Symposium to Redefine the Future of Jimbocho, the City of Books: 'Redesigning Jimbocho - Creating a New Town Development Model' to be Held

Redesigning Jimbocho

The Tokyo Cultural Resource Council (Chairman: Shunji Jimbocho) will host a symposium 'Redesigning Jimbocho - Creating a New Town Development Model' on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Iwanami Jimbocho Building in Jimbocho, Tokyo.

Jimbocho, the world's largest used bookstore district, has fostered a unique culture. This town is now facing a new era of transformation, adapting to diverse lifestyles and digitalization while maintaining its historical context. This symposium will announce the first results of the 'Jimbocho Redesign Conference' by experts and discuss the future of Jimbocho from multiple perspectives, including administration, bookstores, and media.

Background: Why 'Redesign' Jimbocho now?

The Jimbocho Redesign Conference (Chairman: Masami Kobayashi, Emeritus Professor at Meiji University) has been exploring sustainable urban development that integrates both the 'hardware' aspect of building renewal and the 'content' aspect as a hub of knowledge.

This event will share the latest policies of Chiyoda Ward and delve deeply into what to change and what not to change in Jimbocho, with the participation of bookstore owners who support the town on the ground and creators who will lead the next generation of culture.

Symposium Structure (Planned)

[Part 1] Report: Perspectives from Administration and Experts

・Opening Remarks: Shunji Jimbocho (Chairman, Tokyo Cultural Resource Council)

・Keynote Report: 'The Future of Jimbocho Urban Development in Chiyoda Ward (tentative title)'

Shingo Sakakibara (Section Chief, Cultural Promotion Section, Regional Promotion Department, Chiyoda Ward)

・Report: 'Jimbocho Redesign Conference First Report'

Masami Kobayashi (Emeritus Professor, Meiji University; Chairman, Redesign Conference)

[Part 2] Panel Discussion: 'What to Change and What Not to Change in Jimbocho'

Diverse players will take the stage to thoroughly discuss Jimbocho's potential and future vision.

Panelists (in alphabetical order):

Kotaro Okada (Representative Director, Desairo Inc.)

Kuri Koketsu (Fourth-generation owner, Ooya Shobo)

Daisuke Tebayashi (Representative Director, Shosen Co., Ltd.)

Akiko Higashitani (Vice Representative, 'Time Out Tokyo')

Noriko Mikami (Architect, founder of & Legion)

Moderator: Shin Nakajima (Associate Professor, Tokyo City University)

Event Overview

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026, 14:00-16:00 (Doors open 13:30)

Venue: Iwanami Jimbocho Building 10F Hall (2-1 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAMZ7qohQyk7AJSt7

Access: Directly connected to Jimbocho Station (Subway) Exit A6

Capacity: 120 people (first-come, first-served)

Participation Fee: Free (pre-registration required)

Application Method: Please apply via Peatix. https://jimbocho-redesign-forum-260530.peatix.com

Organizer: Tokyo Cultural Resource Council

Sponsor: Chiyoda Ward (planned)

About Tokyo Cultural Resource Council

It is a platform that envisions the future of the city by rediscovering and utilizing Tokyo's historical and cultural resources. Through cultural resource utilization in various areas such as Jimbocho, Ueno, and Hongo, it aims to create new urban models.

Official HP: https://tcha.jp Keywords: