#Japan #Kyoto #Kyoto City #COUNTERWORKS #SHOPCOUNTER

COUNTERWORKS Launches Pop-Up Store Initiative in Kyoto

COUNTERWORKS, a Tokyo-based company led by CEO Naoki Sanpei, has been selected for the "KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO," a public-private partnership platform initiated by Kyoto City. This collaboration aims to support pop-up stores in Kyoto's subway stations by utilizing the company’s innovative platform, SHOPCOUNTER. The trial aims to invigorate subway spaces and offer a new sales avenue for diverse businesses.

Background of the Initiative

The Kyoto City subway system is an essential transit resource, serving an average of over 380,000 passengers daily in 2023. To further enhance the engagement within station environments, the subway has previously offered unused space in 14 stations for various marketing activities, including product sampling and sales events. However, these activities have been significantly concentrated at Kyoto Station, with approximately 99% of usage occurring at that location. Other stations previously had limited participation and faced logistical issues, including time-consuming paper-based applications for usage.

To address these challenges while creating more vibrant spaces within the subway, Kyoto City issued an open call through the KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO platform. COUNTERWORKS's proposal, leveraging its SHOPCOUNTER platform, was selected as a viable solution.

As a result, in addition to existing event spaces at stations, SHOPCOUNTER will be implemented at new locations including Daigo Station, Higashino Station, and Nijo Station. The platform provides online matching support to about 80,000 registered tenants, enabling connections with exciting new businesses that had not previously set up shop, thereby invigorating station spaces beyond just Kyoto Station. Furthermore, this online approach streamlines communication and management, reducing the administrative burden on both users and management staff.

Comments from the Kyoto City Transportation Bureau

Yasuo Kamei, the section chief of business promotion at the Kyoto City Transportation Bureau, stated, “Introducing SHOPCOUNTER will enhance awareness and promote the use of event spaces. Our aim is to create smoother matches between hopeful vendors and available spaces while facilitating online applications. This will not only increase revenue through optimal utilization of available spaces but also contribute to enhancing the appeal of subway stations for our customers.”

Examples of Subway Event Spaces

Some of the notable event spaces include:

• - Kyoto Station (Kotochika Plaza)
• - Kyoto City Hall Station

COUNTERWORKS is dedicated to providing opportunities for revitalizing unused spaces not only in commercial venues but also across transportation infrastructures and local government areas, supporting profitable business operations through pop-up stores.

Utilize Your Available Spaces

For those considering the use of their available spaces, visit: https://shopcounter.jp/lp/owner

About KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO

KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO is an initiative that invites solutions from private enterprises to address various municipal challenges within Kyoto. It encourages collaboration aimed at implementing new services and improving public offerings through a two-pronged approach: theme-based proposals and free-form suggestions. For further details, visit: https://open-labo.city.kyoto.lg.jp

About Kyoto City Subway

Operated by the Kyoto City Transportation Bureau, the Kyoto City Subway is a vital public transportation system connecting major areas within the city. Opened in 1981, it consists of two lines—the Karasuma Line (from Kokusaikaikan to Takeda) and the Tozai Line (from Rokkakudo to Uzumasa Tenjinkawa)—with a total length of approximately 31.2 kilometers. With seamless connections to city buses, Keihan railway, and JR lines, it supports mobility for both residents and tourists, handling a daily average of 385,499 passengers according to the 2023 statistics.

About SHOPCOUNTER

SHOPCOUNTER is a platform enabling online booking for pop-up stores, exhibitions, and sales events across various venues like shopping malls, supermarkets, department stores, and train stations. As of June 2025, around 80,000 tenants have accessed this service, covering sectors ranging from apparel to household services. For more insights, visit: https://shopcounter.jp

About COUNTERWORKS

• - Company: COUNTERWORKS
• - Location: 1-8-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Naoki Sanpei
• - Business: Planning, development, and operation of the SHOPCOUNTER platform.
• - Capital: 654 million yen (including capital reserve).
• - Website: https://counterworks.co.jp