"SOCIAL TOWER MARKET" was started in 2012 with the aim of creating a new social space in the city of Nagoya. It brings together a wide variety of stores, mainly from the Tokai area, selling accessories, second-hand clothes, tableware, gourmet food, and more. Not only Nagoya city, but also stores that are hard to get to on a regular basis and stores that only open at events participate, offering unique products and experiences to visitors.

It was first held at Hisaya-Odori Park, where Nagoya's landmark TV Tower (now Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER) is located, and has since been expanded to other famous spots such as Nagoya Castle and Oasis 21. It is just a few minutes by train or bus from Nagoya Station, and can also be accessed by rental bicycles. Hisaya-Odori Park in particular is loved by many people as a place where nature and urban culture blend together, even though it is in the center of the city.

Nami Aoki, CEO of THE SOCIAL, runs this event, SOCIAL TOWER MARKET, with the aim of "creating a new form of social space in the city of Nagoya." The event brings together unique exhibitors and volunteers of all ages and professions, providing a space where visitors can interact freely.

The Beginning of "SOCIAL TOWER MARKET"

Built in 1954 as Japan's first integrated radio tower, the TV tower has been a beloved landmark of the city of Nagoya, but after many years, the question of whether it should continue to exist came into question with the end of analog broadcasting in 2011. Aoki, who was a founding member of the NPO Greater Nagoya University, which operates under the concepts of "the whole city is a campus" and "anyone can be a teacher, anyone can be a student," felt that it was necessary to carefully consider whether it was really okay to demolish the tower, and planned a new class to gather the opinions of citizens. "I think we can find new value by creating a place where everyone can discuss and think together," Aoki recalls.

The survey results showed that the majority of people wanted the park to continue. The SOCAL TOWER MARKET was born as an effort to preserve the TV tower as a landmark and to transform the park, which was dark and scary at night, into a bright, fun place and a place for social interaction. When the first event was held in 2012, the circle of people gradually expanded, and a new social space unique to Nagoya was formed.

A new type of social space

"SOCAL TOWER MARKET" is a place that creates a new type of "place of connection" in the city of Nagoya. The interactions between people that take place here generate new ideas and values, which gradually develop the city into an attractive place.

This has created a system that naturally connects exhibitors and customers, exhibitors with each other, and customers with each other. "What is particularly impressive is the diversity of the people who volunteer. Not only students, but people of a wide range of ages come together across boundaries. Recently we've had people from Taiwan come to volunteer, which is really nice," said Aoki.

"What's supporting the evolution of this project are the 'loose connections' in the community," says Aoki. "The area of Nagoya is not too big or too small; it has just the right sense of scale and distance. There are comfortable connections, like friends of friends being friends, and I think that's what gives the city its vitality. I think the culture of people supporting each other makes the city of Nagoya even more attractive."

"SOCIAL TOWER MARKET" started under the TV tower, the symbol of Nagoya. The key to its success is the power of people who take advantage of the characteristics of the city and enjoy loose connections. Aoki's vision of the future is one in which more people gather freely and make their city more fun.

"I hope that even small places can host casual events and make the places where we live more enjoyable."

As Aoki's words indicate, SOCIAL TOWER MARKET will continue to evolve as a new social venue that brightens the future of Nagoya.

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SOCAL TOWER MARKET

Main event location: Oasis 21 (1-11-1 Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0005)

Access: ◎ Directly connected to the east exit of Sakae Station on the Meijo Subway Line and Sakuradori Line

◎ Directly connected to the Meitetsu Seto Line "Sakaemachi" station ticket gate

Website: https://socialtower.jp 

*Please check the event location and dates at the link above.