Connecting Community Memories to the Future at a Former Elementary School Before Demolition. Final Event of Artist-in-Residence and Upcycling Project "Kaichiku Teiryūjo @ Takashimadaira" Announced.

The Itabashi Ward Takashimadaira Urban Development Promotion Division, Urban Design Center Takashimadaira (UDCTak), General Incorporated Association ASIBA (Representative Director: Yuta Nihira, Head Office: Koto Ward, Tokyo), and ReLink LLC (Representative: Eiryo Honda, Head Office: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) will jointly hold a one-day final event titled "Kaichiku Teiryūjo @ Takashimadaira" on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the former Takashimadai No. 7 Elementary School, which is scheduled for demolition.

The event will feature exhibitions of artworks created during artist residencies, a public strategy session (talk event) with experts including the Deputy Mayor of Itabashi Ward, upcycling workshops, and a free giveaway event. Admission is free, no prior registration is required, and everyone is welcome.

What is Kaichiku Teiryūjo?

"Kaichiku Teiryūjo," operated by ASIBA and ReLink, is a project that reimagines building demolition not as an "end" but as a "beginning," serving as a catalyst to connect to new value. By temporarily utilizing buildings about to be demolished, the project collects memories and materials left behind, linking them to the future. During the brief period before demolition, the "stopover" brings together local residents who have emotional ties to the building and artists who generate new value, collectively opening up the process of demolition toward the community and the future.

The former Takashimadai No. 7 Elementary School, the venue for this event, opened in 1979 and closed in 2007. It is adjacent to the Takashimadaira housing complex, once known as Japan's largest residential district. Long undecided for redevelopment, the site is scheduled for demolition within this year as part of urban regeneration efforts. Since then, in collaboration with multiple artists and specialists, the project has carried out various initiatives during this interim period, focusing on reusing demolition waste and preserving community memories.

About the Final Event

1 Exhibition of Artist-in-Residence Projects

From June 15 (Mon) to July 3 (Fri), 10 emerging artists and creators conducted on-site residencies inspired by the memories of the closed school. Their works will be displayed throughout the school building. Abandoned hallways and classrooms will showcase each artist's unique approach to confronting demolition. On the event day, gallery walks and performances by the artists are also planned.

Jiyu no Majo El, "Magic Circle for Spirit Summoning" to be announced...

Hayashi Hidetomo, "Dats Life!" Ayafuyu, "Music Box Robot Connecting Memories"

2 Upcycling Workshop "Rinne.bar on Tour"

This workshop allows participants to freely assemble small artworks using leftover wood scraps and metal parts from the school demolition site. "Rinne.bar" is an initiative that enables people to enjoy upcycling without bringing their own tools. This time, participants of all ages can experience giving new life to materials from the decommissioned school, touching, thinking about, and creating with them. By engaging with materials that carry memories of the school, attendees will appreciate the value of resources and the joy of creatively reusing everyday objects.

【Time】 Session 1: 13:00–14:00, Session 2: 15:00–16:00

【Capacity】 10 participants per session

【Fee】 1,000 JPY (cash only)

【How to Participate】 No prior reservation required. Please join on-site.

3 Free Giveaway Event (11:00–17:00)

Participants can take home for free leftover school supplies, chairs, picture books, and playground equipment. This event offers a chance for items destined for disposal after demolition to find new owners. Popular nostalgic items such as picture books and classroom chairs will be available. Families with children are especially encouraged to attend.

Additionally, graduation projects by former students will be distributed—please speak up if you are a graduate.

A glimpse from the previous giveaway event: picture books and art room chairs were especially popular.

4 Abandoned School Cinema

An inaugural event titled "Abandoned School Cinema" will be held at the former Takashimadai No. 7 Elementary School to celebrate the launch of "Traveling Cinema." By reimagining what a cinema can be, this two-part screening event dreams of new forms of "film."

Admission: 1,500 JPY (cash only, re-entry allowed). For details, click here.

11:15–15:30 Part 1 "Warming Up Film"

Sakura Asa, "Ten Cigarettes' Worth of Time"; Shogo Kiriu, "Two Horizons"; Mo Kodama, "Where the Wind Goes"; Yuichiro Nakata, "Goodbye my Son Sound Update"; Tamafumi Nishiyama, "A Scene" And More

15:45–17:00 Part 2 "Moving the Cinema"

Nidal Al-Dibs, "Home Story" (Work provided by: Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival)

About the Public Strategy Sessions (Talk Events)

Practitioners, researchers, and government officials involved in demolition, urban development, and upcycling will gather to discuss how to further develop and institutionalize practices that generate value from demolition.

1 Public Strategy Session #1 "Envisioning Takashimadaira's Future as a 'Creative City'" 11:30–12:30

In January 2026, Itabashi Ward announced its "Itabashi Creative City Declaration: A Bridge for Everyone," aiming to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (Design category). Defining design as "wisdom and a bridge for building sustainable communities," the ward is advancing a creative city policy based on initiatives such as "Itabashi, a Town of Picture Books."

