第6回コラム
Sixth Column

Every year, urban planners and researchers from overseas visit Tama New Town to study its development through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), JICA, and universities. In FY2024, there were three requests for such visits, with guidance provided to administrative officials from Maputo City, Mozambique, participants in JICA’s training program course in urban comprehensive planning, and researchers from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.

The visits were organized with the cooperation of Mr. Yasuhiro NARUSE (Urban Design Atelier Co., Ltd.). In the morning, lectures on the history of Tama New Town's development were held at Meisei University, followed by on-site inspections in the afternoon. Mr. Naruse has been involved in the development of Tama New Town since his time with Urban Renaissance (UR) and has contributed to numerous projects as a private planner. His lectures not only cover urban planning techniques but also delve into behind-the-scenes aspects of negotiations and adjustments, such as land acquisition and coordination among Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the UR, and local municipalities. These stories, which cannot be captured in official reports, often spark lively discussions, as many overseas participants face similar challenges in their countries. From Mr. Nishiura, participants receive explanations about Tama New Town's position within the capital region plan, trends in neighboring municipalities, and details of recent revitalization initiatives for the area.

Tama New Town was planned and developed in the Tama Hills as a response to the severe housing shortage caused by rapid population growth during Japan's post-war economic boom. Covering approximately 3,000 hectares with a planned population of 300,000, the project was conceived in 1964, and urban planning decisions and project approvals followed the next year. The first residents moved into Suwa and Nagayama in Tama City in 1971. The development encompasses various approaches, including land readjustment projects and new residential area development, which facilitated urban infrastructure such as residential plots, roads, parks, and water supply and sewer systems. For the on-site inspections, sites were selected based on participants' backgrounds and interests, and the tours were conducted via bus and on foot. Tama Center, the core hub of Tama New Town, serves as a multimodal transit center connecting trains, buses, cars, and bicycles. It is introduced as a suburban example of TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) due to its 40-meter-wide pedestrian deck, utility tunnels, commercial and business facilities, and large-scale parks. The Park-PFI project conducted in the adjacent Tama Central Park is also highlighted. In terms of housing, participants are shown projects involving the redevelopment of 50-year-old apartment complexes and single-family housing areas developed under building agreements, showcasing diverse housing developments adapted to changing times. At Nagayama Park, the management system under the designated administrator system and its role as a site for environmental education are explained. Participants are often impressed by the stroll along the “Seseragi Green Path,” which incorporates greenery and water features, offering a high-quality residential environment.

By combining lectures and site visits, participants gain an understanding of the objectives, policies, content, and implementation methods of planning, as well as experiencing the city's transformation over the past 50 years. This provides an opportunity to deeply consider both the successes and challenges of Japan's suburban residential development. Many visiting participants face the issue of how to provide affordable housing for growing urban populations in their countries. It is hoped that Tama New Town’s experience can serve as a valuable reference for their urban development efforts.

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