Release of the First Field Research Report (Beppu Area, Oita Prefecture) for 'Post Growth City Lab,' a Joint Research Project Exploring New Urban Models in a Depopulating Society

The 'Post Growth City Lab' (PGCL), a research project jointly promoted by the 'Future Style Research Institute' operated by Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd. and Zebras and Company, released its first field research report today, focusing on Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. The study identifies three structural principles of Beppu's urban model, which has evolved by diversifying and re-editing multi-layered industries such as tourism, medical care, welfare, art, and international education, all centered around its unique hot spring resources. The report clarifies how these principles support a value-creation ecosystem that continuously updates urban value even amidst population decline. Moving forward, the project will use these findings to explore potential applications in other regions and identify new investment opportunities in real estate and business development. PGCL was launched to address the question of 'what the future of cities and towns should look like' in the face of challenges such as population decline and climate change. The research period is scheduled from May 2025 to November 2026, aiming to develop indicators and models applicable to other cities through field research in a total of five regions. Beppu was selected for the first study because it comprehensively covers the elements of both a 'hub' and a 'small base.' The research revealed a unique ecosystem where the value of regional resources is continuously updated, enhancing regional sustainability. The next phase will focus on the Kumamoto block.