The Chishima Real Estate Group undertakes activities such as the followings, in order to improve the value of the company’s real estate properties and realize symbiosis with society.

  • Kitakagaya Creative Village Project
  • Preservation and utilization of the “Shibakawa Building,” a historical building
  • Rubber Duck Project

Kitakagaya Creative Village Project

Located near Osaka Bay, the Kizu River Basin once sustained Japan’s modernization as a concentration point for heavy industry. Our company owns 230,000m² of land in the Kitakagaya area located alongside the Kizu River. From the Taisho Period through the postwar period, we leased this land to shipyard and related factories. However, since the land is now being returned to us as shipyard has relocated due to changes in industrial structure and for various other reasons, we have been, in recent years, implementing the Kitakagaya Creative Village (KCV) Project, which aims to change Kitakagaya into a creative area where arts and culture are concentrated, by providing the land and buildings with artists and others involved with art.

*The company received the Grand Mécénat Award at the MECENAT Awards 2011, by Association for Corporate Support of the Arts.

01

Utilization of the site of the Old Namura Shipyard (Osaka Factory)
(Creative Center OSAKA)

01

Utilization of the site of the Old Namura Shipyard (Osaka Factory)
(Creative Center OSAKA)

The site of the Old Namura Shipyard (Osaka Factory) was returned to us in 1988, and we had been searching for new ways to use the approximately 42,000m² site and the buildings. However, following the holding of the first “NAMURA ART MEETING ‘04-’34” here in autumn 2004, the site became the base for this art project, which has continued for 30 years, and the site has come to be used as a space for artistic and cultural activities.
In 2005, a creative space called “BLACK CHAMBER” was installed in the former office building, and the Creative Center Osaka (CCO) —which includes “STUDIO PARTITA” and other facilities on the site—was opened at the same time. Utilizing the potential of industrial heritage, various creative activities are carried out at the site.

02

Reutilization of vacant houses by artists and creators

02

Reutilization of vacant houses by artists and creators

Factory and residential buildings remaining on Chishima Real Estate-managed properties after a site has been returned to us is leased at relatively low rates to artists and other people undertaking creative activities. Tenants are free to renovate the property as they wish and are not required to return it to us in its original condition, and so thus far, approximately 40 properties have been renovated as their tenants pleased, being reborn as art studios, galleries, offices, shops, bars, and other spots where the tenants’ creativity is expressed.

03

Kitakagaya Minna Nouen (Community Farm)

03

Kitakagaya Minna Nouen (Community Farm)

Stemming from the idea of utilizing vacant land as a means of activate the local community, we launched the “Kitakagaya Creative Farm Project” in 2011, opening the “Kitakagaya Minna - Nouen” in 2012 as a facility emphasizing communication amongst participants.
Currently, the facility is operated by good luck whose activities are based in Kitakagaya. Combining art and agriculture in a manner unique to Kitakagaya, this urban-style garden farm is attracting attention from around Japan.

04

APartMENT

04

APartMENT

This project renovates former company residences apartments, transforming them into regular rental housing. Thus far, eight teams of artists and creators bringing together skills that transcend the framework of “architecture”— contemporary art, products, lighting, technology, interior, and garden landscaping—have renovated eight rooms, which have been reborn as “housing complexes that embrace art.” This fusion of art and renovation combined with the invocation of residents’ creativity has drawn widespread praise, with the project being honored with the “Osaka City Housing Design Special Prize” at the “30th Osaka City Housing Design Awards” in February 2017.
APartMENT

05

Chidori Bunka

The old bunka-jutaku built when a shipbuilding industry was booming has been renovated into diner, bar, old material store, atrium (space for event) through the concept of “inheritance”.
We aim for this building to become a creative space where new values are transmitted, jobs are created and resources are reused and recycled, all whilst preserving its uniqueness.
(Photograph by Yoshiro Masuda) Chidori Bunka

