Online Discussion Series Exploring the Relationship Between Rural and Urban Areas
Session 2: Innovation Originating in Regional Areas (Shigeharu Asagiri × Nozomi Torii)
SEMINAR/EVENT
2021.10.28
"City" or "Rural"? Or Perhaps Both? The Evolving Relationship Between Cities and Rural Areas
“City” or “rural areas.” Many people likely feel that the relationship between cities and rural areas—which has often been discussed in terms of this binary opposition—is beginning to change amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking at the relationship between cities and rural areas, the ways people engage with rural areas have expanded beyond “complete relocation”—that is, moving one’s entire life to the countryside—to include various forms such as living in two or more locations, or living a travel-like lifestyle while making long-term stays. Private
And companies are no exception. As they question the value of maintaining offices solely in cities, we’re seeing trends such as the expansion of satellite offices and the relocation of headquarters to rural areas.
This discussion series is a series of events where we engage with specialists from diverse fields in each session to explore the question: “How will the relationship between rural areas and cities be restructured?”
Looking at the relationship between cities and rural areas, the ways people engage with rural areas have expanded beyond “complete relocation”—that is, moving one’s entire life to the countryside—to include various forms such as living in two or more locations, or living a travel-like lifestyle while making long-term stays. Private
And companies are no exception. As they question the value of maintaining offices solely in cities, we’re seeing trends such as the expansion of satellite offices and the relocation of headquarters to rural areas.
This discussion series is a series of events where we engage with specialists from diverse fields in each session to explore the question: “How will the relationship between rural areas and cities be restructured?”
We will proceed with the discussion for each session based on these themes.
Is Innovation from Regional Areas Possible?
How Can We Engage Cities?
Can We Drive Updates Through Data?
What will happen to the energy that supports local production for local consumption?
We hope to explore the possibilities for shaping the future of our regions by gathering insights into the issues and challenges faced by both rural and urban areas.
How Can We Engage Cities?
Can We Drive Updates Through Data?
What will happen to the energy that supports local production for local consumption?
We hope to explore the possibilities for shaping the future of our regions by gathering insights into the issues and challenges faced by both rural and urban areas.
The theme of the second session is “Innovation from Regional Areas.”
It is often said that to solve fundamental regional challenges, it is necessary to generate innovations that bring about social change by incorporating new ideas and technologies into products, systems, services, organizations, and business models.
For our second session, we are pleased to welcome Shigeharu Asagiri, Representative Director of Kyodo Shoji Co-ed Brewery Co., Ltd. (President and CEO), and Nozomi Torii, Director of Value Books Co., Ltd. They will discuss the perspectives needed to create new value by leveraging local resources and to continue growing alongside the community.We will also hold a discussion on the impact on cities of the growing number of innovations originating in rural areas, as well as the relationship between rural and urban areas.
For our second session, we are pleased to welcome Shigeharu Asagiri, Representative Director of Kyodo Shoji Co-ed Brewery Co., Ltd. (President and CEO), and Nozomi Torii, Director of Value Books Co., Ltd. They will discuss the perspectives needed to create new value by leveraging local resources and to continue growing alongside the community.We will also hold a discussion on the impact on cities of the growing number of innovations originating in rural areas, as well as the relationship between rural and urban areas.
program
2nd Session: “Innovation from Regional Communities” Date and Time: Monday, November 15, 2021, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
| 18:00 | Opening |
|---|---|
| 18:05 | Innovation Emerging from Regional Areas Shigeharu Asagiri, Representative Director, Kyodo Shoji Coedo Brewery Co., Ltd. President and CEO Nozomi Torii, Director, Value Books Co., Ltd. |
| 18:35-19:25 | Cross Talk Shigeharu Asagiri, Representative Director, Kyodo Shoji Co-ed Brewery Co., Ltd. President and CEO Nozomi Torii, Director, Value Books Co., Ltd. Loftwork, Inc. Director Chairman Chiaki Hayashi (Moderator) |
| 19:25-19:30 | Closing and Announcement of the Next Event |
Speaker
Shigeharu Asagiri
Kyodo Shoji Coedo Brewery, Inc., Representative Director President and CEO
Saitama Prefecture Born in Kawagoe City. Founder and CEO of “COEDO,” a Japanese craft beer brand based on the “Beer Beautiful” concept.Led by “Beniaka”—brewed using sweet potatoes grown in Kawagoe—the “COEDO” craft beer brand showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of Japanese artisans and the rich, authentic flavors of beer, embodied by the philosophy of “choosing beer freely,” while also highlighting the appeal of agriculture in the Musashino region. The brand has received global acclaim for its quality and brand design.The beer is currently exported to countries including the United States, Australia, China, Singapore, France, and the United Kingdom, and the company is actively expanding its operations from a global perspective.
