1000 Visitors! Koshimizu Town Disaster Prevention Base Multi-Purpose Government Building "Watashino" Grand Opening on May 28th | Supervised by Renaissance, OKULAB, and Montbell, with space design by Atelier Bunk and NOMURA Co.,Ltd.

On May 28, 2023, Koshimizu Town's disaster prevention base complex government building "Watashino", which is being promoted through public-private partnership, opened in Koshimizu Town, Hokkaido, and the inside of the facility was unveiled. At the opening event, the children of the town celebrated the opening with a “giant potato” Kusudama opening that looked just like the real thing. About 1,000 people came to visit, and the facility was filled with smiles. “Watashino” is the first public facility in Japan*1 to have the functions of a government office, and has introduced a phase-free*2 concept. As a place open to the community, there is a community space, cafe, laundry, fitness gym & studio, and "Nigiwai Hiroba" with a bouldering wall.

NOMURA Co.,Ltd. Co., Ltd. also participated as a collaborating company, handling area planning, spatial/VI concept design, and opening PR. The following seven companies are participating as collaborating organizations/companies.

NPO Groundwork Koshimizu
Renaissance Co., Ltd.
OKULAB Co., Ltd.
Atelier Bunku Co., Ltd.
NOMURA Co.,Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Calorie Co., Ltd.
E-Base Solutions Co., Ltd.

“Watashino” is a place where “you can experience only in Koshimizu-cho” by making the best use of the charm of the town.

　Koshimizu Town boasts some of the richest natural beauty in Hokkaido. With a focus on nature tourism and being a friend town of the outdoor equipment brand Montbell, the town has introduced a Montbell-supervised bouldering wall and, for the first time in Japan, a "Montbell water-repellent course" using environmentally friendly, fluorine-free Montbell water-repellent agent at its laundry facilities (supervised by OKULAB). The fitness gym and studio, supervised by Renaissance, features the first VR bike training in eastern Hokkaido, offering an immersive experience. With programs including a hot studio that everyone can enjoy, the town aims to promote health and well-being throughout the entire area. The cafe offers original dishes using plenty of potatoes, such as clam chowder and gelato, allowing visitors to savor the charm of Koshimizu Town, the birthplace of Calbee potato chips.
The space, which makes the most of nature and the local environment, was designed by Atelier Bunk, with spatial and visual concept design design administration by NOMURA Co.,Ltd.. It is a place where anyone can easily visit, connect with other townspeople, and spend their time comfortably in their own way.

State of the opening event

　At the opening ceremony held on May 28, Hiroshi Kubo, mayor of Koshimizu Town, representatives of community development partners (Renaissance, OKULAB, Montbell, and Phase Free Association), and Katsumasa Yagi, representative of the governing body of the lively area and chairman of NPO Groundwork Koshimizu. In addition, representatives of the town and this facility attended. At the opening event in the afternoon, 24 children held a Koshimizu-cho original "Giant Potato" Kusudama, the only one in the world that looked just like the real thing.

Mayor Kubo and Chairman Yagi said, "We want people to feel free to visit Watashino, and we want to create a lively atmosphere by strengthening connections between people. ” he greeted. From the townspeople, "Until now, I didn't go to the town hall unless I had something to do. From now on, I would like to use it as a playground for children and as a place where everyone can gather, such as meetings with parents." I would like to use the laundry as well.” A staff member of the government office also said, "If it becomes a place for the townspeople, they will be able to remember their faces. I want to talk to the children and raise the children who will be the future of the town." I spoke with enthusiasm.

Population 4,500 Koshimizu-cho tackles the challenge of revitalization and sustainable community development through public-private partnership

　Of the 1,718 municipalities nationwide, about half*3 are said to be depopulated areas. As a solution to the social issues of depopulation and aging, Koshimizu Town and private companies and other community development partners will work together to make the new government building a base for community revitalization and disaster prevention. We will promote community development that people can think of.

▶Please see the attached PDF for detailed information about the facility.

▶Click here for articles and videos where the project leader talks about the consideration process

*1 Research by Koshimizu Town *2 Phase-free: Two phases, normal and emergency, are free. The idea that the goods and services around us can be used not only in everyday life but also in emergencies. As of April 1, 2020)”

Facility overview, partner companies and roles, contact list
Equipment outline

Collaborating companies and roles

Inquiries regarding this matter

For inquiries regarding coverage, please contact the secretariat below.
Koshimizu Town Disaster Prevention Base Complex Government Building Opening Public Relations Office