Higashihiroshima City: Rebirth of Former Takenishi Elementary School with 147 Years of History - Towards a New Activity Hub in Mountainous Regions through Public-Private Partnership!
Key facts
- Higashihiroshima City: Rebirth of Former Takenishi Elementary School with 147 Years of History - Towards a New Activity Hub in Mountainous Regions through Public-Private Partnership!
- Higashihiroshima City, in collaboration with Mazda and Hakuhodo, is revitalizing the former Takenishi Elementary School into the "Fukutomi Mirai Base," a new activity hub for regional revitalization. It will feature co-working and makerspaces, and an interest survey is being conducted until July 31, 2026.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 13, 2026
Direct answer
Higashihiroshima City, in collaboration with Mazda and Hakuhodo, is revitalizing the former Takenishi Elementary School into the "Fukutomi Mirai Base," a new activity hub for regional revitalization. It will feature co-working and makerspaces, and an interest survey is being conducted until July 31, 2026.
- Citation
- Higashihiroshima City: Rebirth of Former Takenishi Elementary School with 147 Years of History - Towards a New Activity Hub in Mountainous Regions through Public-Private Partnership! (May 13, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 13, 2026
Higashihiroshima City, in collaboration with Mazda and Hakuhodo, is revitalizing the former Takenishi Elementary School into the "Fukutomi Mirai Base," a new activity hub for regional revitalization. It will feature co-working and makerspaces, and an interest survey is being conducted until July 31, 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 13, 2026 at 20:20
- 🔍 Collected: May 13, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 14, 2026 at 04:57 (17h 25m after Collected)
The former Takenishi Elementary School in Fukutomi-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. In March of Reiwa 3 (2021), it closed its doors after 147 years of history.
“Life Design and Engineering Research Institute” by Higashihiroshima City, Mazda Corporation, and Hakuhodo Inc. is revitalizing the closed school.
“Life Design and Engineering Research Institute,” formed by Higashihiroshima City, Mazda Corporation, and Hakuhodo Inc., is developing the former Takenishi Elementary School in Fukutomi-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, into "Fukutomi Mirai Base"—a new activity hub for mountainous regions equipped with functions such as "co-working & workation," "makerspace (Minna no Kobo)," "interaction," and "tenants." To facilitate this development, an interest survey is currently being conducted regarding its usage.
What is “Life Design and Engineering Research Institute”?
Based on a "Partnership Agreement for Creating Living Value" concluded in December of Reiwa 3 (2021) by the three parties—Higashihiroshima City, Mazda Corporation, and Hakuhodo Inc.—the institute was established in April of Reiwa 4 (2022) as a resident-participation research and business planning platform. It is a voluntary organization promoting the "Future Satoyama Project" aimed at creating new possibilities for living, working, and learning by utilizing regional resources.
"Future Satoyama" envisioned by “Life Design and Engineering Research Institute”
The Life Design and Engineering Research Institute is promoting sustainable regional development by utilizing resources in mountainous regions to create new flows of people, work, learning, and interaction.
This initiative primarily deploys the "Future Satoyama Project," which aims to create "Future Satoyama," centered around two bases: "Satoyama Challenge Platform" and "Fukutomi Mirai Base."
Mechanism and Effects of the "Future Satoyama Project"
▶ “Satoyama Challenge Platform” as a Fieldwork Base
Based at "Fukutomi Mirai no Mori," operated by the Life Design and Engineering Research Institute, efforts are underway to provide diverse play and learning experiences for children, who will lead the next generation, through maintaining the satoyama. Over 400 people have participated to date. External collaborations and attention are also expanding, such as the installation of a treehouse in collaboration with Kinki University Faculty of Engineering and an inspection by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in February of Reiwa 8 (2026).
See details
Experience digital learning through forest research Explore the forest and experience active play
Treehouse installed in collaboration with Kinki University Faculty of Engineering OECD inspection (February Reiwa 8 / 2026)
▶ “Fukutomi Mirai Base” as a New Value Creation Hub
Renovations are underway to transform the former Takenishi Elementary School, which closed its 147-year history in March of Reiwa 3 (2021), into "Fukutomi Mirai Base"—a new activity hub that combines "nature x technology x diverse people." By linking fieldwork in the satoyama with the functions of "working, creating, and interacting" within the school building, the aim is to foster new activities and value creation in mountainous regions.
Overview of "Fukutomi Mirai Base" Facilities
Fukutomi Mirai Base Facility Image (1st Floor)
1st Floor
Co-working & Workation space (★), Makerspace (Minna no Kobo) (★),
Interaction space (lounge, open terrace)
2nd Floor
Tenant offices (9 rooms) (★), Auditorium
3rd Floor
Art room, Science room, Home economics room, Music room
★: Subject to the current interest survey
We want to hear your intentions regarding the use of "Fukutomi Mirai Base"!
Main target audience
Corporations and individuals interested in using tenant offices at Fukutomi Mirai Base
Those considering using co-working spaces or makerspaces
Those currently exploring how to be involved in the future
Application conditions
Location, business scale, and legal entity status do not matter
Applications are welcome even if you are at a stage where you are "interested but not planning to use immediately"
Submission method
Please respond via the following URL:
https://www.city.higashihiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/chiikishinko/1/3/45274.html
Submission deadline
Friday, July 31, Reiwa 8 (2026)
Comment from Life Design and Engineering Research Institute
The "Future Satoyama Project" aims to revitalize mountainous regions by creating new learning opportunities and regional value unique to other areas, utilizing "Fukutomi Mirai no Mori," which we operate, and "Fukutomi Mirai Base." At "Fukutomi Mirai Base," we want to create a place where diverse people from inside and outside the region can get involved through functions such as co-working, makerspace, and interaction. For this interest survey, we welcome responses not only from those considering specific tenancy or usage, but also from those who are simply "interested." We will utilize diverse perspectives in considering future operations and utilization.
