#Japan #Minerva University #Sapporo Real Estate #Civic Projects #Ebisu, Tokyo

Promoting Multicultural Coexistence in Ebisu with Minerva University

Sapporo Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. has recently initiated a collaboration with Minerva University as part of their "Civic Projects" aimed at tackling real-world social issues. This partnership emphasizes promoting multicultural coexistence in Ebisu, Tokyo, enhancing the neighborhood's appeal by fostering interactions among people from diverse backgrounds.

Project Overview

Under the Civic Projects framework, students from Minerva University will engage in research focused on multicultural coexistence—a pressing global issue. Sapporo Real Estate, along with Green Neighbors, aims to leverage the existing networks and spaces they've developed in Ebisu to create a supportive environment for students’ studies. The goal is to enhance the community's diverse interactions, ultimately nurturing a rich ecosystem of innovation and creativity in the area.

A recent kickoff meeting marked the beginning of this exciting initiative. This gathering showcased the commitment of both Sapporo Real Estate and Minerva University to explore how different cultures can live in harmony while also driving innovations through their collaborations.

Background and Objectives

In December 2025, Sapporo Real Estate outlined its "Ebisu City Development Strategy," introducing eight key actions to realize a vibrant community where creativity flourishes. One of these actions focuses on establishing a framework to support startups, enhancing the area as a hub for innovation.

As part of the initiative, the Japanese government is pushing the Global Startup Campus (GSC) initiative, paving the way for a center of next-generation talent consisting of researchers and entrepreneurs from both domestic and international spheres in Ebisu. This expected influx of diverse individuals brings hopes for dynamism but also potential challenges related to cultural adaptation in daily life.

Emphasizing the importance of multicultural coexistence, Sapporo Real Estate believes that nurturing mutual respect among different cultures within the community is pivotal for generating new values and ensuring comfortable living environments for all.

Sapporo Real Estate resonates with the vision of Minerva University, whose mission is to cultivate leaders capable of addressing global challenges. By facilitating practical experiences in the vibrant context of Ebisu, they aim to address community issues highlighted by research outcomes and collaborate toward mutual coexistence in the area.

Program Details

Sapporo Real Estate, in partnership with Green Neighbors, will provide hands-on learning opportunities through field research and collaborative projects tailored for students. Utilizing spaces like Sapporo Square in Ebisu Garden Place, the company believes these initiatives will lead to discovering and addressing challenges related to multicultural coexistence.

Key components of the research program include:

• - Assessing the current status of foreign residents in Ebisu, such as population size and existing community structures.
• - Conducting fieldwork and interviews to gauge real experiences.
• - Identifying challenges foreign residents face in Ebisu and exploring potential solutions.
• - Developing living conditions conducive to both Japanese citizens and foreign residents.
• - Planning and executing community engagement activities utilizing Sapporo Square’s green spaces, including workshops and events.

These program details may evolve based on student planning and discussions throughout the project.

Timeline

The project will span from January to April 2026, providing a 15-week window for research and collaboration.

About Minerva University

Founded in 2012, Minerva University is based in San Francisco, California. Notably, over 85% of its students are international, representing a diversity of over 100 countries. Uniquely, Minerva operates without a traditional campus; its curriculum encompasses a global experience where students engage in project-based learning and internships across four continents, collaborating with various entities including businesses, NGOs, and governmental organizations.

For more information, visit Minerva University.

About Green Neighbors

Green Neighbors, co-founded by Robyn Natsuko Shinozaki, specializes in designing sustainable community spaces and managing greenery, as seen in Sapporo Square. The company aims to enhance community design and sustainability education through innovative landscaping.

Learn more about Green Neighbors at Green Neighbors.

Through this collaboration between Sapporo Real Estate, Minerva University, and Green Neighbors, the ultimate objective is to create an inviting environment in Ebisu where diverse cultures can thrive, championing the idea of a community sparking creativity and innovation.