The second “Central Kannai Town Development Symposium” was held on July 24th at the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (Honcho, Naka-ku, Yokohama) to discuss the future vision of the Kannai area.

As redevelopment progresses on the former city hall site and adjacent areas in the Kannai district, approximately 100 local residents and business operators participated to discuss future policies and implementation frameworks for town development.

In the first part, a presentation was given on the “Central Kannai Town Development Vision 2025 (draft proposal)”. The segment introducing surrounding development featured reports on initiatives, while examples of regional cultural support were shared.

During the second part workshop, representatives from various neighborhood associations presented the current status and outlook of local activities. After discussing “the main entities for town development projects”, participants divided into four thematic groups for workshop sessions.

The four themes were: “A town enjoyable for walking”, “A town where creators can thrive”, “An environmentally conscious town”, and “A town addressing disaster prevention and public safety”. Participants shared opinions using post-it notes, organizing challenges and possibilities while sharing future directions.

Following the event, a town development committee chairman stated: “We received numerous opinions on the ‘Town Development Vision’ from participants across various fields. We aim to develop an action plan based on the draft proposal and work on establishing town rules.”

The organization was established with the purpose of bringing together residents, business operators, and property owners primarily in Kannai, Naka-ku, Yokohama to share regional challenges and collaboratively consider and implement attractive town development.

Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall

The Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, also known as the Jack Tower, is a historic red brick building constructed in 1917 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Port of Yokohama’s opening to foreign trade in 1859. It was built on the site of the former British Army hospital and stands as a significant symbol of the city’s international heritage and its rapid modernization during the Meiji era.

Kannai area

The Kannai area is a historic central business district in Yokohama, Japan, which developed rapidly after the port opened to foreign trade in 1859. It is known for its Western-style red brick buildings, such as the Kanagawa Prefectural Office and the Yokohama Archives, reflecting its legacy as a major international trading hub. Today, it remains a key commercial and administrative center while preserving its unique Meiji-era architectural charm.

former city hall site

The former city hall site refers to the original location of a municipal government building, which often served as the administrative heart of a city for many decades. These sites are historically significant as they frequently mark where important civic decisions and events took place, and the original structures are sometimes replaced by newer buildings or repurposed as public plazas or cultural centers.

Kannai district

The Kannai district is a historic central business and government area in Yokohama, Japan, which developed rapidly after the country opened its ports to foreign trade in 1859. It is known for its Western-style red brick buildings, such as the Kanagawa Prefectural Office and the Yokohama Archives of History, reflecting its legacy as a major international trading port.

Central Kannai Town Development Vision 2025

The Central Kannai Town Development Vision 2025 is a strategic urban renewal plan for the Kannai district in Yokohama, Japan. Historically a major commercial and government center, the vision aims to revitalize the area by transforming it into a modern, international business and cultural hub. The plan involves developing new public spaces, improving infrastructure, and attracting global businesses to enhance the city’s economic vitality.

neighborhood associations

Neighborhood associations are community-based organizations formed by residents to address local issues and foster a sense of community. Their history in the United States dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often emerging to improve living conditions and provide mutual aid in urban areas. Today, they commonly focus on organizing events, maintaining neighborhood character, and liaising with local government.

town development committee

A Town Development Committee is a local administrative body responsible for urban planning and municipal improvements, rather than a specific cultural or historical site. These committees emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as towns grew and required organized governance to manage expansion, infrastructure, and public services. Their work involves regulating construction, zoning, and community development to shape the orderly growth of a town.

Naka-ku, Yokohama

Naka-ku is a central ward in the port city of Yokohama, Japan, historically significant as the location where the port first opened to foreign trade in 1859. It is now a vibrant district famous for its large Chinatown, the historic Yamate Bluff area with Western-style residences, and the modern Minato Mirai waterfront development.