#Japan #Awards #Urban Development #Saku #Hoshino Machi

Hoshino Machi Complex's Remarkable Achievements

On May 30, 2025, Minna no Machizukuri Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, proudly announced that its Hoshino Machi Complex in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, has been awarded a special award in the ‘4th Urban Development Awards (Achievement Category)’ hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This honor follows the recent recognition on May 9 for receiving an Excellent Award in the Real Estate and Construction Economic Bureau Director's Award at the regional value co-creation real estate awards.

The Hoshino Machi Complex has garnered acclaim not only from the Real Estate and Construction Economic Bureau but also from the Urban Bureau and Housing Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This highlights the project's significance and impact in addressing contemporary housing issues in Japan.

Social Background

Japan experienced a massive supply of housing complexes during the post-war economic boom from 1955 to 1973. Approximately 3,000 such complexes exist across all prefectures, with about half located within the major metropolitan areas. However, many of these complexes are now witnessing aging populations and an increase in vacant homes, raising concerns for the future. It is projected that housing complexes established over 30 years ago, where many child-rearing families initially settled, will see a significant rise in elderly residents.

In response to these challenges, Hoshino Machi aims to create a vibrant community that fosters interaction between new residents and local citizens. This initiative isn’t just a residential project; it's designed to cultivate a thriving environment where everyone can contribute and benefit.

Project Overview

Initiated in 2018, the Hoshino Machi Complex aims to provide a supportive environment for newcomers and local residents alike. Throughout the year, a dedicated staff is on-site to ensure that residents feel engaged and continued participation in community activities is facilitated. This has led to the establishment of co-working spaces and communal areas, thus creating a model of mutual support among newcomers and long-term residents.

Residents actively contribute to the local community by utilizing their skills, which generates a beneficial cycle that not only supports existing community needs but also attracts more newcomers. As a result, the waiting list for those wishing to move into Hoshino Machi has increased, prompting the initiative to repurpose vacant houses for additional incoming residents.

The Hoshino Machi Farm, utilizing nearby abandoned agricultural land, exemplifies the project’s commitment to shared resources among residents, further solidifying community bonds.

Dual Award Highlights and Evaluation Points

Urban Development Awards

Focus of Evaluation: This award recognizes pioneering efforts that address various urban challenges, contributing to a better community and enhancing local value through innovative, sustainable, and diverse practices.

Reason for Award: The project's commitment to creating value from newcomers' perspectives and facilitating community-building efforts was highly praised. The project demonstrates advanced practices in sustainability, independence from public funding, and overall effectiveness in fostering community engagement.

Regional Value Co-Creation Real Estate Awards

Focus of Evaluation: This award emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders to create new values through real estate that help revitalize communities.

Reason for Award: Despite the challenges of declining populations and budgeting concerns, Hoshino Machi successfully positioned a robust, durable building as a hub for activities aimed primarily at newcomers. The unique approach of selectively supporting new residents while fostering a holistic, communal atmosphere garnered significant acclaim and demonstrated great potential for broader application.

Voices from Stakeholders

Yohei Ito, CEO of Minna no Machizukuri Co., Ltd., expressed profound satisfaction with the project's double award win. He remarked on the project's transformative impact on previously underutilized public housing, emphasizing his belief that Hoshino Machi can serve as a model for solving similar issues faced nationwide.

Ito also acknowledged the dedicated pro bono members who have supported the project since 2021, expressing gratitude for their invaluable contributions.

Company Overview

Minna no Machizukuri aims to solve societal challenges posed by population decline by promoting community-driven urban development. Through sustainable methods that avoid wasteful use of taxpayer funds, the company endeavors to foster innovative public-private partnerships for effective community building.

Company Name: Minna no Machizukuri Co., Ltd.
Location: 4-43-5 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Established: April 14, 2016
CEO: Yohei Ito
Website: Minna no Machizukuri
Hoshino Machi Website: Hoshino Machi Complex