Chuo Driving School to Host '1st Morioka Mirai Design Conference'
Chuo Driving School will hold a regional revitalization workshop on April 18, 2026, aiming to transform the driving school into a community hub using a 'License Boot Camp' as a catalyst for local engagement.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 01:10
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 16:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 7, 2026 at 21:23 (4h 53m after Collected)
## Project Overview
Chuo Driving School Project is undergoing a major renovation of its facility located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Since starting its license boot camp program in fiscal 2025, the school has redefined the experience not just as a training course, but as a golden opportunity to showcase regional charms. The project aims to design a total experience that allows students to feel the culture and allure of Morioka through all five senses.
The design supervision and facilitation are led by Kotaro Saiki and Rena Shibazaki, 4th-year architecture students at the University of Tokyo. This talented duo achieved the dual feat of winning both the Grand Prize and the Jury Special Award at the 'Tanseisha Space Award 2025,' surpassing many professional participants. They are collaborating with the school on interior design, signage planning, construction management, crowdfunding, and organizing workshops involving local residents.
Furthermore, the school plans to convert surplus classrooms—created by the shift to online lectures—into a 'Private Library.' By opening this space to both boot camp students and the local community, the school aims to establish a new brand value as an 'Open Driving School' where everyone is a protagonist across generations.
## About Chuo Driving School
In 2025, the school began accepting license boot camp students and redefined itself as a base for experiencing and promoting regional charm. The school actively focuses on creating 'Morioka fans' by organizing the 'Sansa Club' for the Sansa Odori festival, inviting students to local events like 'Morioka Donpa,' and providing shuttle bus transport to tourist spots. The goal is for graduates to return as repeat visitors (relationship population) even after obtaining their license, contributing to regional revitalization.
## About the Project Design Team
Kotaro Saiki and Rena Shibazaki supervise the design. Notably, Mr. Saiki himself is a graduate of the school's very first boot camp class in August 2025. The school has been refining the renovation design with them since last summer. As rising stars who proved their mettle at the Tanseisha Space Award, they bring both professional expertise and a graduate's perspective to create new spatial value beyond the traditional framework of a driving school.
## Efforts to Date
In November 2025, the overall project plan was established following the submission of design and construction proposals. The school is considering community-led DIY and workshops to create new value through collaboration. Discussions are already underway with local volunteer groups, construction firms, and regional influencers to build a support system for future workshops and PR activities.
On the design side, detailed studies have been conducted using CG and physical models. Currently, three design mock-ups created by the supervisors are on display in the school lobby, and a 'Popular Design Vote' is being held for visitors. Insights from staff surveys and follow-up surveys with graduates are also being incorporated into the hardware (facilities) and software (services) of the next-generation driving school experience.
## Future Plans and Implementation Structure
The project will proceed under the supervision of Mr. Saiki and Ms. Shibazaki. The aim is to create a place that fosters deeper affection for the city of Morioka by thinking about the 'Future of the Driving School' together with the community. The process will be widely shared through media and crowdfunding to reach people inside and outside Morioka with news of this new challenge.
## About the 1st Workshop: 'Morioka Mirai Design Conference'
The first workshop will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the school. Starting at 3:00 PM, the UTokyo design supervisors will present the latest design plans reflecting staff survey results and discuss crowdfunding strategies. From 5:00 PM, an open workshop titled '1st Morioka Mirai Design Conference' will invite local residents to discuss renovation designs and new license boot camp plans. We look forward to seeing everyone who loves Morioka and wants to design the region's future together.
Chuo Driving School Project is undergoing a major renovation of its facility located in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Since starting its license boot camp program in fiscal 2025, the school has redefined the experience not just as a training course, but as a golden opportunity to showcase regional charms. The project aims to design a total experience that allows students to feel the culture and allure of Morioka through all five senses.
The design supervision and facilitation are led by Kotaro Saiki and Rena Shibazaki, 4th-year architecture students at the University of Tokyo. This talented duo achieved the dual feat of winning both the Grand Prize and the Jury Special Award at the 'Tanseisha Space Award 2025,' surpassing many professional participants. They are collaborating with the school on interior design, signage planning, construction management, crowdfunding, and organizing workshops involving local residents.
Furthermore, the school plans to convert surplus classrooms—created by the shift to online lectures—into a 'Private Library.' By opening this space to both boot camp students and the local community, the school aims to establish a new brand value as an 'Open Driving School' where everyone is a protagonist across generations.
## About Chuo Driving School
In 2025, the school began accepting license boot camp students and redefined itself as a base for experiencing and promoting regional charm. The school actively focuses on creating 'Morioka fans' by organizing the 'Sansa Club' for the Sansa Odori festival, inviting students to local events like 'Morioka Donpa,' and providing shuttle bus transport to tourist spots. The goal is for graduates to return as repeat visitors (relationship population) even after obtaining their license, contributing to regional revitalization.
## About the Project Design Team
Kotaro Saiki and Rena Shibazaki supervise the design. Notably, Mr. Saiki himself is a graduate of the school's very first boot camp class in August 2025. The school has been refining the renovation design with them since last summer. As rising stars who proved their mettle at the Tanseisha Space Award, they bring both professional expertise and a graduate's perspective to create new spatial value beyond the traditional framework of a driving school.
## Efforts to Date
In November 2025, the overall project plan was established following the submission of design and construction proposals. The school is considering community-led DIY and workshops to create new value through collaboration. Discussions are already underway with local volunteer groups, construction firms, and regional influencers to build a support system for future workshops and PR activities.
On the design side, detailed studies have been conducted using CG and physical models. Currently, three design mock-ups created by the supervisors are on display in the school lobby, and a 'Popular Design Vote' is being held for visitors. Insights from staff surveys and follow-up surveys with graduates are also being incorporated into the hardware (facilities) and software (services) of the next-generation driving school experience.
## Future Plans and Implementation Structure
The project will proceed under the supervision of Mr. Saiki and Ms. Shibazaki. The aim is to create a place that fosters deeper affection for the city of Morioka by thinking about the 'Future of the Driving School' together with the community. The process will be widely shared through media and crowdfunding to reach people inside and outside Morioka with news of this new challenge.
## About the 1st Workshop: 'Morioka Mirai Design Conference'
The first workshop will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the school. Starting at 3:00 PM, the UTokyo design supervisors will present the latest design plans reflecting staff survey results and discuss crowdfunding strategies. From 5:00 PM, an open workshop titled '1st Morioka Mirai Design Conference' will invite local residents to discuss renovation designs and new license boot camp plans. We look forward to seeing everyone who loves Morioka and wants to design the region's future together.
FAQ
What is the 'Morioka Mirai Design Conference'?
It is a workshop hosted by Chuo Driving School focused on driving school renovation and regional promotion. It aims to design the 'future of the region' together with local residents.
Who is responsible for the renovation design?
Kotaro Saiki and Rena Shibazaki, 4th-year architecture students at the University of Tokyo and winners of the Tanseisha Space Award 2025, are supervising the design and facilitation.
How can local residents get involved?
Residents can participate in workshops, use the new private library, help with DIY construction, or support the project via upcoming crowdfunding campaigns.