Urban Research Uncovers the Charm of Local Regions. Next stop: Kyoto.

In 2040, 896 cities, wards, towns, and villages in Japan will fall into the category of "cities with the potential to disappear," and 523 of them will have a population of less than 10,000. These estimates indicate that the concentration of people in Tokyo is only accelerating.

a select store from Osaka, Japan.Urban Research (URBAN RESEARCH)Unlike companies in Tokyo, "JAPAN MADE" has felt the critical situation more closely. Five years ago, under the banner of "regional revitalization," we launched the "JAPAN MADE PROJECT" to reconsider and disseminate information about the regions.

So far, we have focused on four prefectures and regions - Nagasaki, Ishikawa, Kumamoto, and Tohoku - and each location has been involved in initiatives that are unique to that region, but next we will focus on the ancient capital of Kyoto.

Kyoto, a city that values tradition and history in many aspects, has undergone tremendous change, especially when it comes to food and crafts. On top of tradition and history, new perspectives and techniques are being added to create Kyoto-made products that have never been seen before.

Anko (red bean paste) confections from "Toshoan," whose parent company is an anko (red bean paste) manufacturing company established in Kyoto 69 years ago. All products are gluten-free in order to be compatible with anko (red bean paste).

Minoya Senpo was founded in 1894. The company's new brand , launched in 2017, produces fans that fuse old and new technologies, something that did not seem possible until now.

Keikoroll" is rich in color expression. Keikoroll" produces unique dyed goods using long-established kata-yuzen techniques and designs accumulated through the production of stage costumes. They also dare to leave scraps and blotches because of their handmade work.

SOMEA is a new brand by Ikeuchi Yuzen, which has been involved in kimono making in Kyoto for 50 years. SOMEA" produces wallets and card cases by combining hand-drawn patterns and leather.

Urban Research" has focused its attention on this point. In collaboration with forward-thinking creators and companies, sales will begin at Urban Research KYOTO and Urban Research Namba CITY on November 2 (Saturday) (online store from November 5).

Bread from the famous "Chipolson" restaurant. If a large number of people rush in on the day of the event, restrictions may be imposed.

Also, from the same day, the first basement floor of "Urban Research KYOTO" will be positioned as the concept floor of the "JAPAN MADE PROJECT" and products from communities collaborating in each region will be sold. Also, for this day only, bread from the Kyoto bakery "CHIPPRUSON," which is only available by mail order, will be on sale.

The casual consumption of each individual plays a major role in economic activity. The best way to boost local communities is to bring money into them.