Starting from Nagoya Station! What is walkable urban development that enhances a city's appeal?

Dentsu Inc.'s 'Urban Future Design Unit' is a specialized team that envisions the future of cities and lifestyles, providing support across various fields from conceptualization to realization (details here ).

This series has explored, from various angles, what is required for future urban and community development, as well as what makes cities highly livable.

This time, we spotlight the Nagoya Station area, where large-scale redevelopment is planned. In this article, we welcomed Mr. Yuki Takasaki, President and Representative Director of Nagoya Railroad, who announced a large-scale redevelopment plan for the Meitetsu Nagoya Station area in March 2025. He discussed the significance of redevelopment, the role of regional cities, and the future vision for the city we should aim for. The interviewer was Mr. Takashi Igami of Dentsu Inc.

The Large-Scale Redevelopment of Meitetsu Nagoya Station: What is its Significance?

Igami: With the opening of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line in sight, the environment surrounding the Chubu region centered on Nagoya is undergoing significant change. Against this backdrop, the Nagoya Station Area Redevelopment Plan was announced. First, could you tell us about the background leading to this large-scale redevelopment and its significance?

Takasaki: First, let me discuss the economic sphere of the Chubu region centered on Nagoya. With its major city of Nagoya, a robust industrial base in sectors like automobiles and aircraft, and abundant natural and cultural assets, the Chubu region possesses considerable strength and potential compared to other economic spheres nationwide. Unfortunately, however, the current reality is that this potential is not being fully realized.

Therefore, the "Nagoya Station Area Urban Development Concept," being advanced under administrative leadership, was initiated with the vision of transforming this Nagoya-centered area into a "city chosen by the world" and further, into "a globally open city that stands as one of Japan's pinnacles." As part of this project, the Nagoya Station Area Redevelopment Plan has also begun moving forward.

Ikami: The vision of aiming to become one of Japan's premier cities is also quite intriguing.

Takasaki: In Japan today, the concentration of power and resources in Tokyo is accelerating. This has led to various problems, such as population decline and depopulation in regional areas, economic imbalances, and disparities between regions. To halt this trend, major regional cities nationwide must enhance their unique appeal, distinct from Tokyo, and strive to become one of Japan's leading cities. I believe this represents the desirable form of Japan's future territorial structure.

I call this a multipolar concentrated national structure. If the traditional single-pole concentration is like Mount Fuji, then multipolar concentration is like a mountain range.

Ikami: I see. While the Mount Fuji model centers Tokyo as the apex, the mountain range model features multiple distinctive peaks standing tall. So, many regional cities should aim for this, right?

Takasaki: When regional cities enhance their unique appeal and function effectively, the surrounding areas also become revitalized. As mentioned earlier, the Chubu region boasts a robust economic foundation alongside abundant natural and cultural assets. Furthermore, while disposable income is high, living costs are lower compared to the Tokyo metropolitan area, making it a very livable region.

Moreover, with the upcoming launch of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, there is significant potential for further development. However, if the region continues to fail to fully leverage its unique character and potential, the straw effect will intensify within the trend of Tokyo-centric concentration.

Ikami: So, to achieve a multipolar concentration model, it's essential to differentiate ourselves from other regions and enhance the city's appeal, isn't it?

Takasaki: Exactly. To do that, it's crucial to first blossom the "urban charm" at the gateway that symbolizes the city, leading to its revitalization. For us, one catalyst for this is the the redevelopment plan for the Nagoya Station area, located in the largest city in the Chubu region.

Creating New Added Value Through Creative Talent × Manufacturing

Ikami: Could you share your vision and concept for urban development? What kind of city do you envision Nagoya becoming?

Takasaki: Our vision for this redevelopment plan is to "create a unique landmark in front of Nagoya Station, aiming to become the world-class 'Super Terminal Nagoya,' where diverse people and ideas brimming with individuality and sensibility intersect, sparking new values and culture."

The Chubu region is one of Japan's foremost manufacturing hubs, with a history of development centered particularly on the automotive industry. This has fostered a distinctive strength in high-quality, high-precision manufacturing. However, simply continuing to pursue only high functionality and high performance—the technical prowess we've relied on—is no longer sufficient. It's also crucial to combine this with added value from the user's perspective to enhance brand value. Creative talent becomes the key player in achieving this. We believe this region must establish a system that creates new value through the synergy of manufacturing engineers and creatively rich talent.

