Nagoya City Launches "Basic Vision Council" for First Major Revision in 50 Years; Kanameya CEO Kento Matsui Appointed as Committee Member

■ What is the 'Nagoya City Basic Vision'?

The 'Nagoya City Basic Vision' serves as the guiding principle for municipal administration and defines the long-term direction of urban development. The current vision was formulated in 1977 (Showa 52). With nearly 50 years having passed and social conditions drastically changing, a historic project has been launched to redefine Nagoya's 'ideal form' for 2050, following an inquiry from Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa.

Source: Nagoya City Official Note

■ Why 31-year-old entrepreneur Kento Matsui was selected

The council consists of approximately 20 appointed members, including university professors and leading experts. The appointment of Kento Matsui, who was born and raised in Nagoya, signifies the city's strong commitment to seriously incorporating youth voices into future city planning and a paradigm shift toward prioritizing the next generation. Matsui has served as a bridge between Nagoya's students and the administration for over a decade, including leading the 'NAGOYA Student Campus Nago-ko.' He founded 'Kanameya Co., Ltd.,' establishing the region's largest student platform. His track record in industry-academia-government collaboration and founding the 'Nagoya Youth Council' led to his direct appointment by Mayor Hirosawa.

■ First council meeting held: Representing Nagoya's students and youth

The first council meeting was attended by Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa, Vice Mayors Nakada, Fukiage, and Sugino, and top officials. Matsui's term lasts from his acceptance (Reiwa 8) until the final report is submitted. Matsui is determined to reflect the real voices and passion of students and youth—the actual stakeholders—into the foundation of city planning that will influence the next 50 to 100 years.

■ Comment from Kento Matsui, CEO of Kanameya Co., Ltd.

'I am deeply honored and feel the weight of responsibility to participate in this historic turning point for my beloved hometown, Nagoya. My vision for "Student Town Nagoya" is not just about numbers; it's about creating a "sustainable vitality circulation system" where youth living in the 22nd century can take pride and dreams in this city. My role is to deliver the voices of the next generation to the center of city administration as a representative of all students and youth, and to propose youth as partners in building a new culture. Together with the administration, we will build the best city where all young people can pursue their dreams with hope.'

■ Committee Profile: Kento Matsui

CEO of Kanameya Co., Ltd. / Specialty: Public-Private Partnership, Youth Support. Born in Nagoya in 1994. Graduated from Aichi Toho University. Founded Kanameya after working at Mynavi Corporation. Founder of Nagoya Youth Council, Director of Senkyo-wari Association, and Guest Lecturer at iU. Recipient of the Young People's National Honor Award and the Nagoya Human Power Award Grand Prix.