Gaia Series 50 : Harajuku (a town next to Shibuya) is changing!

This week’s episode delves into the revitalisation of Harajuku, Tokyo, showcasing transformative urban development that blends the old with the modern.

Nestled in the bustling heart of Tokyo, Harajuku has long been synonymous with vibrant youth culture and fashion. But beneath its colourful surface, a transformative journey is underway, one that seeks to revitalise this iconic district through innovative urban development. 

This week's episode explores the ambitious efforts spearheaded by Yuichi Ikeda of Tokyu Fudosan and Yusuke Hiramatsu, a third-generation bathhouse owner, who together are infusing Harajuku with new life while paying homage to its rich heritage.

The episode opens with the bustling scene at Jingumae intersection, where a new bathhouse is making headlines. “It’s been decades since the last bathhouse closed here. I can’t wait for it,” expresses an elderly local, capturing the community’s anticipation and nostalgia. This bathhouse, spearheaded by Yusuke Hiramatsu, aims not only to offer relaxation at an affordable entry fee of 520 yen (S$4.30) but also to serve as a cultural revival of traditional Japanese public baths, tailored to modern tastes and needs.

Hiramatsu, who transitioned from a career in real estate to taking over his family's bathhouse business, shares his plan for it: “When you dissolve it in hot water, it becomes their specialty bath, a sweet-smelling ‘milk bath’ that feels very rich on the skin,” he explains, describing one of the unique offerings designed to attract a diverse clientele. Other ideas include sourcing for beverages and meals such as craft colas that can’t be obtained easily elsewhere as well as being a retail point for products such as carbonated shampoos, shower heads and head massagers. 

Adjacent to the bathhouse, the Harakado development is taking shape under the guidance of Yuichi Ikeda. Here, the introduction of a 'Magazine Library' is not just about preserving print media but about creating a dynamic community space. “This is the kind of space we want to create here,” says Kengo Takeda of Nihon Shuppan Hanbai, who is overseeing the project. The library is envisioned as a cultural hub where visitors can explore a curated collection of magazines, reflecting the area’s historical connection with fashion and artistic expression. 

The building is seven storeys high and also has a basement level. In addition to the ‘Magazine Library’, it will also house restaurants, a radio station and a design school.

Personal stories of those involved in the redevelopment add depth to the narrative. Ikeda, reflecting on his role, states, “I’m really surprised. There are so many people here. The building will be used by the local people. So I want to be able to provide some excitement for them with something new happening every day.” His commitment highlights the broader goal of the redevelopment: to create spaces that resonate with both the younger and older generations, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken behind the scenes of the redevelopment efforts, from planning stages to the bustling construction sites. The challenges and triumphs of such a massive project are shared through interviews with architects, planners, and local business owners who all play a role in the transformation of Harajuku.

In one poignant moment, a local shop owner near the new development expresses his hope for the future: “Harajuku has always been a place of trendsetting and innovation. With these new developments, I believe we can bring back some of that old magic, making it a place where old meets new.”

The episode culminates in a hopeful note from Ikeda, reflecting on his success and the community’s enthusiastic response. “If you think you can succeed by copying successful people or popular districts, that would be a big mistake. You need to move forward with passion in your heart and an understanding of the people that live in the area, the people that work there, and the people who visit.”