To achieve this, it is crucial that central Nagoya first enhances its appeal, becoming a place where creative individuals gather from both within Japan and abroad.

Igami: So, what elements do you think are necessary to attract creative talent, President Takasaki?

Takasaki: First, I believe regional identity is extremely important. By clearly showcasing the unique regional character and individuality of this area, as in the approach of combining manufacturing engineers with creative talent, we can attract people who find it appealing and take an interest in visiting.

Second is the environmental aspect. This is an indispensable element in future city development. I feel that innovative, creative talent will not be attracted to a city that lacks environmental consideration or has low environmental awareness. Having abundant nature and being a city that is kind to both people and the planet is also a very important factor.

And third is culture and the arts. What I'd like to add to that is food.

Igami: Food is definitely important, right?

Takasaki: Stimulation, excitement, and enjoyment are major points that draw people together. Through art and food, diverse people gather, interactions occur, and new vitality emerges. We are preparing this redevelopment plan with the expectation that such a virtuous cycle will be created, sparked by culture, arts, and food.

Igami: I believe one role Nagoya will play going forward is as an international city (hub) attracting people from around the world. Were the hotels selected for this project chosen with that perspective in mind?

Takasaki: We believed that to become a globally chosen city, we needed a top-tier hotel that contributes to enhancing the city's appeal. That's why we decided to invite Andaz, a luxury hotel known for its high quality and embrace of diversity.

While there are many other prestigious luxury hotels, Andaz places particular importance on creating lifestyle-oriented spaces that respect the individuality and freedom of each guest. We feel this concept aligns well with highly compatible with our vision of a city where creative people gather.

While valuing the vibrancy at ground level, we aim to enhance connectivity throughout the city.

Ikami: Are there other aspects you're paying close attention to in this redevelopment plan?

Takasaki: This redevelopment plan aims not only to enhance the city's appeal but also to significantly reorganize transportation facilities.

As anyone who has used Nagoya Station knows, it has a very complex structure with JR conventional lines, Shinkansen, Meitetsu, Kintetsu, the subway, and the Aonami Line all converging there. It's often said that "transferring is difficult and inconvenient."

Furthermore, we have long received requests from many customers to improve access to the airport.

Resolving these convenience issues and encouraging more people to use public transportation is highly effective for attracting people to the city and generating vitality. To achieve this, we believe it is essential to steadily proceed with the redevelopment of the entire Nagoya Station transportation complex—not just Meitetsu Nagoya Station—to enhance functionality and convenience. This must be done in coordination with the government-led projects for the Linear Central Japan Railway station area development.

Igami: Indeed, being easy to understand and use is a crucial element required of a station. However, on the other hand, I feel that the more we enhance functionality and convenience, the harder it becomes to foster creativity and serendipity. How do you envision balancing functionality and creativity?

Takasaki: You're right. If we pursue only functionality and convenience, creating an overly orderly space, we risk losing flexibility, making it harder for chance encounters or discoveries to occur. While we improve inconvenient aspects of the transportation facilities, we must preserve the flexibility and breathing room within the city as a whole. That balance is essential.

In this redevelopment plan, we've stated: "We will create a people-centered, walkable city that is open to the 'town' and integrated with it, generating vitality." This embodies our desire to promote circulation starting from Nagoya Station, create vibrancy in the city center, and then spread that effect to surrounding cities, thereby enhancing the value of the entire corridor.

Igami: So the idea is to start from Nagoya Station, encourage people to move around from there, and have them visit the neighboring areas as well.

Takasaki: For this redevelopment, we will construct a unified building complex spanning Taiko-dori Avenue, approximately 170 meters tall, on the site previously occupied by the Meitetsu Department Store Main Store and Meitetsu Grand Hotel. This redevelopment building will house a railway station, a bus terminal, commercial facilities in the lower floors, and offices and a hotel in the upper floors. However, we believe the facility alone should not be self-contained. We are implementing various measures emphasizing the integration of the urban landscape and pedestrian spaces.

For example, the north side of the low-rise section is designed to create a sense of unity with the station plaza, forming a gathering space where people linger. Furthermore, the Meieki-dori side features a promenade—a portico-like pedestrian space fostering vibrancy, color, and vitality—making it a development open to the city. Furthermore, it is planned to connect with the underground passageway currently being developed by the administration leading to Sasashima Live. This will help form a walkable city centered around the station, embodying the concept of "enjoyable walking."

