駅を挟んだ南北でにぎわいや開発に大きな差　いま変化の兆し　浜松市中心部の“未来予想図”

Hamamatsu is said to have a significant difference in vibrancy and development between the north and south sides of the train station, but signs of change are now beginning to appear. What kind of transformation will it undergo...? We look at the "future" of Hamamatsu. Population: Approximately 780,000. Hamamatsu, the largest city in Shizuoka Prefecture. However, the appearance of the area north and south of JR Hamamatsu Station, located in the city center, differs greatly. While the northern area is dotted with commercial facilities and restaurants, the southern area has not seen large-scale development until now. But now, signs of change are beginning to appear. Reporter Rikio Saito: This is the south exit of Hamamatsu Station. There are restaurants and hotels, but the number of people seems smaller compared to the north exit. Although there are many buildings, vacant storefronts are noticeable, and most of the shops in the shopping district south of the station are shuttered. A survey conducted by the city in 2024 showed that the resident population was less than half that of the north side of the station. . Neighborhood resident: It feels lonely, or rather, shabby. Neighborhood resident: It feels underdeveloped, or rather, incomplete. Amidst this, the automobile manufacturer Suzuki is expected to construct a building on land it owns in the south-of-station district and relocate some of its headquarters functions there. Construction is expected to begin around the fall of 2026 and be completed in the spring of 2029. Also, Tokoha University is relocating its campus to the site of a former elementary school, located a 7-minute walk from the south exit of JR Hamamatsu Station. The new campus is expected to open in the spring of 2028. Hamamatsu City Mayor Yusuke Nakano: We hope to use this as a catalyst to further revitalize the entire city, working together with Tokoha University. Meanwhile, the south-of-station district is not the only area undergoing transformation. Reporter Rikio Saito: Act Tower, a true symbol of Hamamatsu, was sold last month by its owning corporation to a local company. Act Tower, a 45-story building and the tallest in Shizuoka Prefecture, is directly connected to JR Hamamatsu Station. The ownership will be acquired by a fund invested in by Sekisui Heim Tokai, Shizuoka Bank, and others. Sekisui Heim Tokai President Shoji Kobayashi: "Act Tower is not just a single, independent building; it's a place where people come and go multiple times—a musical instrument museum, exhibition hall, and concert hall—and I think it has many meanings. We want to maximize its potential." "Currently, while the office occupancy rate is high, there are few visitors on weekends. Therefore, we are determined to evolve the building into one that contributes to the revitalization of the area, including tenant turnover." "Sekisui Heim Tokai President Shoji Kobayashi: "We must respect the previous owner's wish to transfer ownership to a local company if possible, and utilize that in future operations." Naturally, we are considering urban development and the prosperity of Hamamatsu. Furthermore, in January 2026, Enshu Railway announced plans to renovate a building in Tamachi, Chuo Ward, that previously housed restaurants, and convert it into an office building. Enshu Railway President Koji Maruyama: "I believe that when people gather, various interactions will be born, and from those interactions, the seeds of new businesses will emerge. We hope to co-create something new together." The concept is "Let's connect!", playing on the Enshu dialect phrase "Yaramaika," which means "Let's just try it." The aim is to create a co-creation space where solutions to local problems and the seeds of new services can be born from chance encounters and conversations, and to curb the outflow of young people. Enshu Railway President Koji Maruyama: "I believe that revitalizing the central business district and creating vibrancy is one solution, so as a local company, we want to do our best." A new trend is emerging in Hamamatsu. To accelerate this trend and make the city more attractive, it's necessary not only to rely on the private sector but also for the government to have a solid vision and support. #Shizuoka Prefecture #Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture #Regional Revitalization #Town Revitalization