NHK Culture: A Unique Cross-Talk Event on Abandoned Roads and Dying New Towns – Where Do Places Without People Go?

In-person attendance – Details here

Online attendance – Details here

"Why was this road abandoned? Why did this town come to an end?"

Roads no longer walked. Towns where human activity is vanishing.

At first glance, 'abandoned roads' and 'limit new towns' may seem like entirely different phenomena. Yet both bear the common traces of 'places left behind by people.'

Now, for the first time, two individuals who have long pursued these two fields are appearing together.

Atsuko Ishii (nickname: Tori-san), an explorer who has spent years walking forgotten roads across Japan, and Yusuke Yoshikawa, known for his book 'Limit New Towns: The Decline of Suburban Housing Developments' (Taro Jirosha Editus).

They will share their distinct perspectives on the history and background left behind in places abandoned by people.

In this lecture, Yoshikawa will present the results of an on-site investigation into a housing development that Ishii accidentally discovered during one of her road explorations.

Based on these findings, the two will engage in a special joint analysis, where their perspectives converge.

Speaker Profiles

Atsuko Ishii

Born in Tokyo. For over a decade, she has compared old and new topographic maps to locate and walk abandoned roads. Her activities have been featured in various media, including NHK BS Premium's 'Passionate About Abandoned Roads' and 'Shin Nihon Fudoki.' She served as a navigator on CBC TV's 'Encounter with Roads' as a 'road maniac.' She regularly organizes abandoned road bus tours and lectures, actively pursuing forgotten paths of the past. Author of 'Walking Abandoned Roads: Hidden Local Paradises' (Takarajima-sha).

Yusuke Yoshikawa's book 'Limit New Towns: The Decline of Suburban Housing Developments' (Taro Jirosha Editus)

Yusuke Yoshikawa

Born January 29, 1981, in Shizuoka City. In 2017, while searching for properties around Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, he began focusing on speculative housing developments built after Japan's period of high economic growth, which he frequently encountered. Since then, he has continued researching, studying, and disseminating information on this theme through his blog, YouTube channel, and published books. Author of 'Limit New Towns: The Decline of Suburban Housing Developments' (Taro Jirosha Editus).

Abandoned Roads × Limit New Towns: Where Are Places Without People Heading?

Speakers: Atsuko Ishii

Yusuke Yoshikawa

Format: In-person and online

Date and Time: August 8, 2026 (Sat) 17:00–19:00

Fees:

In-person: ¥5,720 (tax included) for members and general public (no membership required)

Online: ¥5,500 (tax included) for members and general public (no membership required)

Organizer: NHK Culture Center Aoyama

Details:

In-person: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1332770.html

Online: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1334287.html