#Japan #Tokyo #LEGIKA #Tokyuu #Tokiwa

New Manga Creator Share House Opens in Tokyo

The vibrant city of Tokyo is launching a unique initiative to support manga creators. Scheduled to open on July 1, 2025, the "KamiiKidai Tokiwa Soul Room" will be a shared living space designed specifically for manga artists and creators. This innovative project is a collaboration between Tokyu Corporation and the nonprofit organization LEGIKA, aiming to foster creativity and community through shared experiences.

Concept and Purpose

The primary concept behind the KamiiKidai Tokiwa Soul Room is summarized as "living together, competing together, and creating together." It seeks to provide a nurturing environment where aspiring manga artists can grow professionally, harnessing the collaborative spirit. LEGIKA, which is dedicated to developing manga talent, operates the Tokiwa-so Project, which enhances the experience of creators by offering shared housing.

The KamiiKidai Tokiwa Soul Room will be the largest of its kind within Tokyo's 23 wards, featuring 55 rooms and multiple communal spaces tailored to meet the diverse needs of manga creators. In addition to traditional living accommodations, the project will include specialized studio spaces for each creator to focus on their craft.

Facilities and Features

This new property will boast an expansive common area of approximately 500 square meters, designed to stimulate collaboration among residents. It includes:

• - A spacious work area that can accommodate up to 18 individuals simultaneously.
• - Relaxed input and discussion zones to encourage brainstorming and creative exchange.
• - A fully-equipped kitchen for personal cooking and hosting food events.
• - A lounge area seating over 30 people, promoting socialization along with artistic dialogue.

Nestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood, the KamiiKidai Tokiwa Soul Room also offers easy access to the local shopping district, KamiiKidai Shopping Street, where residents can gather inspiration and hold meetings at nearby restaurants. This blend of a supportive living environment with local cultural richness offers a unique opportunity for creativity.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

The KamiiKidai Tokiwa Soul Room is set to play a significant role not just in supporting manga creators, but also in enhancing community spirit and vitality. Building upon the successes of the existing Tokiwa-so Project, which focuses on community events and the promotion of residents' works, the new location will launch the "College Edition Tokiwa-so Project" aimed at students who aspire to be professional manga creators. This initiative specifically targets students from vocational schools in the Ota District, providing an environment that fosters ambitious young artists.

Legika plans to leverage its experience from managing the Chelsea House, a student dormitory, and the Nest Mentor Program offered at another Tokyu housing project to provide a rich learning experience through peer interaction.

Through these endeavors, both Tokyu and LEGIKA are committed to creating a dynamic community for manga creators of all levels—from budding artists to seasoned professionals. They hope to use this living space as a foundation for deeper community collaboration, enhancing the allure of the Tokyu Ikegami Line area, and fostering sustainable urban development through creative practices.

Overview of KamiiKidai Tokiwa Soul Room

• - Location: 5-37-8 KamiiKidai, Ota City, Tokyo, Japan
• - Transport: 16 minutes on foot from Senzokuike Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line, 14 minutes from Nishi-Magome Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.
• - Building Structure: Reinforced concrete, 5 stories high.
• - Services: Kitchen, dining area, lounge, workspaces, storage, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
• - Room Arrangement: 1-ROOM (8.28 sqm to 16.56 sqm), 55 rooms total (34 rooms with studio plans).
• - Owner: Tokyu Store Co., Ltd.
• - Business Operator: Tokyu Corporation
• - Management: Nonprofit Organization LEGIKA

As the KamiiKidai Tokiwa Soul Room prepares for its opening, the excitement builds among manga artists eager to collaborate and grow together in this inspiring new environment.