Kume Sekkei, The University of Tokyo, and NIPPON STEEL KOWA REAL ESTATE Launch Joint Research on 'Formation of an Innovation District in the Gotanda Area'

Kume Sekkei Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroshi Inoue), in collaboration with the Spatial Planning Laboratory, Department of Socio-Cultural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at the University of Tokyo (Professor: Atsushi Deguchi) and NIPPON STEEL KOWA REAL ESTATE CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Masahiro Miwa), is pleased to announce the launch of a joint research project titled 'Joint Research on the Formation Process of an Innovation District and the Design of Living Spheres in the Gotanda Area.'

Overview of the Research

1. Purpose and Significance of the Research

This research focuses on the Gotanda area, where startups have autonomously clustered to form an innovation district*2 despite the lack of a clear anchor institution*1 such as a university. In addition to the industry-academia collaboration between the University of Tokyo, Kume Sekkei, and NIPPON STEEL KOWA REAL ESTATE, the project will work in partnership with the general incorporated association Gotanda Valley to conduct research and analysis based on the following three pillars:

(Core Pillars of the Research)

1. Clarification of the factors behind the startup cluster in Gotanda and the interactions between stakeholders.
2. Proposal of a 'live-work proximity' urban lifestyle model through the analysis of the residential, commuting, and leisure behaviors of startup employees.
3. Conception of urban renewal and area management strategies based on the coexistence of properties of diverse scales, including both new construction and renovations.

Through these investigations and analyses, the project aims to empirically clarify the formation factors and urban structural characteristics of the innovation district in Gotanda. The findings will be published in academic papers and utilized to provide recommendations for future urban strategies and visions for the area, as well as to support area management activities promoted by local organizations.

*1: An organization that plays a central role in industrial clusters such as startups, driving the development of an ecosystem through technological innovation and network strengthening.

*2: A district where companies, talent, and research functions gather in a specific urban area to generate new industries and value through interaction and demonstration.

[Key Points of the Research]

・A joint industry-academia research project by the University of Tokyo, Kume Sekkei, and NIPPON STEEL KOWA REAL ESTATE, focusing on the unique background of the Gotanda area.

・Aiming to 'further energize Gotanda' through a cycle of research, academic publication, policy recommendations, and implementation in area management activities.

2. Research Period

January 2026 – March 2027 (Planned)

3. Research Methodology

・Literature review and analysis of previous studies.

・Interview and questionnaire surveys targeting startup employees, founders, and local residents.

・Visualization and analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and urban indicators to map startup distribution, transitions, residential heatmaps, and the relationship with redevelopment and renovation properties.

4. Research Structure and Core Members

The University of Tokyo: Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, Habitat Innovation Social Cooperation Program, Project Assistant Professor Jun Okada.

Kume Sekkei Co., Ltd.: Development Management Division, Social Design Office, Director Kazuhiro Inomata; Lead Specialist Yudai Tanaka.