[JLAU] Talk Event "OPEN! Towards Green City Yokohama" to be Held on May 31 to Discuss the Future of Yokohama and the "GREEN×EXPO 2027"

## Event Overview

The Japan Landscape Architects Union (JLAU) will host the talk event "Landscape Network 2026" on Sunday, May 31, at the Zou-no-hana Terrace in Yokohama and online. With the theme "OPEN! Towards Green City Yokohama," the event focuses on discussing the vision for a "Green City Yokohama" in light of the upcoming International Horticultural Expo "GREEN×EXPO 2027."

How can the legacy of the Expo's theme—"Scenery of Tomorrow that Creates Happiness: The Optimal Solution for Nature, People, and Society to Coexist Sustainably"—be translated into the urban design that will shape the future of Yokohama? What role should landscape architects play?

Through talk sessions featuring various stakeholders from public, private, and academic sectors, the event aims to explore the creative future of Yokohama.

## Background

"Landscape Network 2026" is organized in conjunction with the JLAU Annual General Meeting. JLAU has continuously shared insights regarding the post-Expo land use of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and the overall urban development plan for Osaka. In this event, JLAU will deepen discussions on the future of Yokohama just one year before the opening of "GREEN×EXPO 2027."

During the Expo, international events related to landscape architecture are planned at the venue. JLAU continues to promote the potential of new urban design that connects nature, culture, and society through its network of landscape architects.

## Program

The event will feature guests from various fields, including those involved in the International Horticultural Expo, urban design, landscape, government, the private sector, and cultural facility management.

### Part 1: Main Session - "GREEN×EXPO 2027 and the Future of Green Urban Design"

- 14:30 Purpose Explanation (Professor Takanori Fukuoka, Tokyo University of Agriculture)
- 14:33 Topics Provided by:
- Elena Terekhova, International Relations Manager, AIPH
- Wataru Nomura, Director, Government Exhibition Department, Japan Association for the 2027 International Horticultural Expo
- Yuki Katsura, Design Adjustment Officer, Urban Design Office, City of Yokohama
- Gen Kumagai, Representative, STGK Inc.
- 15:15 Cross-talk: "GREEN×EXPO 2027 and the Future of Green Urban Design"
- Speakers: Elena Terekhova, Wataru Nomura, Yuki Katsura, Gen Kumagai
- Facilitator: Takanori Fukuoka

### Part 2: Cross-talk Session - "Expanding GREENxEXPO 2027 to Yokohama's Open Space Network: Opening up Green City Yokohama!"

- 16:15 Topics Provided by:
- Professor Taku Nohara, Yokohama National University
- Associate Professor Osamu Nishida, Tokyo University of Science / Representative, On Design
- Tetsuro Odajima, Director, Aoba Civil Engineering Office, City of Yokohama
- Haruko Okoshi, Director, Zou-no-hana Terrace / Wacoal Art Center
- Eiichi Koizumi, Representative Director, About Your City Inc.
- 17:05 Cross-talk: "Expanding GREENxEXPO 2027 to Yokohama's Open Space Network: Opening up Green City Yokohama!"
- Speakers: Taku Nohara, Osamu Nishida, Tetsuro Odajima, Haruko Okoshi, Eiichi Koizumi
- Facilitator: Gen Kumagai
- 18:00 Conclusion

## Event Details

- Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026, 14:30 – 18:00 (Networking event 18:30 – 20:30)
- Venue: Zou-no-hana Terrace (Simultaneous online streaming)
- Fees: 1000 JPY for JLAU members, 2000 JPY for the public, Free for students (4000 JPY for networking for all participants)
- Registration: Via Peatix