[Utilizing Vacant Houses] Introducing examples of how vacant houses and shops in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture are being utilized!
In recent years, the issue of vacant houses has been brought into sharp focus throughout Japan, and the number of people using vacant houses to start businesses or new activities is increasing.
Activities involving vacant houses and shops not only solve social problems, but also provide opportunities for challenges.
Many people are probably wondering, "What kinds of businesses utilize vacant houses and empty shops?" So, this time, we'll introduce an example from Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.
I hope you'll enjoy reading this while thinking about various things yourself, such as the image of the property and how it might be used.
There are many ways to start a business, but the following five points highlight the advantages of starting a store-based business using vacant houses or vacant shops.
When people hear the phrase "utilizing vacant houses," the first thing that comes to mind is cost reduction, which is certainly a major benefit.
By utilizing existing vacant houses instead of constructing new ones, construction costs and equipment investments can be minimized.
The building itself has a history, and the local people are aware of that history, so the very idea of utilizing the vacant house can be a way to pique their interest.
Also, by communicating with your landlord, you might be more likely to get introductions to people in the community.
The problem of vacant houses is now a nationwide issue, and utilizing vacant houses can greatly contribute to the local community.
By utilizing vacant houses and starting new businesses, we can also contribute to revitalizing the local economy.
By utilizing vacant houses, we can reduce the environmental impact associated with new construction.
Utilizing recycled materials and accepting donated furniture and other items can lead to sustainable renovations.
If you want to start a business using a retail space, you can get started more quickly by utilizing an existing building rather than constructing a new one.
Depending on the condition of the vacant property, it may be possible to utilize the existing floor plan and layout to start your business more quickly.
Now, let's look at some examples of how vacant houses and shops are being utilized in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.
The types of businesses and uses for vacant houses are diverse, so I hope this will give people the impression that "this kind of approach is also possible."
Theater Kinematica is an entertainment complex featuring a cafe and a theater, which opened in 2022.
In an area that was once home to many art-related facilities, we operate a business that was formerly a futon shop, driven by the belief that "the flame of art must never be extinguished."
The structure, with a cafe in the front and a theater in the back, reflects the intention to create a place where even those unfamiliar with art can easily enter.
Screenings and events are held almost every week, making it a new arts hub for the region.
Address: 1-3-12 Chuo, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 986-0822 Access: 12-minute walk from JR Ishinomaki Station Official Website:https://www.r-ishinomaki.com/kinematica
Next to Theater Kinema, there is a brewery called "ISHINOMAKI HOP WORKS" which utilizes the building that was originally the Nikkatsu Pearl Theater.
This brewery is operated by an agricultural corporation called "Ishinomaki Farm," which cultivates its own hops. They have established a system where they bring their own hops to their own brewery and produce craft beer in-house.
Furthermore, a crowdfunding campaign was conducted in the spring of 2023 to create a beer stand in collaboration with Theater Kinema, demonstrating a growing movement to revitalize the local community through joint efforts.
The brewery is not usually open to the public, but they hold open days irregularly, so if you're interested, please check the ISHINOMAKI HOP WORKS website or Instagram account.
Address: 1-3-14 Chuo, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 986-0822 Access: 12-minute walk from JR Ishinomaki Station Official Website:https://www.ishinomakihopworks.com/
IRORI Ishinomaki operates under the concept of "IRORI Ishinomaki, the most interesting city lobby in the world."
This facility was created by renovating a garage damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake, and it serves as a cafe and co-working space where local residents can easily drop in.
The cafe space has a system where you can sit down without ordering anything, creating opportunities for high school students and others to simply drop by and interact with adults.
Coworking spaces are available from 5,000 yen per month, and you can also register your company there for an additional fee.
Address: 1F, Nittaya Building, 2-10-2 Chuo, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 986-0822 Access: 10-minute walk from JR Ishinomaki Station Official Website:http://irori.ishinomaki2.com/
Michikusa Kobo is a shared workshop that utilizes an unfavorable location—a vacant house that doesn't have access to a road and is situated even further back from several other houses—to bring together people who love to make things.
In addition to being shared and used by users, as the name suggests, it is open to everyone on the several open days each week.
Because it's shared, the cost per person can be kept down, and many collaborative projects are emerging.
As of the summer of 2023, the space is shared by four people: a seamstress, a fortune teller, a general store owner, and a philosopher.
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