Igami: Nagoya has many popular entertainment districts beyond just Nagoya Station, like Osu and Sakae. Are you creating flow lines that extend from the station into these neighboring areas?

Takasaki: That's correct. However, the distance from Nagoya Station to Sakae is quite long, so we recommend combining walking with public transportation. In the future, the SRT (Smart Roadway Transit) street-level public transportation system will also begin operation. By linking walkable spaces with next-generation mobility and public transportation, we hope to enhance the appeal of Nagoya as a city.

※＝Portico
A covered space installed at entrances or buildings.

Flying cars too!? The "Super Mobility Hub Concept" looking toward the future

Igami: Looking ahead, the concept of transforming Nagoya Station into a "Super Mobility Hub" is also attracting significant attention.

Takasaki: Yes, this plan envisions transforming Nagoya Station into a hub for next-generation mobility, including the Maglev, SRT, and eventually flying cars, in addition to traditional public transportation. We believe its realization could revitalize regional tourism, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and improve residents' quality of life.

For example, improved travel convenience using flying cars would make access to tourist destinations like Ise and Shima in Mie Prefecture, or Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Gero in Gifu Prefecture much more comfortable from Nagoya Station. This would likely increase the number of people visiting not just Nagoya, but its surrounding areas as well.

Ikami: The industrial benefits are also significant, right?

Takasaki: Absolutely. Nagoya is home to "STATION Ai," Japan's largest open innovation facility, which opened in 2024, fostering an environment that supports startups. By leveraging this regional character to become a highly concentrated hub for industries related to aerospace and next-generation mobility, we envision creating a place where diverse talent interacts, sparking new innovation. What is lacking in a city focused on pursuing functionality?

What's missing in an industrial city focused on functionality?

Igami: I feel recent urban development trends increasingly prioritize well-being and livability. Stations, in particular, are places where people form various memories—they can be the starting point for growing into adulthood or the place you return to. What is necessary to make the Nagoya Station area, which is undergoing redevelopment, such a special place?

Takasaki: As an industrial city, this area has developed with a strong focus on functionality and practicality. However, what feels somewhat lacking is the "emotional atmosphere." In that sense, cities like Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagasaki have names that even appear in hit songs, strongly evoking their unique atmosphere and culture.

I believe adding more water and greenery to the city center and incorporating art could help compensate for this lack of atmosphere, making it a more appealing city. This would attract creative individuals. By combining creativity with manufacturing skills, we could cultivate a unique culture and regional identity. This would highlight the area's distinct character, making it a city chosen by people both domestically and internationally.

If we can create this virtuous cycle, it will lead to the region's sustained growth and, ultimately, contribute to enhancing the well-being of the Chubu region centered around Nagoya.

Igami: Speaking of creativity, I feel the Nana-chan doll at Meitetsu Department Store has played that role until now. With the store scheduled to close for redevelopment, I imagine there are concerns about the future of the Nana-chan doll?

Takasaki: Nana-chan has been beloved by many not just as a symbol of Meitetsu, but as a symbol of the station area itself. We hope she can reappear as a symbol of the town even after redevelopment is complete. Please look forward to it.

[Editor's Note]

After this discussion, it became clear that this redevelopment project aims not only to revitalize Nagoya Station and its surrounding area but also to transform and grow the lifestyle and industries of the entire Chubu region. Since the Chubu region is a hub for Japan's manufacturing industry, this project will also significantly impact Japan's overall industry.

Furthermore, through our conversation, I learned that while prioritizing functional aspects like convenience is natural for a transportation operator involved in the redevelopment of the Chubu region's largest station, President Takasaki is also pursuing emotional aspects that contribute to human happiness, such as enhancing well-being.

We anticipate that a cycle of creativity will emerge: creative individuals will gather, giving birth to innovative new manufacturing. This appeal will then draw more people, creating a cycle of creativity that will forge a new future not only for Nagoya and the Chubu region, but for Japan and the world. We look forward to observing what new forms of happiness will emerge, centered around Nagoya Station.

[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter]
Urban Future Design Unit
Website: https://www.dentsu.co.jp/labo/futuredesign_unit/index.html
Email: futuredesign-unit@dentsu.co.jp