sangenjaya Station
Fee: 1,000 yen (additional costs for networking session)
Capacity: 50 participants
Reservation: Sign up via Peatix (Local Zebra Nagano Event)

Post-event, a networking session will be held at HOME/WORK VILLAGE, further details to be announced soon. We welcome everyone interested in local economies, community building, and public engagement to join us for this insightful event.