"Hokkaido Koshimizu Town Phase-Free Tour 2026" to be held | Experience Phase-Free solutions that balance regional revitalization and disaster preparedness.

The town of Koshimizu in Hokkaido, aiming to become a leading city in the phase-free initiative, along with NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ltd., a comprehensive spatial design company and the town's creative partner, and the Future Creation Institute, NOMURA Co.,Ltd., Ltd.'s research and development organization, will be holding the "Phase-Free Tour 2026." (Supervised and advised by the Phase-Free Association) This tour will allow participants to experience and practically learn about phase-free solutions, which transform disaster preparedness into value. Following last year's event, this will be the second time the tour has been held in Koshimizu.

"Phase-free" is a concept that aims to enrich our everyday lives, which in turn supports us in times of emergency, thereby addressing challenges during disasters and creating a safe and secure society. Based on the concept of "Traveling through everyday life, becoming aware of emergencies," this tour will deepen our understanding of the Phase-Free philosophy and its usefulness, which have high public and social value, as well as disaster prevention. In addition, while experiencing the attractive resources of Koshimizu Town, such as its nature and food culture, we will consider together with the participants the application, development, and future possibilities of Phase-Free.

The tour is primarily aimed at companies, local governments, and organizations involved in community development. Over two days and one night, participants will learn about and experience examples of balancing regional revitalization and disaster preparedness, including a visit to the Phase-Free certified facility, Koshimizu Town Disaster Prevention Base Complex "Watashino" (winner of the Good concept design Award), and activities related to agriculture, food, and other topics. Furthermore, there will be lectures by representatives from the Phase-Free Association and local governments and partner companies involved in actual projects, allowing participants to practically learn about the key points of planning and implementation.

​Introducing phase-free policies to essential infrastructure such as public facilities, public transportation, commercial facilities, workplaces, and learning spaces can strengthen local communities facing challenges like population decline and create a network of people connected to the area through revitalization. Come and experience firsthand how Koshimizu Town's phase-free initiatives, which began with "Watashino," are being combined with local resources to create a sustainable town.

Please also check out the explanatory video for the Phase-Free Tour.​

小清水町フェーズフリーツアー2026　実施概要
・会  場  北海道小清水町　町内、防災拠点型複合庁舎「ワタシノ」（小清水町元町２丁目１番１号）
・日  時  2026年7月30日（木）～7月31日（金）2日間　／　2026年8月27日（木）～8月28日（金）2日間
・申込締切  2026年6月30日（火）
・ツアー詳細/申込サイト　https://forms.gle/XXcHrA6myX1A1kTT7
・ツアー申込みに関する問い合わせ先　株式会社クレオトラベル　担当：奥田孝喜　
    TEL：090-6877-8564　MAIL：kouki.okuda@tokyohomecare.co.jp
    営業時間：月曜～金曜　10:00～17:00（土曜・日曜・祝祭日は休業）
募集要項の詳細はこちらをご覧ください

Main Program
Two days of seminars by the Phase-Free Association and private companies to learn about and experience Phase-Free technology.
(In no particular order / Program is subject to change without notice)

1. A tour of the phase-free facility, guided by staff from the Koshimizu Town Hall.

We visited "Watashino," a multi-purpose government building that combines town hall functions with a community gathering space. This space, where townspeople can gather and enjoy themselves on a daily basis, transforms into a base where people can gather safely and securely in times of emergency. We observed and considered the mechanisms and scenes of this site, where everyday life and emergencies coexist, from the perspective of each participant.

2. Seminars & Workshops by the Phase-Free Association Representative and Private Companies

The event will include a seminar by Mr. Tadayuki Sato, representative of the Phase-Free Association, a cross-talk with private companies involved in the operation of "Watashino," and a workshop for participants. Participants will share how they can apply the Phase-Free concept to their own work environments and spaces, and will think together while working hands-on.

3. Creating "outdoor dining" with our own hands, making the most of limited energy and the surrounding environment.

In outdoor settings with limited power and cooking facilities, we create dining spaces by adapting to local ingredients and circumstances. This time, we will be holding the event in an outdoor public space (a park). More than just enjoying the food, by participating as creators of the space, you might see familiar places in a different light. We will cultivate a new perspective on preparation while having fun, all through food.

4. The Koshimizu Town Tourism Association offers a "Birdwatching Experience" to cultivate an appreciation for nature through the experience of spotting wild birds.

This program, unique to Koshimizu Town, known as the "town of wild birds," encourages participants to search for and observe wild birds using their own senses, without relying on a guide. It cultivates an eye for noticing subtle changes in the environment, such as wind, sound, and topography. Sharpening the five senses through the experience of "searching" rather than just "seeing" will lead to the ability to sense changes and make decisions when necessary.

5. "Harvesting Experience" - A chance to experience local life and the wisdom of agriculture that adapts to the climate and land.

While walking through the fields, we will hear from Imai Farm, a farm in Koshimizu Town, about everything from their crops to their daily approach to farming. We will also enjoy harvesting the crops that are ripening in the fields on the day of our visit. This program goes beyond leisure, allowing you to experience and understand the unique agricultural techniques and methods of the region, and discover hints for everyday preparedness that are often overlooked.
*The crops that can be harvested vary depending on the season and growing conditions. Harvesting may not be possible depending on the weather.