This session will discuss how the practices of Kaichiku Teiryūjo fit within the policy framework of the "Creative City" and how they can contribute to the future of the neighborhood. Specifically, it will clarify (1) the current state and future direction of the Creative City policy and (2) re-examine the value of Kaichiku Teiryūjo from the perspective of a creative city.

Maki Hatano (Deputy Mayor, Itabashi Ward)

Joined the Ministry of Construction in 1995. Held various positions including Director of the Yodo River River Office at the Kinki Regional Development Bureau and Director of the Shiga Prefectural Department of Civil Engineering and Transportation, gaining broad experience in river administration, infrastructure development, and local governance. Served as Chief Engineer of Itabashi Ward starting in 2025, and assumed her current role in April 2026. She is advancing multiple urban development projects including in Takashimadaira and actively contributing to efforts toward UNESCO Creative Cities Network designation.

Kimihiro Hino (Deputy Director, UDCTak; Associate Professor, University of Tokyo)

Professor at the Department of Urban Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Tokyo. His research focuses on urban crime prevention and healthy urban development. Lived in the Hashidome area of Itabashi Ward from 2000 to 2004, where he served as NPO board chair and engaged in shopping street revitalization and community participation. Currently active as Deputy Director of the Urban Design Center Takashimadaira (UDCTak), contributing to local revitalization.

Nao Kagoiya (Manager, Takashimadaira "time spot")

Began community and urban development activities in 2011 through involvement in local media operations. As a parent raising children locally, she has continuously planned and managed community events and exchange programs centered on creating a hometown that future generations can be proud of. Recently, she has been involved in public space-based events and community exchange projects primarily in the Takashimadaira area and also works as a landscape designer under a second business card.

Koumi Takanaka (ASIBA; Master's Program, University of Tokyo)

Specializes in the urban planning history of Japan's period of high economic growth, researching topics such as the urban history of single-room housing and the impact of university conflicts on urban planning education, research, and professional identity. At ASIBA, he participates in diverse projects focused on creative approaches to regional challenges through collaboration with municipalities. In 2022, he revived TEDxUTokyo—the largest interdisciplinary conference within the University of Tokyo—after a five-year hiatus, responding to reduced cross-disciplinary interactions during the pandemic. Founder, TEDxUTokyo 2022; Japanese Representative, 16th International Geography Olympiad

2 Public Strategy Session #2 "Heading to the Next Stop — What If We Created an Upcycling Hub Within a Housing Complex?" 14:00–15:00

Considering the possibility of expanding the "Kaichiku Teiryūjo" model to new locations, this session will explore the institutional potential of temporary use and its value for local governments and housing complexes. Practitioners with experience in advanced projects across Japan and experts in institutional design will join the discussion.

Shinichi Yagabe (Director, Public R Real Estate Research Institute; Representative, Public Pivot LLC)

Born in 1976, based in Tokyo, originally from Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. After working in project coordination and management planning at a redevelopment consulting firm, he became independent. He currently engages in diverse-scale activities—from urban visioning, project development, and programming centered on public-private collaboration and public real estate utilization—to curating shared bookshelves. At Public R Real Estate Research Institute, he promotes initiatives such as "Transforming Cities through Public Real Estate Utilization" and "Exploring Creative Demolition." Starting in 2026, he will serve as Urban Development Design Advisor for the Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Otogawa Riverfront Area.

Yusuke Katsuyoshi (Representative Director, Katsuyoshi Maruyama Architectural Planning Co., Ltd.; Director, Fujiyama Urban Development Co., Ltd.; Part-time Lecturer, Tokyo Metropolitan University)

Born in 1987 in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Graduated from Professor Yoko Kinoshita's lab at the Graduate School of Engineering, Kogakuin University. Worked part-time at Nikken Sekkei in 2012, then began freelance activities in 2013. Co-founded Katsuyoshi Maruyama Architectural Planning with Hiromi Maruyama in 2017 and incorporated the company. Maintains bases in two areas: Yoshiwara Shopping District in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Nihonbashi Bakuro-yokoyama wholesale district in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Aiming for "Design Operation," where architects actively engage with communities, he operates shared houses and SOHOs in Nishinippori, Ogikubo, and Bakuro-yokoyama in Tokyo, and the "Arcade Hotel" in Fujinomiya. He developed and sells "PlaceMaking Kit," a furniture system for pre-renovation. Leveraging his experience in planning, design, and management as a business operator, he is involved in architectural and urban design.

Yuta Nihira (Representative Director, ASIBA; Doctoral Program, University of Tokyo)

Born in 2000. Specialized in building demolition during university studies, conducting multidisciplinary research on the culture, history, and industry surrounding "the death of buildings." Co-founded ASIBA, a creative-sector-focused incubator and think tank, in 2023, and has since supported and produced numerous projects. Currently involved in business planning for initiatives such as "ReLink," which platforms the reuse of demolition materials, and "blankspace," which deploys living capsules for interim use of vacant buildings. Personally practices integrated living and working in buildings shortly before demolition.

