Once a declining city center, Maebashi, Japan, is undergoing a creative transformation led by private initiatives, art-focused architecture, and a new city-wide biennale.

Maebashi, the capital of Gunma Prefecture, has emerged as a hub for art and design following the 2020 opening of the Shiroiya Hotel. The project, commissioned by JINS founder Hitoshi Tanaka and designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, serves as a centerpiece for a broader urban regeneration effort. Located 70 minutes from Tokyo, the city is now attracting artists and design enthusiasts through a series of private-led initiatives.

The Shiroiya Hotel Development

The Shiroiya Hotel integrates a 1970s concrete structure with contemporary design. It features the Heritage Tower, which houses 17 guestrooms, and the Green Tower, a grass-covered mound containing eight additional rooms and wellness facilities. The site includes public spaces, a cafe, and a bakery, with interiors designed by various studios. The hotel also features concept rooms by designers including Jasper Morrison and Michele De Lucchi.

City-Wide Regeneration Efforts

Regeneration in Maebashi is guided by the 'Mebuku – Where Good Things Grow' initiative, launched in 2016. Key developments include the conversion of a former shopping complex into the Arts Maebashi museum and the 2023 opening of Maebashi Galleria, a mixed-use complex that houses galleries and residences. Independent businesses, including restaurants and retail shops, have also occupied vacant units along the city's covered shopping arcades.

Upcoming Maebashi Biennale

The inaugural Maebashi Biennale is scheduled to run from September 19 to December 20, 2026. The event will feature works by more than 70 artists and groups, including teamLab and Mika Ninagawa, across various city venues such as historic silk mills and waterfront sites. The biennale aims to highlight Maebashi's cultural evolution and its history as a former center of silk production.