Regarding the program in case of rain on the second day
The program will include an explanation of Watashino's emergency equipment, a visit to the phase-free certified children's center "Nijiiro," and a HOTUS studio program experience. (The program may be changed depending on the circumstances.) The program will proceed as planned even if it rains on the first day.

Recommended for people like this

Incorporating a phase-free perspective into the things, services, and spaces that support our cities and our lives will lead to the development of safe and fulfilling living environments. This is recommended for those who want to explore hints for next-generation urban development and future lifestyles.

• Those involved in urban development, disaster prevention, and regional revitalization at local governments.
• Businesses that create living spaces, including housing, commercial facilities, restaurants, accommodations, parks, roadside stations, and community exchange centers.
• General contractors, developers, design firms, and others who create urban spaces.
• People involved in essential infrastructure such as transportation, mobility, energy, food, and agriculture.
• People involved in the planning and development of products and services that support daily life.
• For company representatives considering BCP (Business Continuity Plan), business continuity planning, and regional collaboration.
• Those seeking hints for next-generation urban development and the future of living.

Participant feedback (FY2025)

Participants in the 2025 tours reported that they gained a concrete understanding of the phase-free concept through learning and experience. They also noted that they were able to take away practical ideas that they could apply to their own businesses, particularly regarding the idea that "everyday richness itself becomes preparation," and praised the program as practical and highly satisfying.

My understanding deepened through experience.
"Through the facility tour and expert explanations, I felt I was able to concretely understand the connection between normal times and emergencies."
"Through the space and concept design, I truly experienced the idea that the richness of everyday life directly translates into preparedness. My perspective has changed dramatically."

I gained some hints that I can directly apply to my work.
"We realized that it's possible to implement this without incurring special costs. There were many perspectives that can be applied across various industries."
"I believe the 'phase-free' approach offers a win-win situation and can be effectively applied not only to public facilities but also to private projects."

Satisfaction levels were high for both learning and experience.　
"It was a memorable experience, including the local nature, food, and interactions with the people. I was reminded of the value of coming to a place and experiencing it firsthand."
"The content was very comprehensive and well worth the participation fee. It was a program with an excellent balance of learning and experience."

*This is a summary and edited version of feedback from participants who experienced the program in August 2025.

 

About the Koshimizu Town Disaster Prevention Base Type Multi-Purpose Government Building "Watashino"

What is Watashino?
The Koshimizu Town Disaster Prevention Hub Multi-Purpose Government Building "Watashino" opened in April 2023, aiming to create a place for residents to gather both in everyday life and during disasters, thereby promoting the town's vibrancy and sustainable development. It was created in response to the blackout caused by the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, recognizing the importance of creating a "disaster-resilient town" where residents can live safely and securely more than ever before.

Incorporating the concept of "phase-free," the town hall is equipped with functions that enrich daily life and bring people together (bustling areas: community space, cafe, laundry, fitness gym & studio). In the event of a disaster, it can function as a disaster response headquarters, food service, laundry, showers, and as a temporary evacuation shelter. It is the first phase-free certified facility in Japan as a multi-purpose facility attached to a town hall.

Strengthening local communities and creating a connected population through revitalization
One year after the opening, the number of facility users (users of the town hall and the bustling area) increased by 25 times compared to the number of users before the opening, and the creation of a face-to-face community is progressing. In January 2025, a disaster prevention drill was held at the multi-functional facility attached to the town hall, which is the first in the country to be phase-free certified. Through the drill, the phase-free function was verified and a culture of mutual assistance was fostered.

*"Phase-free" is the idea that the things and services around us can be made phase-free (societal states) between "everyday life" and "emergency life," making them useful in both everyday life and emergency situations.

"Watashino" Phase-Free Compatibility | The Concept of Phase-Free Compatibility
Facilities used on a daily basis will serve as temporary shelters and disaster response headquarters during emergencies. The fitness gym and studio will accommodate evacuees, the community space and cafe will be used for cooking, and the emergency water and power supply in the laundry will be used for laundry and other hygiene purposes. In addition, underfloor heating using geothermal energy will ensure warmth even in the event of a power outage. Familiar places will reduce the stress and burden of evacuation life for evacuees and ensure their safety and security.
 

Reference Material: A collection of case studies of public facilities incorporating a phase-free perspective.
https://www8.cao.go.jp/pfi/pfi_jouhou/jireishuu/pdf/pf_jirei.pdf

List of affiliated companies and roles

Organizers: Koshimizu Town, Hokkaido; NPO Groundwork Koshimizu
Operated by: NPO Groundwork Koshimizu
Tour planning and production: NOMURA Co.,Ltd. Co., Ltd.
Supervision and Advisor: Phase-Free Association
Dining supervision: Calorie Co., Ltd.
Implementation cooperation: Koshimizu Town Tourism Association, Renaissance Co., Ltd., OKULAB Co., Ltd.
Travel planning and execution: JTB Corporation