2014/03/24 URP INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM: "On Urban Change, Gentrification and Neighborhood Regeneration in Osaka"

Inviting Doreen Massey (Emeritus Professor, The Open University, UK), this colloquium offers a discussion on diverse forms of gentrification and focuses on the particular case of Osaka. This discussion originates from our interest in adopting western theoretical paradigms to examine local urban changes in Japanese cities on the one hand, and in interpreting particular (empirical) urban changes to readdress the general concept of gentrification on the other. Instead of exclusively focusing on common patterns of gentrification, we bring into dialogue other forms of urban restructuring in downtown and inner-city areas. As such, we try to juxtapose the negative effects of gentrification against the pressing issues of local regeneration and urban decline. The ultimate aim of this research project is to develop a more holistic concept to open up possibilities for engaging with alternative forms of urban revitalization. This time, we focus on the cases of Nishinari, Horie and Nakazaki-cho.

 

*** Date and Time:

24 March, 2014 (Mon), 12:00-16:00

*** Venue:

Takahara Memorial Hall, Osaka City University

*** Program:

Welcome Speech (12:30-12:40)

          by Director or Vice Director of URP

 Presentations (12:40-14:20  25min. each)　

      (Moderator: Masato Mori - Mie University)

    1. Toshio Mizuuchi (URP/OCU), "Landscapes of Urban Restructuring in Japan, Inclusive Urban Regeneration (Machizukuri) or Exclusive Gentrification?"

    2. Johannes Kiener (URP/OCU), "The Becoming of the 'Retro Town Nakazaki-cho': How Cultural Consumption Changes Osaka's Inner City"

    3. Meric Kirmizi (Osaka University), "The Process of Urban Change in Osaka City after the Collapse of the Economic Bubble: The Case of NW Horie"

    4. Geerhardt Kornatowski (URP/OCU), "On the Line between Gentrification and Social Mixing: Unique Changes in NW Nishinari's Housing Market"

 

 Coffee Break (14:20-14:50)

 

 Comments by Prof. Massey and Open Discussion (14:50-16:20)

 

 Excursion, Banquet (TBA)