JR East to launch community market project in Akita

JR East, Q0 Inc., and JR East Planning are launching a demonstration project titled ‘Otomore Apartment Market 2026’ in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. The initiative will utilize a former company dormitory, the Akita Sumiyoshi-cho Employee Housing Building No. 4, to test new models for sustainable real estate utilization.

The project aims to transform the former housing complex into a ‘vertical shopping street’ where local businesses can set up stalls and students can conduct club activities. By reframing the sounds and presence of neighbors as positive elements of social interaction, the experiment seeks to foster community exchange and create a circular local economy through a ‘by-local’ approach.

The event is scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 1, 2026, featuring regional vendor stalls, participatory workshops, and the provision of space for local activities.