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

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 'Research on the Formation Process of an Innovation District and the Design of Living Spheres in the Gotanda Area,' in collaboration with the Spatial Planning Laboratory, Department of Socio-Cultural Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo (Professor: Atsushi Deguchi) and Kume Sekkei Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroshi Inoue).

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 absence of a clear anchor organization*1 such as a university. In addition to the industry-academia collaboration between The University of Tokyo, Kume Sekkei, and our company, we will work with the general incorporated association Gotanda Valley to conduct research and analysis based on the following three pillars:

(Key Research Pillars) 1. Elucidation of the formation factors of startup clusters in Gotanda and the interactions between stakeholders. 2. Proposal of a 'live-work proximity' urban living sphere model through the analysis of the residential, commuting, and leisure behaviors of startup employees. 3. Conceptualization of urban renewal and area management strategies based on the coexistence of diverse property scales and new/renovated buildings.

Through these investigations and analyses, we aim to empirically clarify the formation factors and urban structural characteristics of the innovation district in Gotanda, publish the findings in academic papers, and contribute to future urban strategies and visions for the area, as well as 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 the 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.

2. Research Title On the Formation Process of an Innovation District and the Design of Living Spheres in the Gotanda Area: Elucidating the Bottom-Up Urban Innovation Formation Process without Anchors and Proposing Sustainable Urban Strategies.

3. Research Period January 2026 – March 2027 (Planned)

4. Research Methods ・Literature review and review of previous studies. ・Interviews and questionnaire surveys targeting startup employees, founders, and local residents. ・Visualization and analysis using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and urban indicators to map startup distribution/trends, residential heat maps, and relationships with redevelopment/renovation properties.

5. Research Structure and Core Members The University of Tokyo, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences: Jun Okada, Project Assistant Professor, Social Cooperation Program for Habitat Innovation. Kume Sekkei Co., Ltd.: Kazuhiro Inomata, Director, Social Design Office, Development Management Division; Yudai Tanaka, Chief, Social Design Office, Development Management Division; Shun Hayasaka, Chief, Urban Development Solutions Office, Development Management Division.