Special Feature 2: Utilizing Local Resources for Regional Revitalization: The Challenge of the Regional Future Strategy Department
Background Regional Revitalization Initiatives by a Future Environmental Design Company
A challenge in regional revitalization projects
Currently, many regions in Japan are facing serious social challenges such as population decline, depopulation, and stagnant local economies. On the other hand, each region still holds untapped resources, including unique and rich natural environments, history, and culture.
Our group leverages the planning and development expertise we have accumulated through diverse businesses, including housing construction, to develop regional revitalization projects aimed at solving social issues in these areas and achieving sustainable development.
Rather than pursuing uniform development, we will contribute to creating sustainable and vibrant cities for the future by listening to the voices of the local community and solving problems rooted in the land itself.
In the RegionSocial Issues
Local Resources
CultivatedDevelopment Capabilities
Regional revitalization projects
Business Overview & Vision: Becoming a key player in the field of regional revitalization
We collaborate with local governments and businesses to create a vibrant community
The Regional Future Strategy Division, part of the MIRARTH HOLDINGS Group Business Leading Office, is promoting projects related to regional revitalization. The Regional Future Strategy Division undertakes projects that contribute to regional revitalization, Real Estate Business that contribute to regional revitalization, and public-private partnership projects such as Public Private Partnership (PPP)*1 and Private Finance Initiative (PFI)*2. Through these projects, we collaborate with local governments and companies to create local vibrancy and ultimately contribute to revitalizing regional economies.
The vision of the Regional Future Strategy Department is to “become a key player in the field of regional revitalization while balancing business growth and contribution to local communities.” To achieve this vision, the Department is executing its plan in three phases. Currently, the initiative is in Phase 1, aiming to build a strong track record through as many projects as possible.
We are executing plans to achieve our vision in three phases. Currently, we are in Phase 1, aiming to accumulate as many achievements as possible.
- *1 A concept or idea that aims to improve various public services provided by the government (Public) by fostering collaboration (Partnership) between the government and the private sector (Private) and utilizing the diverse know-how and technologies possessed by the private sector, thereby improving public services, the efficiency of public fund utilization, and the efficiency of government operations.
- *2 A method based on the PFI Act for constructing, maintaining, and operating public facilities and other infrastructure by utilizing private funds, management capabilities, and technical expertise.
Three Phases Towards Achieving the Vision of the Regional Future Strategy Department
Initiating multiple projects and building a track record
The goal is to establish a system for obtaining information from local governments at an early stage, and to create channels for obtaining information on regional revitalization projects and business transactions among private-sector companies. To achieve this, building networks with regional revitalization project coordinators is effective, but it is also essential to establish a certain level of track record. First, we will carefully proceed with building up that experience.
Driving consistent commercialization of projects and gaining trust
The Department will steadily commercialize projects initiated in Phase 1. By actively taking on numerous projects, the Department will expand its network and gain credibility in the field of regional revitalization. This will enable us to handle an increasing number of consultations and projects that are larger in scale and require broader relationships.
Becoming a key player in regional revitalization
The Department aims to become a key player in the field of regional revitalization. Leveraging its track record and reputation, the Department will create a virtuous cycle where project opportunities naturally arise from external sources, establishing a system that enables it to undertake larger projects under more favorable conditions.
VOICE: Creating a unique purpose
Group Business Leading Office
Regional Future Strategy Department
Department Head Hideya Mimura
The regions where we conduct business each face different challenges, but at the same time, they hold many hidden "Takara (treasures)." These "Takara" refer to potential assets that hold the key to revitalization, such as unique tourism resources. We find great satisfaction in unearthing these treasures through our ideas and networks, and effectively utilizing them to solve regional issues. Furthermore, as we advance our projects, we often have the opportunity to interact with people who have a strong passion for their communities. Working with such individuals is one of the unique rewards of regional revitalization projects.
Regional revitalization projects take a long time to take shape, from planning and land development to building construction and operational preparations. However, even after spending time completing a building and bringing it to its opening, our involvement does not end there. For example, at “UKIHA RIVERCAMP,” which had its grand opening in April 2025 in Ukiha City, Fukuoka, we continue to be involved in the business by collaborating with the operating company even after the opening. Similarly, in the "Chuo-ku Sakuragawa Park Public-Private Partnership Project (Park-PFI Project)" in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, we aim not only to build the facility itself, but also to improve the value of the entire area surrounding the park, through initiatives such as holding events to enhance its appeal.
There are still many areas in Japan where local resources are not being fully utilized. These resources are often so familiar to local residents that their true value may go unnoticed. However, when private companies like ours get involved, bringing in an outside perspective, there is a great possibility that these resources can be unleashed. The Department will continue to take on the challenge of discovering resources that lie dormant in local communities and creating "one-of-a-kind destinations" that everyone will want to visit. We aim to create symbols for the town and enhance the value of the area.
Cases: Initiatives in Various Regions
Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture | UKIHA RIVERCAMP
(Ukiha River Camp)
Issues in Ukiha City
- - Aging and population decline are progressing, particularly in mountainous areas.
- - Himeji Elementary School closed in March 2018 and the property became vacant.
Characteristics of Ukiha City
- ・ Beautiful natural environment and abundant agricultural products
Ukiha City is located in the southeastern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, with the Mino Mountains to the south and the Chikugo River to the north. The Tsuzura Rice Terraces, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Rice Terraces, spread across the mountain slopes of the Shinkawa and Tsuzura districts, making it a naturally rich area. It is also known as a "fruit kingdom" because you can enjoy fruits such as strawberries, peaches, blueberries, grapes, pears, and persimmons throughout the year. - ・ A region full of historical charm
The Chikugo-Yoshii district, located in the heart of the area, boasts a "white-walled townscape" that flourished as a post town, while the Shinkawa-Tagomachi district, where UKIHA RIVERCAMP is located, features a "village of thatched-roof houses." Both districts are designated as "Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings."
UKIHA RIVERCAMP Overview
| Location / Site | Former Himeharu Elementary School site, Ukiha City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Project Overview | Renovating a former school into a campsite, making the most of the rich natural environment and its unique location. |
| Main Objectives | Effective use of idle real estate and creation of a vibrant local community. |
| Project Partners | Takara Leben Co., Ltd. / VILLAGE INC Co., Ltd. (Planning, development, and operation of camping and glamping sites) |
| Opening Date | Pre-opening in November 2024 / Grand opening in April 2025 |
The effect of regional revitalization
UKIHA RIVER CAMP aims to revitalize Ukiha City (by utilizing underutilized real estate, such as former schools) and address local issues by leveraging vacant properties that had been a regional problem in the city. This will contribute to increasing the number of visitors, promoting tourism, utilizing local specialty products, creating local employment, etc. There are high expectations that this will further revitalize Ukiha City's tourism industry.
Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, this facility can be used as an evacuation center, thus contributing to disaster prevention in the community.
Going forward, we will continue to work with VILLAGE INC. to create a more comfortable and enjoyable place, and to collaborate with surrounding facilities, thereby contributing to the ongoing revitalization of the region.
Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture
Hiyokayama Park
Hiokayama Park Redevelopment, Lively Center Creation, Management and Operation Project
- *This diagram is an illustrative image and may be subject to change based on future detailed design.
Chuo-ku, Tokyo｜
Sakuragawa Park, Chuo Ward
Chuo Ward Sakuragawa Park Public-Private Partnership Project