06

Establishment and support of the Chishima Foundation for Creative Osaka

The Chishima Foundation for Creative Osaka was established in 2011 as a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary since our company’s establishment. The Foundation is involved in the operation etc. of MASK (MEGA ART STORAGE KITAKAGAYA), a public grant program for art and culture activities that is implemented in Osaka, and which utilizes former factory sites in Kitakagaya. Our company provides constant support for the Foundation’s activities.
(Photograph courtesy of Yuki Moriya.)
Creative Osaka

07

M@M (Morimura@Museum)

Yasumasa Morimura, a contemporary artist from Osaka opened his first self-produced private museum, which he renovated from an old furniture store in 2018. We aim for Kitakagaya to become a new artistic and cultural transmitter based on the concepts of this museum, “For various types of people”, “To discover the unknown” and, “A place where people would visit repeatedly”. We are giving special support to the M@M by ways such as providing him with a place to exhibit his art.
(Photograph by Kazuo Fukunaga)

08

Oto-Building

Since music activities in residential areas are becoming difficult, we revitalized an old office building located in an industrial area as a base for music activities. Now, the Oto-Building consists of music studio and shared studio, with various events being held irregularly.

09

Super Studio Kitakagaya

09

Super Studio Kitakagaya

Super Studio Kitakagaya (“SSK”) revitalized from a former shipyard was opened as a complex including shared studios for contemporary artists.
Unlike normal ateliers, SSK is open for the public and provides a wide range of unique opportunities for visitors not only through works of art, but also creative activities performed by the artists.
(Photograph by Yoshiro Masuda)

01

Utilization of the site of the Old Namura Shipyard(OsakaFactory)
(Creative Center OSAKA)

The site of the Old Namura Shipyard (Osaka Factory) was returned to us in 1988, and we had been searching for new ways to use the approximately 42,000m² site and the buildings. However, following the holding of the first “NAMURA ART MEETING ‘04-’34” here in autumn 2004, the site became the base for this art project, which has continued for 30 years, and the site has come to be used as a space for artistic and cultural activities.
In 2005, a creative space called “BLACK CHAMBER” was installed in the former office building, and the Creative Center Osaka (CCO) —which includes “STUDIO PARTITA” and other facilities on the site—was opened at the same time. Utilizing the potential of industrial heritage, various creative activities are carried out at the site.

02

Reutilization of vacant houses by artists and creators

Factory and residential buildings remaining on Chishima Real Estate-managed properties after a site has been returned to us is leased at relatively low rates to artists and other people undertaking creative activities. Tenants are free to renovate the property as they wish and are not required to return it to us in its original condition, and so thus far, approximately 40 properties have been renovated as their tenants pleased, being reborn as art studios, galleries, offices, shops, bars, and other spots where the tenants’ creativity is expressed.

03

Kitakagaya Minna Nouen (Community Farm)

Stemming from the idea of utilizing vacant land as a means of activate the local community, we launched the “Kitakagaya Creative Farm Project” in 2011, opening the “Kitakagaya Minna - Nouen” in 2012 as a facility emphasizing communication amongst participants. Currently, the facility is operated by Co.to.hana, an NPO whose activities are based in Kitakagaya. Combining art and agriculture in a manner unique to Kitakagaya, this urban-style garden farm is attracting attention from around Japan.

04

APartMENT

This project renovates former company residences apartments, transforming them into regular rental housing. Thus far, eight teams of artists and creators bringing together skills that transcend the framework of “architecture”— contemporary art, products, lighting, technology, interior, and garden landscaping—have renovated eight rooms, which have been reborn as “housing complexes that embrace art.” This fusion of art and renovation combined with the invocation of residents’ creativity has drawn widespread praise, with the project being honored with the “Osaka City Housing Design Special Prize” at the “30th Osaka City Housing Design Awards” in February 2017.
APartMENT

05

Chidori Bunka

The old bunka-jutaku built when a shipbuilding industry was booming has been renovated into diner, bar, old material store, atrium (space for event) through the concept of “inheritance”.
We aim for this building to become a creative space where new values are transmitted, jobs are created and resources are reused and recycled, all whilst preserving its uniqueness.
(Photograph by Yoshiro Masuda) Chidori Bunka