3 Public Strategy Session #3 "Finding Value in Demolition — What Has Demolition Created So Far?" 16:00–16:30

Practitioners in waste material reuse and upcycling will reflect on the significance of opening up the act of demolition to communities and society, and on the values generated thus far. This final session will summarize the practices of Kaichiku Teiryūjo and connect them to future initiatives.

Sachio Kojima (Representative, RINNE Inc.)

After 16 years as a creative-sector HR consultant, she supported startups addressing social issues (Mistletoe, DEEPCORE) before founding RINNE. She operates Rinne.bar in Shin-Tokiwamachi, Tokyo—a space where anyone can express creativity using discarded materials—and has been featured in over 60 media outlets. Selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Environmental Corporation for the "Circular Economy Social Implementation Project" (2023) and awarded Japan Handmade of the Year 2024. She has studied reuse hubs in Portland and Brooklyn and is working to build a model for implementing resource circulation as culture in cities.

Reiichiro Tsurumoto (Representative, Nezukuri-ya; in charge of "Kaitai Matsuri" at Toshi Techno Inc.)

Studied architecture at Musashino Art University and has worked on urban development projects utilizing vacant houses and idle properties. Based at "Machi no Manabisha Nezukuri-ya," he plans and operates regional collaboration and urban regeneration projects across Japan. Recently, he has been organizing "Kaitai Matsuri" (Demolition Festival) and "Kaitai University," which open up the moment buildings end their service life to the community, fostering dialogue and culture. He plans to hold the "Akasaka Address Building Demolition Festival" on July 10–11 in Minato Ward, Akasaka.

Eiryo Honda (Representative, ReLink LLC; Doctoral Program, Meiji University)

Specializes in the logistics design of building material reuse, active in both research and practice. Leveraging networks with construction companies and building material manufacturers, he develops practical reuse systems tailored to on-site needs, from material procurement to quality assessment. He confronts challenges and possibilities from the most implementation-focused standpoint, aiming to recirculate resources in cities that are "usable but unused."

Rigo Kagami (ASIBA; Keio University)

Serves primarily as project director for government collaboration projects at ASIBA. In addition to planning and managing a year-long series of Kaichiku Teiryūjo-related events in Takashimadaira, he oversees media operations for ASIBA Creative League and projects such as NAKANO FUTURE LAB in partnership with Nakano Ward.

Event Overview

<Date> Sunday, July 5, 2026, 11:00–17:00

<Venue> Former Takashimadai No. 7 Elementary School (3-13-3 Takashimadai, Itabashi City, Tokyo) 3-minute walk from Mita Line/Takashimadaira Station

<Organizers> Itabashi Ward Takashimadaira Urban Development Promotion Division, Urban Design Center Takashimadaira (UDCTak), General Incorporated Association ASIBA, ReLink LLC

<Cooperation> Shoko Yamaguchi (Yamusa), Ryu Takahashi, RINNE Inc.

<Admission> Generally free; some paid exhibitions; no prior registration required

<Schedule>

11:00 Opening

11:30–12:30 Public Strategy Session #1 "Envisioning Takashimadaira's Future as a Creative City"

13:00–14:00 Upcycling Workshop Rinne.bar on Tour #1

14:00–15:00 Public Strategy Session #2 "Heading to the Next Stop"

15:00–16:00 Upcycling Workshop Rinne.bar on Tour #2

15:15–15:30 Final Group Singing of the School Song

16:00–16:30 Public Strategy Session #3 "Finding Value in Demolition"

17:00 Closing

About the Organizers

General Incorporated Association ASIBA

ASIBA is a creative-sector incubator, a practice-based think tank, and an ecosystem for emerging creators. Through collaborations with municipalities, corporations, and media, ASIBA fosters "creative entrepreneurs," conducts design research and business development on key agendas, and aims to create a society where creative endeavors are valued, no one has to give up on their potential, and social change is driven from the creative field.

Website: https://asiba.or.jp/

ReLink LLC

ReLink's vision is "to create a culture of reconnecting demolition materials and realize a sustainable future." The company engages in architectural design, trading, and event planning and management. Since launching a web service in 2023 that allows nationwide searches of secondhand building material stores, ReLink has developed commercial logistics for selling reused materials such as OA flooring and glass, conducted regional collaboration projects with corporations, municipalities, and residents to design multilayered systems including institutional frameworks, and carried out design and production of spaces and products, practically advancing sustainable societal models.

Website: https://re-nkign.jp/

Urban Design Center Takashimadaira (UDCTak)

The Urban Design Center is a platform for urban development where experts lead diverse stakeholders—including citizens, academia, and government—in envisioning and realizing the future of a city. To redesign the Takashimadaira area for the future, UDCTak is led by Professor Atsushi Deguchi of the University of Tokyo as Director.

Website: https://udctak.jp/

Inquiries

Organizing Secretariat (General Incorporated Association ASIBA)

Mail: info@asiba.or.jp

Instagram: @kaichiku_teiryujyo