Nakatsugawa City and JR Central launch urban design program

Nakatsugawa City in Gifu Prefecture is collaborating with JR Central to implement a regional design program aimed at revitalizing its central district, which historically flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo route. The initiative, titled ‘LOCAL RESEARCH LAB Nakatsugawa’, focuses on re-evaluating the value of overlooked assets such as alleys, vacant houses, and historic streets.

As part of a tactical urbanism approach, the program will conduct a demonstration experiment on November 21 to test how roads can be repurposed as public spaces for people to gather and relax. This follows a formal partnership agreement signed in January 2026 to foster ‘relationship populations’—individuals who engage deeply with the region from outside.

The project involves diverse participants, including professional specialists and students, who work alongside local residents to rediscover the area's cultural significance. The initiative has already seen positive local sentiment shifts and the establishment of new local businesses. The program’s efforts have also been recognized by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, which selected the project for a 2026 design grant.