What is the Uniterace project?

A public-private housing project for students and staff of Northeast Agricultural and Forestry College, aiming to revitalize the region through residential development.

What are the details of Phase 5?

The fourth student apartment building, 10 units, 2-story wooden construction. Rent: ¥34,000–35,000/month. Completion expected in 2026.

When and where was the groundbreaking ceremony held?

On June 15, 2026, in Nanyo Town, Yamagata Prefecture, with officials and stakeholders in attendance.

What is the occupancy status of Uniterace?

All units are fully occupied annually from the first open campus, with ongoing waiting lists.

What makes this project unique?

It uses SNS, especially Instagram, for marketing, establishing a new awareness model independent of traditional real estate portals.

【Event Report】Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Phase 5 of Public-Private Partnership 'Nanyo Town Model'

Published Jun 16, 2026 7:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 16, 2026 9:19 PM ・ 7 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Create Lemon Co., Ltd. and Nanyo Town, Yamagata Prefecture, held the groundbreaking ceremony on June 15, 2026, for the fifth phase of the 'Uniterace' student apartment series for Northeast Agricultural and Forestry College. The project, known for achieving full occupancy annually through SNS-driven awareness, is gaining attention as a successful regional revitalization model.

Create Lemon Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture; CEO: Tomokazu Oba) held the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Nanyo Town, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture, for the 'Uniterace' apartment series built and operated in collaboration with Nanyo Town for students of the Northeast Agricultural and Forestry College. This marks the fifth building overall, including one for faculty and staff, and the fourth student apartment building.

Officials from Nanyo Town, including Mayor Mori, and representatives from Create Lemon gathered together to pray for the safety of the construction.

Ceremony Highlights

A solemn Shinto ritual was conducted, followed by all participants offering tamagushi (sacred branches). The ceremony was warm and sincere, marking a significant milestone in the project developed over three years since the public-private partnership agreement in 2023.

Remarks by Mayor Mori of Nanyo Town

Mayor Mori expressed joy at the increasing number of young people in the town since the opening of 'Uniterace,' and shared a strong message: 'I want to create an exciting future for Nanyo together with Create Lemon.'

Remarks by Tatsuo Tachibana, Managing Director of Create Lemon Co., Ltd.

'This Phase 5 groundbreaking ceremony marks both the completion of the first chapter of our journey and a new starting point toward an even greater future of regional revitalization. We pledge to prioritize safety and diligently complete the construction, honoring the hopes of Nanyo Town residents and the future of the young people gathering here.'

Project Progress and Current Status

Approximately three years since the public-private partnership agreement in 2023, the 'Uniterace' series has achieved full occupancy at the first open campus every year, maintaining a 100% occupancy rate with ongoing waiting lists—an exceptional level of popularity. Most students who decide to move in first become aware of the property through Instagram before applying, establishing an SNS-driven awareness model in rural areas independent of traditional real estate portals.

The concept of 'regional revitalization starting with housing,' which has so far delivered three student apartment buildings and one faculty residence, advances further with the construction of this fourth student building.

Project Overview (Phase 5 – Fourth Student Apartment)

Location: Nanyo Town, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture

Structure: 2-story wooden construction (2x4 method)

Units: 10 total

Rent: 1st floor: ¥34,000/month; 2nd floor: ¥35,000/month

Facilities: Full set of furniture, appliances, Wi-Fi, carports, snow-melting systems, delivery lockers, etc.

Completion: Scheduled within 2026

Design and Construction: Create Lemon Co., Ltd.

About Create Lemon Co., Ltd.

Established in 1990. Operates 'Unitehouse,' which has ranked No.1 in housing construction volume in Yamagata Prefecture for 15 consecutive years (2008–2023). Engages in construction, real estate, regional revitalization, and food, beverage, and accommodation businesses. Guided by the motto 'Let’s be helpfully involved,' the company works on community contribution starting from housing.

Headquarters: 2-7-39 Minamiharacho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture

Representative: CEO Tomokazu Oba

Official Website: https://createlemon.jp

Recruitment information and company initiatives are also available on the recruitment site and official note page.

【Inquiries】

Public Relations Department, Create Lemon Co., Ltd.

TEL: 023-665-5676

MAIL: [email protected]

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Event

【Event Report】Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Phase 5 of Public-Private Partnership 'Nanyo Town Model'

⚡ Key Points