Raidai Nishiyama, Director, Life Design and Engineering Research Institute
Contact
Higashihiroshima City, Regional Promotion Department, Regional Policy Division
Attn: Yamane, Taguchi
Tel: 082-420-0401
Email: hgh200401@city.higashihiroshima.lg
Keywords:
“Life Design and Engineering Research Institute” by Higashihiroshima City, Mazda Corporation, and Hakuhodo Inc. is revitalizing the closed school.
“Life Design and Engineering Research Institute,” formed by Higashihiroshima City, Mazda Corporation, and Hakuhodo Inc., is developing the former Takenishi Elementary School in Fukutomi-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, into "Fukutomi Mirai Base"—a new activity hub for mountainous regions equipped with functions such as "co-working & workation," "makerspace (Minna no Kobo)," "interaction," and "tenants." To facilitate this development, an interest survey is currently being conducted regarding its usage.
What is “Life Design and Engineering Research Institute”?
Based on a "Partnership Agreement for Creating Living Value" concluded in December of Reiwa 3 (2021) by the three parties—Higashihiroshima City, Mazda Corporation, and Hakuhodo Inc.—the institute was established in April of Reiwa 4 (2022) as a resident-participation research and business planning platform. It is a voluntary organization promoting the "Future Satoyama Project" aimed at creating new possibilities for living, working, and learning by utilizing regional resources.
"Future Satoyama" envisioned by “Life Design and Engineering Research Institute”
The Life Design and Engineering Research Institute is promoting sustainable regional development by utilizing resources in mountainous regions to create new flows of people, work, learning, and interaction.
This initiative primarily deploys the "Future Satoyama Project," which aims to create "Future Satoyama," centered around two bases: "Satoyama Challenge Platform" and "Fukutomi Mirai Base."
Mechanism and Effects of the "Future Satoyama Project"
▶ “Satoyama Challenge Platform” as a Fieldwork Base
Based at "Fukutomi Mirai no Mori," operated by the Life Design and Engineering Research Institute, efforts are underway to provide diverse play and learning experiences for children, who will lead the next generation, through maintaining the satoyama. Over 400 people have participated to date. External collaborations and attention are also expanding, such as the installation of a treehouse in collaboration with Kinki University Faculty of Engineering and an inspection by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in February of Reiwa 8 (2026).
See details
Experience digital learning through forest research Explore the forest and experience active play
Treehouse installed in collaboration with Kinki University Faculty of Engineering OECD inspection (February Reiwa 8 / 2026)
▶ “Fukutomi Mirai Base” as a New Value Creation Hub
Renovations are underway to transform the former Takenishi Elementary School, which closed its 147-year history in March of Reiwa 3 (2021), into "Fukutomi Mirai Base"—a new activity hub that combines "nature x technology x diverse people." By linking fieldwork in the satoyama with the functions of "working, creating, and interacting" within the school building, the aim is to foster new activities and value creation in mountainous regions.
Overview of "Fukutomi Mirai Base" Facilities
Fukutomi Mirai Base Facility Image (1st Floor)
1st Floor
Co-working & Workation space (★), Makerspace (Minna no Kobo) (★),
Interaction space (lounge, open terrace)
2nd Floor
Tenant offices (9 rooms) (★), Auditorium
3rd Floor
Art room, Science room, Home economics room, Music room
★: Subject to the current interest survey
We want to hear your intentions regarding the use of "Fukutomi Mirai Base"!
Main target audience
Corporations and individuals interested in using tenant offices at Fukutomi Mirai Base
Those considering using co-working spaces or makerspaces
Those currently exploring how to be involved in the future
Application conditions
Location, business scale, and legal entity status do not matter
Applications are welcome even if you are at a stage where you are "interested but not planning to use immediately"
Submission method
Please respond via the following URL:
https://www.city.higashihiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/chiikishinko/1/3/45274.html
Submission deadline
Friday, July 31, Reiwa 8 (2026)
Comment from Life Design and Engineering Research Institute
The "Future Satoyama Project" aims to revitalize mountainous regions by creating new learning opportunities and regional value unique to other areas, utilizing "Fukutomi Mirai no Mori," which we operate, and "Fukutomi Mirai Base." At "Fukutomi Mirai Base," we want to create a place where diverse people from inside and outside the region can get involved through functions such as co-working, makerspace, and interaction. For this interest survey, we welcome responses not only from those considering specific tenancy or usage, but also from those who are simply "interested." We will utilize diverse perspectives in considering future operations and utilization.
Raidai Nishiyama, Director, Life Design and Engineering Research Institute
Contact
Higashihiroshima City, Regional Promotion Department, Regional Policy Division
Attn: Yamane, Taguchi
Tel: 082-420-0401
Email: hgh200401@city.higashihiroshima.lg
Keywords:
FAQ
What are the key facts in this article?
Higashihiroshima City, in collaboration with Mazda and Hakuhodo, is revitalizing the former Takenishi Elementary School into the "Fukutomi Mirai Base," a new activity hub for regional revitalization. It will feature co-working and makerspaces, and an interest survey is being conducted until July 31, 2026.
What is the direct answer?
Higashihiroshima City, in collaboration with Mazda and Hakuhodo, is revitalizing the former Takenishi Elementary School into the "Fukutomi Mirai Base," a new activity hub for regional revitalization. It will feature co-working and makerspaces, and an interest survey is being conducted until July 31, 2026.
What is the source and date?
PR Times: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000050.000033889.html | May 13, 2026