06

Establishment and support of the Chishima Foundation for Creative Osaka

The Chishima Foundation for Creative Osaka was established in 2011 as a project to commemorate the 100th anniversary since our company’s establishment. The Foundation is involved in the operation etc. of MASK (MEGA ART STORAGE KITAKAGAYA), a public grant program for art and culture activities that is implemented in Osaka, and which utilizes former factory sites in Kitakagaya. Our company provides constant support for the Foundation’s activities.
(Photograph courtesy of Yuki Moriya.)
Creative Osaka

07

M@M (Morimura@Museum)

Yasumasa Morimura, a contemporary artist from Osaka opened his first self-produced private museum, which he renovated from an old furniture store in 2018. We aim for Kitakagaya to become a new artistic and cultural transmitter based on the concepts of this museum, “For various types of people”, “To discover the unknown” and, “A place where people would visit repeatedly”. We are giving special support to the M@M by ways such as providing him with a place to exhibit his art.
(Photograph by Kazuo Fukunaga)

08

Oto-Building

Since music activities in residential areas are becoming difficult, we revitalized an old office building located in an industrial area as a base for music activities. Now, the Oto-Building consists of music studio and shared studio, with various events being held irregularly.

09

Super Studio Kitakagaya

Super Studio Kitakagaya (“SSK”) revitalized from a former shipyard was opened as a complex including shared studios for contemporary artists.
Unlike normal ateliers, SSK is open for the public and provides a wide range of unique opportunities for visitors not only through works of art, but also creative activities performed by the artists.
(Photograph by Yoshiro Masuda)

Preservation and utilization of the “Shibakawa Building,” a historical building

“Shibakawa Building” is a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property

Located in the Semba district of Osaka City, an area that has prospered since the Edo Period as the center of Osaka’s economic activity, the “Shibakawa Building” was built to a modern architectural design in 1927. Because of its central city location, other historical buildings surrounding it have been demolished one by one due to development, but the Shibakawa Building itself remains standing today virtually unchanged from when it was originally constructed, and was designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2006. As interest in modern architecture has grown in Osaka in recent years, we have been pouring effort into enhancing and publicizing the building’s appeal by carrying out building renovations and enticing attractive shop tenants.

Rental space “Shibakawa Building Modern Terrace”

Initially, the Shibakawa Building was built as an office for the Shibakawa family’s business activities. Although the building also housed an educational academy for woman established by the Shibakawa family, after World War II, it was used as a tenant building centering on business offices, and occasionally renovations were implemented that did not fit with the building’s atmosphere.
Of these, an extension had been constructed on the 4F roof terrace; this was removed and the terrace was restored to its original state, creating the “Shibakawa Building Modern Terrace.” After the restorations were completed in 2007, the terrace has been operated as rental space and used to host a diversity of events ranging from art events, festivals, parties, and concerts to exhibitions and conferences.

Rubber Duck Project

In the summer of 2009, as part of our company’s community revitalization and social contribution activities, a work entitled “Rubber Duck” by young Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman was displayed on the river near Nakanoshima in Osaka City.

This project was implemented with the aim supporting Osaka’s landmark event “Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2009”.

Suddenly rising some 9.5 m above the surface of the river, this duckling sculpture captured the hearts of passers-by with its adorable expression and astonishing size, becoming an instant hit in the waterside area. Many people enjoyed this out-of-the-ordinary Nakanoshima scene.

About the work and the artist

Concept of the work

The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn’t discriminate people and doesn’t have a political connotation.
The friendly, floating Rubber Duck has healing properties: it can relieve mondial tensions as well as define them.
The rubber duck is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages!

Florentijn Hofman
http://www.florentijnhofman.nl

Past exhibits in Japan

01 Rubber Duck Project2009

 
Date
4th September – 4th October 2009
Venue
Hachikenya-hama, a site of “Aqua Metropolis Osaka 2009” / the Old Namura Shipyard
Organizer
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

One of the events for campaign ‘Nederland in Japan 2008-2009’.

