#Japan #Tsurugashima #Tamiya Home #PARK TAMIYA #Hiromi Ogawa

Introduction

On August 13, 2026, Tamiya Home, based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, made a significant visit to Tsurugashima City Hall where they met with Mayor Hiromi Ogawa to present the PARK TAMIYA project. This groundbreaking initiative aims to repurpose vacant houses and land into vibrant community spaces for children and residents.

During the meeting held at 11:00 AM, Tamiya Home’s President, Akihiko Tamiya, outlined the current situation regarding vacant houses and lands in the area, discussed future possibilities, and highlighted how PARK TAMIYA could benefit the local community. The mayor expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and extended his support, even expressing a desire to visit the completed PARK TAMIYA project himself.

Overview of Tsurugashima City’s Vacant Properties

According to the “Second Action Plan for Vacant Houses” formulated in March 2025, Tsurugashima City has a current vacancy rate of 6.8%, notably lower than the national average of 13.8% and the Saitama Prefecture average of 9.3%.

The plan highlights a decrease in the average household size from 3.50 people in 1980 to 2.30 in 2020, coupled with a significant rise in single-person households among the elderly, indicating a growing challenge ahead for the community. Over 70% of vacant houses are owned by individuals in their 60s or older, with management and utilization becoming increasingly difficult due to factors like dementia or institutionalization. The city recognizes the need for proactive engagement with these owners to promote the mindful management of these properties.

Tamiya's Vision for PARK TAMIYA

PARK TAMIYA is envisioned as a space where children and community members can gather, learn, and experience joy. It aims to connect the past of these vacant properties with future opportunities for community engagement and development. This initiative marks the first public park project in Tsurugashima where a private company takes charge of development and operations, setting a new precedent for community collaboration.

As Tamiya passionately shared during the visit, this is not merely about park creation; it’s about fostering a belief in possibilities among children, creating a welcoming environment, and building a space of solidarity and hope for all citizens. This initiative focuses on creating a notable impact within the community by encouraging local participation and nurturing potential.

Future Steps and Developments

With construction work having already progressed, Tamiya anticipates the completion of the park’s first phase by September 2026 and a ceremonial opening in early October. Mayor Ogawa is invited to the inauguration, a moment expected to solidify the collaboration between the city and Tamiya Home.

Additionally, during the visit, Tamiya Home donated rice, harvested as part of their company’s initiative “Tamiya Sunrice Harmony,” to the Tsurugashima Children Support Network, which aids local child welfare organizations. This act epitomizes the company's commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and the well-being of the younger generations.

Conclusion

President Akihiko Tamiya expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to present PARK TAMIYA to Mayor Ogawa. He emphasized that this project symbolizes the rebirth of spaces that once resonated with personal histories and memories, transforming them into places where new connections and gratitude can flourish.

Tamiya believes that by addressing the issue of vacant houses, they can create small circles of gratitude that contribute to a larger, transformative future for the community. The journey begins in Tsurugashima, aiming to inspire communities nationwide, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective efforts by businesses, local government, and the residents themselves. Tamiya Home is dedicated to continuing this challenge, aiming toward a future where received thanks and hopes flow back into the community, ultimately creating a connected and thriving society.