HistoryRevitalizing Nihonbashi

Bringing Back the Spirit of Nihonbashi

After its economic and physical decline during the 1900s, the spirit and vibrancy of Nihonbashi had dimmed. But those who remembered it as the center of culture and commerce it had been decided to take action. So, the "Nihonbashi Revitalization Project" was born. The project sought to preserve culture and tradition while revitalizing the area with new developments and modern luxuries that complimented the old.

The Nihonbashi Revitalization Plan

COREDO Nihonbashi opened in 2004 in the space left by the shuttered Tokyu department store, which had closed a decade earlier during Nihonbashi's decline. This was the first in a series of big moves toward realizing the Nihonbashi Revitalization Plan. Other efforts from the public sector, private companies, and the local community followed.

Today, the Nihonbashi community is still working together to revitalize the city. Their array of efforts includes everything from bridge-cleaning projects to events designed to attract visitors and educate the public on Nihonbashi‘s history and influence. Nihonbashi has begun to see some of its former vitality, and is regaining popularity as a daytrip and travel destination.

Retain
Area culture, Japanese crafts, community, the spirit of the Japanese people, historical structures, etc.
Revive
Area scenery, functionality, and excitement that were lost with developments in economy and traffic
Create
Add new functionalities for the next generation

Retain

The Nihonbashi Revitalization Project seeks to not only to preserve the physical relics of Nihonbashi's history, but also the culture, tradition, community, and spirit cultivated during those times.
Click here for details (Mitsui Fudosan website)

Revive

The Nihonbashi community seeks to restore and revitalize the historic neighborhood's scenery. The project revived water transport in Nihonbashi in 2011 with the opening of the Nihonbashi Boarding Dock, and continues to focus on environmental preservation, water quality improvement, and other efforts to bring back the beauty and vitality of the district.
Click here for details (Mitsui Fudosan website)

Create

The Nihonbashi Revitalization Project is about breathing life not just into Nihonbashi but also into Japan as a whole. The project considers how the past, present, and future can meld together to create a better Japan, now and in the future.