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FUTABA ALTER:NATIVE 2026 Event in Tokyo

The FUTABA ALTER:NATIVE 2026 event is set to take place on January 17, 2026, in Tokyo, with a focus on the theme "Reconsidering Recovery Now". This gathering aims to address the challenges and opportunities concerning disaster recovery, particularly as it relates to the development of communities in Japan.

Aiming for a Brighter Future

The event will delve into pressing issues such as vacant land created by the public spending demolition, varying approaches to rebuilding among different municipalities, and contemporary themes like 'relationship population', 'community autonomy', and 'landscape design'. As Japan continues to grapple with the aftermath of natural disasters, this event seeks to create a platform where participants can exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions for revitalizing the affected regions.

The event will particularly shine a light on the current situation in Futaba Town, combining national themes with local context. Attendees will include the Mayor of Futaba, administrative members, researchers, and practitioners who will share their insights on post-disaster revitalization and the potential for broader regional development.

Event Details

Date: January 17, 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Venue: Mejiro Center B1F (3-14-16 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, 161-0033 Tokyo)

Participants: Limited to 60 attendees

Sessions Overview

Participants will engage in three main sessions that tackle the challenges faced by Futaba Town and collaborative problem-solving. The sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to share insights and develop actionable ideas to enhance regional recovery efforts. Furthermore, discussions surrounding the broader implications for disaster recovery in Japan will also be on the table.

Session 1: Challenges of Disaster Recovery in Japan

Speakers:

• - Shiro Izawa (Mayor of Futaba)
• - Kira Kobayashi (Disaster Recovery Advisor)
• - Tomohiro Kariya (Associate Professor, Tohoku University)
• - Toshio Otsuki (Professor, University of Tokyo)
• - Shoji Sasaki (Urban Planner)

This session will explore the increasing frequency of disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent flooding events. It will discuss the transition from government support to independent local initiatives, using Futaba's challenges as a case study in Japan's disaster recovery policies.

Session 2: Building Relationships and New Work Models

Speakers:

• - Mizuko Mitarai (Kesennuma Knitting Co., Ltd.)
• - Jo Takasaki (Takasaki Concierge)
• - Masaki Asano (Asano Yarn Co., Ltd.)
• - Keisuke Era (Kurkku Alternative)

Experts from Futaba and Miyagi Prefecture will discuss how to expand community engagement and envision diverse working practices in a region still facing labor shortages. The focus will be on how individuals living in Tokyo can connect with the region through work, learning, and collaboration.

Session 3: Community Governance and Landscape Design from Futaba

Speakers:

• - Shiro Izawa (Mayor of Futaba)
• - Kira Kobayashi (Disaster Recovery Advisor)
• - Kōsuke Tanaka (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
• - Tomohiro Kariya (Associate Professor, Tohoku University)
• - Atsumi Hayashi (SPEAC Inc.)

As Futaba Town begins its journey back three years post-disaster, the session will characterize a unique path that is not bound by previous examples. Participants will discuss the creation of landscapes amidst many vacant lots and the future of administrative and community governance, providing new insights into urban planning possibilities.

Organizational Structure

This event is hosted by the FUTABA ALTER:NATIVE initiative, in cooperation with the Futaba Town council. Participants are required to register in advance. For requests and inquiries, please email [email protected] or visit the official website at FUTABA ALTER:NATIVE.