Nirasaki Model turning vacant shops into new business opportunities

The Nirasaki City Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its third Nirasaki Station Front Shopping District Vacant Store Tour in October as a core strategy to revitalise Nirasaki, a municipality previously identified as at risk of potential disappearance. By treating vacant houses and shops as regional resources rather than liabilities, the city has facilitated the opening of more than 20 new businesses over the past three years.

The movement began in 2018 with the renovation of Amerikaya, a landmark building that had stood vacant for 15 years. Building on this momentum, the Nirasaki City Chamber of Commerce and Industry partnered with the municipal government and the private sector to formalise the tour programme in 2023. It has since become a major driver for local entrepreneurship, attracting about 40 participants annually.

Since its inception, the tours have resulted in eight direct property contracts, leading to the opening of diverse establishments including restaurants, retail shops, and service providers. Notable successes include PEI COFFEE and NEXT MOUNTAIN, businesses founded by individuals who moved to the area specifically to participate in the city’s renovation-led economy.

During the most recent tour, participants visited 19 properties, ranging from a former tofu shop to a 70-year-old tenement house repurposed as “Amerikaya Yokocho.” Many of these properties are not listed on public real estate websites, providing participants with exclusive access to potential business sites. The event concluded with a talk session at Amerikaya, where administrative and commercial representatives detailed available subsidies and support systems for new residents and business owners.

The sustained effort has produced five distinct ripple effects beyond simple business openings. Firstly, the mindset of local property owners has shifted, as many who were previously reluctant to lease their vacant buildings now view them as valuable assets. Secondly, Nirasaki has become a hub for study tours, attracting government officials and university students from across Japan. Thirdly, the “Nirasaki Model” has been exported to other regions, such as the Tsurugi district in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which launched its own tour after observing Nirasaki’s success.

Furthermore, the district’s unique aesthetic has attracted the film industry. A Tokyo-based production company selected several vacant stores as filming locations for a nationally released movie after seeing property information shared through the tour’s promotional activities. Finally, the momentum led to the establishment of LLC Nirasakiya in January 2025. This community development company focuses on creating “Nirasaki fans” and operates the Nirasakiya SYAY guide hotel to further encourage regional engagement.

The Nirasaki City Chamber of Commerce and Industry intends to continue these tours while strengthening follow-up support for entrepreneurs.