Transforming Nakano Sunplaza into a Center of Modern Japanese Culture That the World Admires

Should we really just tear down Nakano Sunplaza as planned?

I believe that instead of assuming demolition is the only path, we should thoroughly examine the possibility of preserving the Sunplaza as a symbol of Nakano and regenerating it as a hub for disseminating modern Japanese culture.

What I am aiming for is not merely the preservation of a building.

It is to use the Sunplaza as a starting point to create a cutting-edge destination in Nakano for modern Japanese culture that the world admires, including art, music, entertainment, manga, anime, comedy, design, fashion, and digital content.

1. Why is a discussion on preserving the Sunplaza necessary now?

Currently, the direction for Nakano Sunplaza has been set toward demolition and the development of a new complex facility.

On the other hand, the initial redevelopment plan has been forced into a major review due to soaring construction costs.

What we should consider here is not simply an emotional argument of "tear it down or keep it."

The questions we must ask are the following three points.

First, after objectively investigating the building's safety and deterioration status, have the possibilities for renovation, interim use, and phased regeneration been sufficiently verified?

Second, is demolition and new construction truly the most rational choice for Nakano's finances and the value of the city?

Third, what impact will losing the nationally recognized urban memory of the Sunplaza have on Nakano's brand value?

According to the seismic diagnosis results published by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Nakano Sunplaza is classified as having a "low risk of collapse or destruction" in the event of a large-scale earthquake.

Of course, this does not mean there are no issues with aging facilities, concrete deterioration, plumbing, electricity, air conditioning, accessibility, or disaster prevention equipment.

That is precisely why what is needed is not an explanation based on the premise of demolition, but a detailed investigation by third parties and experts.

Safety, renovation costs, demolition and new construction costs, profitability, and economic impact on the city should be compared and presented in a way that is understandable to the residents.

Around the world, there are many examples where old buildings have been converted for modern use rather than being torn down, thereby enhancing the brand value of the city.

The Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, South Africa, is an example of an old grain silo being regenerated into a contemporary art museum.

The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany, became a new symbol of the city by layering a new hall on top of an existing warehouse.

Even within Japan, there is an increasing number of regeneration cases that make use of existing architecture.

The important thing is not just to preserve old things. It is to give old things new functions, generate revenue, and enhance the appeal of the city.

2. Culture is no longer a 'hobby,' but a growth industry

When people hear 'cultural policy,' they tend to perceive it as something to be done 'when there is spare capacity' or 'something to increase the number of events.'

However, in the world today, the culture, entertainment, and creative industries have become the very essence of a city's competitiveness.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry positions the entertainment and creative industries as key growth sectors for Japan. Some analyses suggest that overseas sales of Japanese content have grown to a scale second only to the automotive industry.

Anime, manga, games, music, film, characters, and idols are now major strengths of Japan that attract young people from all over the world.

Nevertheless, within Nakano Ward, these are not yet sufficiently treated as industrial, tourism, educational, or urban development policies.

The important thing is not to let cultural facilities become 'facilities that are only maintained by taxes.'

It is crucial to incorporate private funding and operational expertise, create a cycle of attracting people through culture, stimulating the economy, and reinvesting those profits into supporting young artists and creators.