[Minakami, Gunma] Northern Kanto's First Urban Design Center (UDC) Opens at Jomo-Kogen Station
In April 2026, Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, launched 'UDC Minakami,' a collaborative hub for urban development at Jomo-Kogen Station, partnering with Open House Group, Gunma Bank, and the University of Tokyo.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 18:44
- 🔍 Collected: May 21, 2026 at 10:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 21, 2026 at 10:15 (14 min after Collected)
## Establishment of the Hub
Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture, in collaboration with Open House Group Co., Ltd., The Gunma Bank, Ltd., and the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo, launched an urban development hub called 'Urban Design Center (UDC) Minakami' at Jomo-Kogen Station in April 2026.
A UDC serves as a platform for future-oriented, problem-solving community development. It is a new type of organization that transcends traditional administrative or civic frameworks, involving cooperation between various stakeholders and incorporating expert urban designers from an objective standpoint.
The project originated from the desire of local residents to revitalize the area around Jomo-Kogen Station, which has remained unchanged for 40 years since the station's opening following the launch of the Joetsu Shinkansen.
## Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony held on Friday, May 8, 2026, was attended by approximately 100 people, including Center Director Masayoshi Nagano. In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a three-dimensional model of the area around Jomo-Kogen Station was unveiled inside the center.
## Future Outlook
Located at the source of the Tone River, UDC Minakami acts as a hub to maximize regional natural, cultural, and resource potential to promote sustainable urban development. Leveraging the rich natural environment of the 'Minakami UNESCO Eco Park' (registered in 2017), the center aims to demonstrate a model for sustainable community development in mountainous tourism regions.
Currently, the team led by Director Nagano, Deputy Directors Takatori and Yokose, and Director Uchida is drafting the 'Future Vision' for the area around Jomo-Kogen Station. They are holding bi-monthly meetings and plan to release the draft vision this summer.
Minakami Town in Gunma Prefecture, in collaboration with Open House Group Co., Ltd., The Gunma Bank, Ltd., and the Graduate School of Engineering at The University of Tokyo, launched an urban development hub called 'Urban Design Center (UDC) Minakami' at Jomo-Kogen Station in April 2026.
A UDC serves as a platform for future-oriented, problem-solving community development. It is a new type of organization that transcends traditional administrative or civic frameworks, involving cooperation between various stakeholders and incorporating expert urban designers from an objective standpoint.
The project originated from the desire of local residents to revitalize the area around Jomo-Kogen Station, which has remained unchanged for 40 years since the station's opening following the launch of the Joetsu Shinkansen.
## Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony held on Friday, May 8, 2026, was attended by approximately 100 people, including Center Director Masayoshi Nagano. In addition to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a three-dimensional model of the area around Jomo-Kogen Station was unveiled inside the center.
## Future Outlook
Located at the source of the Tone River, UDC Minakami acts as a hub to maximize regional natural, cultural, and resource potential to promote sustainable urban development. Leveraging the rich natural environment of the 'Minakami UNESCO Eco Park' (registered in 2017), the center aims to demonstrate a model for sustainable community development in mountainous tourism regions.
Currently, the team led by Director Nagano, Deputy Directors Takatori and Yokose, and Director Uchida is drafting the 'Future Vision' for the area around Jomo-Kogen Station. They are holding bi-monthly meetings and plan to release the draft vision this summer.
FAQ
What is the purpose of UDC Minakami?
To promote sustainable urban development through a public-private-academic partnership.
Who is involved in the operation?
Minakami Town, Open House Group, Gunma Bank, and the University of Tokyo.
What is the background of the establishment?
Driven by local desires to revitalize the station area and create a sustainable community.