【特集｜にいがた2km】どうなる？新潟市の中心部：“過去最多”進む企業誘致 その狙いは？【新潟】スーパーJにいがた2月26日OA

"Niigata 2km" marks the center of Niigata City. As part of efforts to revitalize the area, efforts to attract businesses are underway. We interviewed them about their goals, current situation, and future prospects. The area named "Niigata 2km" stretches from Niigata Station to Bandai and Furumachi. The local government is leading the effort to create a lively, business hub, and new value. ■Niigata Resident (Teenager) "(Q. Do you know Niigata 2km?) I only know the name. I hope it becomes a lively street." ■Niigata Resident (70s) "If Bandai were to expand further, things would probably be different." ■Niigata Resident (30s) "When there's an event in front of the station, families come here. I think it's a good initiative." Are they actually seeing results? According to a Niigata City official: ■Hiroto Miyazaki, Policy Director, Niigata City Urban Policy Department "In terms of visible results, one of the successes of attracting businesses is the construction of new buildings, the opening of new businesses, and the creation of new employment opportunities for young people." "Business Attraction" attracts businesses from outside the prefecture. Last year, a record 23 companies moved into Niigata City from outside the prefecture. ■Maki Uji, Director, Business Attraction Division, Niigata City "This number was a major achievement for Niigata City. The increase in the number of workers has a significant effect on revitalizing the city and creating a lively atmosphere." Notably, many of these companies are "information and communications" companies. Of the 23 companies, 22 are IT companies, nearly four times the number of IT companies compared to 2019. All 22 companies have offices within the "Niigata 2km" area. ■ Maki Uji, Director, Niigata City Business Attraction Division "The rapid growth of companies with various technologies driving digital transformation in Niigata has broadened the scope of our business, providing local companies with access to these tools." One such company is the IT company Progress Technologies. The company provides digital technologies for automotive and medical device manufacturers to develop parts. While headquartered in Tokyo, the company established a base in a building within the "Niigata 2km" area in July 2024. ■ Taketo Nakayama, President, Progress Technologies "Manufacturing manufacturers are currently struggling to attract the necessary talent. Considering the availability of such talent at Niigata University and Nagaoka University of Technology, we saw potential in Niigata and decided to move here." One of the deciding factors was "securing talent." Niigata City is home to many universities and vocational schools, and Niigata University students are already working as interns in development projects. ■ Progress Technologies President Taketo Nakayama "It would be fantastic if we could develop new development talent locally, for example, by establishing a specialized development team in Niigata with 500 people skilled in digital twins." Niigata City also benefits from the expansion of various IT companies, as it increases job opportunities for students. ■ Niigata City Business Attraction Division Chief Maki Uji "There are currently approximately 33,000 students enrolled in universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools. Creating a system to encourage them to work in Niigata is a major challenge." Further supporting the attraction of businesses is the "reconstruction of tenant buildings." Three new tenant buildings will be completed from 2022 onwards. One of these is the "INPEX Niigata Building," located right in front of Niigata Station. ■ INPEX Business Services, Yuki Takahashi "It's space for tenants to use. Office space, you know." The former Teikoku Oil Building, which had been in disrepair for 60 years, was rebuilt into a 10-story building in July 2024. The energy-saving design, with features like motion-activated lighting, also includes rental conference rooms and a shared lounge. ■ INPEX Business Services, Yuki Takahashi "Some people who can't hold quiet meetings in their own space often hold their own meetings in the space over there." Ninety percent of the tenants have either moved in or completed their contracts. ■ INPEX Business Services, Yuki Takahashi "Most of the tenants are IT companies. Ultimately, the new building will enrich the cityscape. To that end, we want to operate the building as closely rooted in the community as possible." The building's reconstruction will change the face of the city, making it easier to attract businesses, he says. ■ Maki Uji, Director, Business Attraction Division, Niigata City "A new building in the city creates a positive impression. It's also beneficial for attracting businesses." On this day, Niigata City officials met with Synesthesia, a Tokyo-based IT venture developing VR and other technologies. They visited Niigata out of interest in vocational school students studying digital technology. ■ ...