May 23rd, "So" Station Shopping Street Opens at Az Kumagaya

Four companies: East Japan Railway Company Takasaki Branch, Honjo Department Co., Ltd., Takasaki Terminal Building Co., Ltd., and JR East Startup Co., Ltd., will open "So" (pronounced: So), a regional hub based on the concept of "a station shopping street where many opportunities and wonderful encounters are born," on the 6th floor of the Az Kumagaya main building, directly connected to Kumagaya Station.

"So" will be a place for businesses to have their own space in a station building with low risk, connect to business practice and fan building, and start small to grow big.

"UNIT," where stores can start from approximately 1 tsubo (approx. 3.3 sqm), will have 4 sections open at the time of opening. "BOX," which allows unmanned display and sales, will have works displayed in all 23 sections from the time of opening.

At the "Cafe," members of Honjo Department will be permanently stationed, functioning as a community cafe where people can easily consult, and pop-up restaurants will also be developed sequentially using the cafe's kitchen space.

"So" aims to create a place like a former shopping street where various encounters are born, by providing an environment where anyone can easily take on challenges. It will be a place for graduates of the "Takasaki Line Recurrent School" to be active, and also a place for people who want to start new challenges in the region to try out their activities.

In conjunction with the opening of "So," a market featuring attractive products will be held at PLACE HALL on the 6th floor of the Az Kumagaya main building, enlivening the opening.

1. Overview of "So" Station Shopping Street

Location: Az Kumagaya Main Building 6F, directly connected to Kumagaya Station (Address: 2-115 Tsukuba, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture)

Opening Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Facility Composition:

UNIT (8 sections* / approx. 2.7-3.7 sqm per section) BOX (23 sections / approx. 55cm width x 40cm depth x 40cm height per section) *Sales handled at the cafe Cafe (16 seats / 51 sqm)

*4 sections are planned to be operated at the time of opening

Business Hours:

UNIT: Varies by each UNIT BOX: 10:00-18:00 Cafe: 10:00-18:00

Closed Days:

UNIT: Varies by each UNIT BOX: Same as cafe Cafe: Irregular holidays

*Closed on Az Kumagaya's closed days

Reference: For details on "So" Station Shopping Street's business hours and regular holidays, please see the Instagram below:

@so.kumagaya https://www.instagram.com/so.kumagaya

*The contents described in this overview have been partially changed from the press release dated January 27, 2026.

Facility Image: As it is before opening, the image is an AI-generated image with exhibits and people added.

Exterior UNIT BOX

2. Introduction of UNIT and BOX tenants

UNIT

Store Name: ayatori me Ayatori perch, which sells children's and women's clothing in a renovated old folk house with the cooperation of Honjo Department, will open a store.

Store Name: Tiny Dot Guesthouse Preparation Room Provides information on recommended travel destinations around the world and how to enjoy travel while serving chai. (Graduate of Takasaki Line Recurrent School)

Store Name: Yui Sells evolved kitchen knives that combine the features of Japanese and Western knives, such as "thin slicing and easy release," "easy sharpening," and "safety performance." This is their first fixed store.

Store Name: Hari-kyu yosuga Gently interprets invisible imbalances and proposes gentle adjustments. First, check your condition with a 5-minute check.

BOX

We will collect and display works by craft artists who create handmade accessories, miscellaneous goods, and fashion items from all over Japan. Many craft artists primarily sell online, so this will be a valuable place where customers can pick up and see the actual items.

(Representative examples)

Store Name: ARAM Mainly sells children's backpacks, as well as bags and miscellaneous goods that gently accompany daily life.

Store Name: OJIOJI Sells accessories with a "slight quirk" that are unique but blend in with any outfit.

3. About the Cafe

The cafe not only offers food and drinks but also serves as a place for easy consultation and interaction with diverse people, with Honjo Department members permanently stationed there.

It will mainly offer light-roasted coffee and cream sodas made with seasonal organic fruits, as well as light meals and lunches. Additionally, pop-up restaurants will be irregularly featured.

4. About the Market

On the opening day of "So," a market featuring 11 shops in addition to the above will be held at the adjacent PLACE HALL.