[Minakami, Gunma] Northern Kanto's First Urban Design Center (UDC) Opens at Jomo-Kogen Station

Establishment of the Hub Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture, in collaboration with Open House Group Co., Ltd., The Gunma Bank, Ltd., and the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo, launched an urban development hub called 'Urban Design Center (UDC) Minakami' at Jomo-Kogen Station in April 2026.

A UDC serves as a platform for future-oriented, problem-solving community development. It is a new type of organization that transcends traditional administrative or civic frameworks, involving cooperation between various stakeholders and incorporating expert urban designers from an objective standpoint.

The project originated from the desire of local residents to revitalize the area around Jomo-Kogen Station, which has remained unchanged for 40 years since the station's opening following the launch of the Joetsu Shinkansen.

Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony held on Friday, May 8, 2026, was attended by approximately 100 people, including Center Director Masayoshi Nagano. In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a three-dimensional model of the area around Jomo-Kogen Station was unveiled inside the center.

Future Outlook Located at the source of the Tone River, UDC Minakami acts as a hub to maximize regional natural, cultural, and resource potential to promote sustainable urban development. Leveraging the rich natural environment of the 'Minakami UNESCO Eco Park' (registered in 2017), the center aims to demonstrate a model for sustainable community development in mountainous tourism regions.

Currently, the team led by Director Nagano, Deputy Directors Takatori and Yokose, and Director Uchida is drafting the 'Future Vision' for the area around Jomo-Kogen Station. They are holding bi-monthly meetings and plan to release the draft vision this summer.