02 Hachikenya-hama Opening project “Returning Rubber Duck & Riverside cafe”


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto

Date
12th – 25th December 2009
Venue
Hachikenya-hama, Osaka city
Organizer
Osaka Prefectural Urban Development Promotion Center and Osaka City Cruise Association
Assistant organizer
Osaka Prefectural Government
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

03 Exhibit of Rubber Duck


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto

Date
1st – 3rd October 2010
Venue
The Old Namura Shipyard, Osaka
Organizer
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

04 Aqua Metropolis Osaka “Rubber Duck at Nakanoshima Banks”


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto
Date
11th – 25th December 2010
Venue
Nakanoshima Banks
Organizer
Osaka Prefectural Gouvernment, Osaka SouthEast Rotary Club, and others
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

05 Exhibition of Rubber Duck


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto
Date
10th October 2011
Venue
The former Namura Shipyard (Suminoe-ku, Osaka)
Organizer
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

06 “Rubber Duck” Earthquake Charity Exhibition


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto
Date
22nd – 30th October 2011
Venue
Waterfront in Nakanoshima Park Rose garden area (Kita-ku, Osaka)
Organizer
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Co-organizer
Aqua Metropolis Osaka Activity Creation Committee
Collaboration
Mr. Florentijn Hofman

07 ”2012 Festival Onomichi,Fukuyama,Mihara…of the Sea Festa Onomichi-Sea”Exhibition of Rubber Duck




Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival

Date
14th-29th July 2012
Venue
Onomichi waterway (Onomichi-Ekimae-Shibafu-Hiroba,Onomichi,Hiroshima Prefecture)
Organizer
The ninth Umi-festa executive committee,Tuneishi Mirai Foundation
Supplier
(Owner of The Rubber Duck)
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

08 Exhibition of Rubber Duck

Date
13th October 2012
Venue
The Old Namura Shipyard, Osaka
Organizer
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

09 Aqua Metropolis Osaka Fez 2012 [ Exhibition of Rubber Duck]

Date
14th - 21th October 2012
Venue
Nakanoshima Rose Garden
Organizer
water capital crowd creation executive committee
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

10 Aqua Metropolis Osaka Fez 2013 [ Exhibition of Rubber Duck]

Date
11th - 18th October 2013
Venue
Nakanoshima GATE
Organizer
General corporate judicial person Aqua Metropolis Osaka Partners
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

11 Exhibition of Rubber Duck

Date
20th October 2013
Venue
The Old Namura Shipyard, Osaka
Organizer
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

12 nakanoshima-west winter story 2013[ Exhibition of Rubber Duck]

Date
16th - 25th December 2013
Venue
Hotaru Machi Port(Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka)
Organizer
Nakanoshima-West AREA Promotion liaison organlzation
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

13 nakanoshima-west winter story 2014[ Exhibition of Rubber Duck]

Date
13th - 25th December 2014
Venue
Hotaru Machi Port(Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka)
Organizer
Nakanoshima-West AREA Promotion liaison organlzation
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

14 Aqua Metropolis Osaka Fez 2015 [ Exhibition of Rubber Duck]

Date
18th September - 12th October 2015
Venue
Nakanoshima Rose Garden
Organizer
General corporate judicial person Aqua Metropolis Osaka Partners
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

15 Exhibition of[Sayama Pond Construction 1400 Commemorative Project]

Date
1th April - 8th March 2016
Venue
Sayama Pond North bank
Organizer
Sayama City
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

16 Exhibition of [suminoe art・beat]

Date
19th October 2014、18th October 2015、11th September 2016、12th November 2017
11th November 2018、13th October 2019
Venue
The Old Namura Shipyard, Osaka
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.

17 Exhibition of [Aqua Metropolis Osaka 〜Fluctuat nec mergitur〜]


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto


Photo by Hiromitsu Morimoto

Date
1th - 31th August 2020
Venue
Hachikenya-hama, Osaka city
Organizer
Aqua Metropolis Osaka consortium
Sponsor
Chishima Real Estate Co., Ltd.