The Kitakagaya area of Suminoe Ward in Osaka City was once a thriving shipbuilding town, but over time, it lost its vitality due to industrial shifts. However, since around 2004, efforts have been made to transform it into a creative town centered around art, under the concept of the "Kitakagaya Creative Village."
A New Beginning from a Real Estate Challenge
At the heart of this transformation is Chishima Real Estate Co., which owns approximately 230,000 square meters of land in Kitakagaya. Much of this land used to be leased to shipbuilding companies along the canal, but as the industry declined, the town lost its main economic engine. A major turning point came in 1988 when the large Tamura Shipyard relocated to Saga, returning a vast tract of land to Chishima.
The returned land, located outside the seawall, posed development challenges, making it unsuitable for large-scale commercial facilities. While exploring how to utilize the area, the company's president at the time met a theater producer from Kyoto in 2004, who proposed using the space for an art event. This led to the first "Namura Arts Meeting."
Harnessing the Power of Art
Inspired by that first event, Chishima Real Estate began to explore the potential of art and culture. In 2005, they renovated their Osaka factory in Ikuno Ward into the Creative Center Osaka, a multi-purpose space for exhibitions and performances. This marked the starting point of Kitakagaya's creative transformation.
They began offering vacant homes and factories to artists at low rent, with no requirement for restoration, allowing full creative freedom. This led to the growth of diverse creative spaces such as ateliers, galleries, shops, and cafés. In 2009, the Kitakagaya Creative Village concept was formally launched. Today, around 50 artist studios host about 150 people active in the area.
Art in the Streets, and Much More
Kitakagaya is now known for its vibrant street art and installations, many of which are created by international artists. Chishima Real Estate supports these works by providing materials like paint and scaffolding, as long as the pieces align with the town's spirit (political themes are restricted). As the artwork changes regularly, each visit brings new discoveries.
Recently, cafés and eateries have also begun to populate the area, drawing in more visitors. Although not directly operated by Chishima, these businesses have chosen Kitakagaya for its unique atmosphere. With new shopping spots and a fashion-themed sustainable complex opening in 2023, the town's appeal continues to grow.
Key Places to Explore
Chidori Bunka: A renovated row house complex that once housed shipyard workers, now featuring a café & bar, shops, and a gallery. It attracts locals, architecture enthusiasts, and art lovers alike. Upstairs, installations and a multi-use hall preserve the original structure for exhibitions and events.
MASK (Mega Art Storage Kitakagaya): A facility for storing and occasionally exhibiting large-scale contemporary artworks. It opens to the public a few times a year, offering rare glimpses of massive installations. In 2024, it will be open June 6–8 and on weekends and holidays from October 3 to November 3.
NAGAYArt: A renovated row house developed through a unique "neo-custom rental" model where tenants' input shapes the final design. Currently home to a chai shop, sandwich shop, and select bookstore, it features communal areas but currently leans more lifestyle than art-focused.
Smacel Sustainable Commune: A complex promoting fashion and sustainability in a repurposed building. Shops feature sustainable brands, and a London bus-turned-café adds charm. Visitors can even design and print their own apparel on-site. Events bring added energy to the neighborhood.
An International Perspective
While Kitakagaya is not yet a primary destination for international travelers, some foreign visitors staying in nearby budget accommodations explore the area with local maps in hand. The town offers a unique blend of postwar architecture, industrial remains, and unexpected art installations by both Japanese and international artists. The mix of traditional locals and new creative spaces gives Kitakagaya a distinct, local charm unlike typical tourist spots.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Creative Center Osaka will mark its 20th anniversary with special initiatives to further explore Kitakagaya's potential. Plans include a riverside BBQ area, pop-up saunas in parking spaces, and even a town-wide mystery-solving game to encourage exploration.
Once a shipbuilding hub now transformed through the power of art and creativity, Kitakagaya continues to evolve into a vibrant, imaginative town. Why not come and experience its transformation for yourself?