Nozomi Torii
Value Books Co., Ltd., Director, "In Search of Great Companies"
After working at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities Co., Ltd. for 15 years, he joined Value Books Co., Ltd., a company based in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, that buys and sells used books, in 2015. For two years, he was in charge of “Charibon,” a program that donates proceeds from used book sales. He currently serves as a director in charge of “Searching for Great Companies.” The company is working toward obtaining B Corp certification, which is expected to serve as a guiding principle for the company. In parallel with the company’s own certification process, preparations are underway to publish a Japanese translation of the introductory guide to B Corp, *The B Corp Handbook*. The translation is being carried out as a community project in collaboration with Kurotori-sha, titled “The New Company School: ‘B Corp Handbook Seminar,’” as part of an effort to spark a B Corp movement.
Chiaki Hayashi
Loftwork, Inc., Co-Founder and Director Chairman
Waseda University He graduated from the School of Business and the Graduate School of Journalism at Boston University. After working at Kao, he founded Loftwork in 2000. The company handles over 200 projects annually, spanning web design, business design, community design, and spatial design.He operates communities and platforms such as “FabCafe,” a globally expanding digital fabrication café; “MTRL,” which explores new possibilities for materials; and “AWRD,” which promotes co-creation with creators through online open calls and judging.
She also serves as a judge for the Good Design Award; as a member of the “Study Group on Industrial Competitiveness and Design” under the Manufacturing Industry Subcommittee of the Industrial Structure Council at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and as a director of “Hida no Mori de Kuma wa Odoru Co., Ltd.,” which aims to create regional industries through forest regeneration and manufacturing. Chairman She was named “Woman of the Year 2017” (Nikkei WOMAN).
She also serves as a judge for the Good Design Award; as a member of the “Study Group on Industrial Competitiveness and Design” under the Manufacturing Industry Subcommittee of the Industrial Structure Council at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and as a director of “Hida no Mori de Kuma wa Odoru Co., Ltd.,” which aims to create regional industries through forest regeneration and manufacturing. Chairman She was named “Woman of the Year 2017” (Nikkei WOMAN).
Event Overview
| Date and Time | Monday, November 15, 2021, 6:00–7:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Participation fee | Free |
| Streaming | Zoom, YouTube |
| Scope | Staff in the General Affairs, Human Resources, Corporate Planning, and Marketing departments involved in community development-related work Staff in departments exploring potential areas for business development related to community development Individuals exploring the future of sustainable “rural areas” and “cities” |
| Co-hosted | Nikken Sekkei Ltd., Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd., Loftwork Co., Ltd. |
| Important Notice | The program is subject to change without notice. |
Organizer Profile
Nikken Sekkei Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Atsushi Omatsu)
A professional services firm engaged in architectural design and supervision, urban design, and related research, planning, and consulting services. Upholding its fundamental philosophy of “contributing to society through valuable work,” the firm has been committed to creating a better social environment since its founding in 1900, striving to meet the needs of society and the diverse requests of its clients.
Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Tomoyuki Shigenaga)
A group of professionals that provides consulting services centered on infrastructure engineering to shape the future. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, guided by the vision “Turning the Power of Technology into Hope for the Future,” we are committed to society’s sustainable development, aiming to be an indispensable partner precisely in these challenging times marked by a mix of anxiety over various risks and expectations for technology.
Loftwork, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Mitsuhiro Suwa)
A creative company that designs websites, content, communications, and spaces.The company operates “FabCafe,” a globally expanding digital fabrication café; “MTRL (Material),” a global platform that supports co-creation between materials manufacturers and creators to foster innovation; and “AWRD (Award),” a platform that promotes co-creation with creators. By collaborating with creators around the world, the company provides a wide range of creative services.
A professional services firm engaged in architectural design and supervision, urban design, and related research, planning, and consulting services. Upholding its fundamental philosophy of “contributing to society through valuable work,” the firm has been committed to creating a better social environment since its founding in 1900, striving to meet the needs of society and the diverse requests of its clients.
Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Tomoyuki Shigenaga)
A group of professionals that provides consulting services centered on infrastructure engineering to shape the future. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, guided by the vision “Turning the Power of Technology into Hope for the Future,” we are committed to society’s sustainable development, aiming to be an indispensable partner precisely in these challenging times marked by a mix of anxiety over various risks and expectations for technology.
Loftwork, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Mitsuhiro Suwa)
A creative company that designs websites, content, communications, and spaces.The company operates “FabCafe,” a globally expanding digital fabrication café; “MTRL (Material),” a global platform that supports co-creation between materials manufacturers and creators to foster innovation; and “AWRD (Award),” a platform that promotes co-creation with creators. By collaborating with creators around the world, the company provides a wide range of creative services.
Contact information regarding this matter
株式会社日建設計 広報室 Tel. 03-5226-3030（代表）e-mail：webmaster@nikken. jp
Media and Press Inquiries
株式会社ロフトワーク 広報 e-mail：pr@loftwork.com
Information on the Previous Event and Live Stream
Online Discussion Series Exploring the Relationship Between Rural and Urban Areas
Session 1: The Potential of Cities and Rural Areas (Masataka Baba × Sayaka Ogawa)
Thursday, October 21, 2021, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Session 1: The Potential of Cities and Rural Areas (Masataka Baba × Sayaka Ogawa)
Thursday, October 21, 2021, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Online Discussion Series Exploring the Relationship Between Rural and Urban Areas: Session 1—The Potential of Cities and Rural Areas (Masataka Baba × Sayaka Ogawa)
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