Posted at : 2014-03-03

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.

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Date and Time:

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

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Venue:

Takahara Memorial Hall, Osaka City
University

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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)