News

(Group Name) Yokohama ParkLine Promotion Council
(Representative Corporation) Taisei Corp.
PACIFIC CONSULTANTS CO., LTD.
JTB Corp.
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Canon Inc.
Cannon Marketing Japan Inc.
Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd.
Kanto Gakuin University
Nihon Odori Revitalization Committee

PACIFIC CONSULTANTS CO., LTD. (Address: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Tomoyuki SHIGENAGA) who joined Yokohama Park Line Promotion Council^*1 (hereinafter referred to as "YPL", representative company: Taisei Corp.) will be conducting a social demonstration project (hereinafter referred to as the "Demonstration Project") on "Public Space Management (Improving Congestion)" in the road space of Japan's first Western-style street, Nihon Odori (Nihon Odori, Naka Ward, Yokohama City), located in the waterfront area of central Yokohama.
This demonstration project was held as part of the "tvk Kanagawa MIRAI Street" event *2, organized by the tvk Kanagawa MIRAI Street Implementation Committee, represented by Television Kanagawa Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "tvk"). ^​ ​ This initiative is based on the "Road Space Plaza" initiative proposed by YPL, which is based on the Pedestrian Accessibility Promotion Road System established by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism *3 (commonly known as "Hokomichi"), and aims to have local residents and visitors to the area experience the space and confirm its usefulness.

▼ Demonstration Image

​About the Social Demonstration Concept This Time Conducted by YPL,
"Nihon Odori" was designated as a pedestrian-friendly road by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in August 2021. In this demonstration project, the road space of Nihon Odori will be arranged to realize the "Hokomichi" system's goal of "A Road that Makes You Want to Walk and Stay On."
Specifically, to induce congestion, 100% recyclable artificial turf was laid on part of the roadway (total length 75m) from Yokohama Park to the front of the Yokohama Port Post Office, promoting well-being. ^*4 We plan activities that contribute to the creation of comfortable spaces on the roads.
In addition to creating a comfortable space, this demonstration project will also introduce content that provides opportunities to contribute to decarbonization, which is a social issue.
◆ Main content to convey the opportunity to contribute to decarbonization (planned to be introduced)
- "100% recyclable artificial turf (easigrass)" that produces no waste ^*5​
- Separate collection assistance to increase recycling rates
- Wood straws made from thinned wood from a water source forest (Doushi Village) owned by Yokohama City

◆ Event Outline

*¹Yokohama ParkLine Promotion Council (YPL)
...A subcommittee of the Study Group on Future Public Infrastructure, a voluntary organization Establishment with the aim of investigating and researching the future of public infrastructure and new ways of utilizing public spaces, taking into account social backgrounds such as the aging of public infrastructure and the opening up of the public infrastructure market to the private sector. The group conducts research and social demonstrations aimed at realizing "Walkable" town development that connects the "Waterfront" and "town center (Kannai and Kangai districts)" in the waterfront area of central Yokohama and contributes to improving mobility, congestion, and comfortability.

*² tvk Kanagawa MIRAI Street

*³Pedestrian Accessibility Improvement Road System
…A system established by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2020 to respond to new needs such as “revitalizing road space.” Commonly known as “Hokomichi.”
Structural standards for improving pedestrian convenience have been established, making it possible to reduce roadway traffic from four lanes to two and widen sidewalk space. In addition, a system to encourage occupancy for the purpose of improving convenience has been introduced, and public competition will enable the creation of spaces that utilize the private sector's ingenuity. If selected through public competition, occupancy will be available for up to 20 years.
(Reference: https://www.mlit.go.jp/road/hokomichi/pdf/s01.pdf)

*⁴ Well-being
...a state of happiness and complete physical, mental and social well-being. Goal 3 of the SDGs, a global goal, is also set out as "Good Health and Well-Being" - ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all people of all ages.

*⁵easigrass
...A London-based brand specialising in gardening artificial turf.
Most common artificial turf is made from fossil petroleum fuels and contains many harmful substances such as lead in the paint used for dyeing, but easigrass artificial turf is made from 100% natural materials, including bio-polyethylene made from sugar cane. It is an environmentally friendly artificial turf that contributes to reducing _CO2 emissions during production and does not release harmful substances even when incinerated.
(Reference: https://greendesign2021.com/)

*⁶Nihon Odori Revitalization Committee
…Established in 2006 by volunteers who run stores and offices along Nihon Odori (Naka Ward, Yokohama City), Japan's first Western-style street. Promotes the creation of a landscape and lively atmosphere appropriate for Nihon Odori. Engages in the operation of open cafes, illumination projects, and the holding of events that utilize the street. Comprised of 26 companies and organizations, including Arte Liebe Co., Ltd. (Chairman), Three F Co., Ltd., Ariake Co., Ltd., Yokohama DeNA Baystars Co., Ltd., Television Kanagawa Co., Ltd. (tvk), and Yokohama Park Line Promotion Council (YPL).

For media enquiries regarding this matter, please contact:
Inquiries regarding social verification
Taisei Corp.
Corporate Group Communications Department Corporate Communications Sec.
Phone: 03-3348-1111 (main)

Event (tvk Kanagawa MIRAI Street)Inquiries regarding
Kanagawa Television Co., Ltd.
Hiroyuki Tamamura, Sales Promotion Office, Sales Department
Phone: 045-651-1711 (main)