Science More research labs move from suburbs to central Tokyo

An increasing number of research laboratories are choosing central Tokyo over suburban and regional locations, a shift that has undercut the long-standing role of smaller communities as hosts for scientific institutions. Local governments have attempted to attract laboratories to their areas in the hope of stimulating economic activity and establishing knowledge hubs. Yet many companies are now gravitating toward the capital, drawn by the ease of collaboration with other research organisations and the advantages of being in a city where competition for scientific and technological talent is at its fiercest.


One recent example is JR East, which established the Link Scholars' Hub (LiSH) in the south tower of Takanawa Gateway City. The facility opened in March, coinciding with the unveiling of part of the new commercial complex adjacent to the JR Yamanote Line's latest station in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

LiSH houses four laboratories where researchers can conduct fundamental experiments and work with microorganisms, plants, and aquatic life. Additionally, it offers private rooms for focused research. Together, the four labs cover approximately 500 square metres and are equipped with low-temperature deep freezers, autoclaves, and a range of other essential apparatus.

The trend of opening laboratories in central Tokyo will likely continue. "As competition intensifies to secure offices in central Tokyo, developers can increase the rent per 'tsubo' (3.3 square meters) and make more profits by turning them into laboratories," said Gaku Funada, a principal researcher at the Japan Research Institute Ltd. However, there are concerns that the overconcentration of laboratories in central Tokyo could hurt local regions. "It can be a factor that sends local industries into a decline," Funada said. "Administrative authorities must grasp the actual conditions of labs concentrated in central Tokyo and promote a system in which labs in urban and local areas can work together."

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It's the scientists, support staff etc who constitute a research facility. Why would they want to live 'out in the sticks' with all it's disadvantages compared to living and working in a convenient city with good schools for the kids, a Kyudo dojo and comic book store etc?

Ukigumo said:

It's the scientists, support staff etc who constitute a research facility. Why would they want to live 'out in the sticks' with all it's disadvantages compared to living and working in a convenient city with good schools for the kids, a Kyudo dojo and comic book store etc?

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Because in Japan there are many places outside the city center that have these things PLUS affordable housing.

mdchachi said:

Because in Japan there are many places outside the city center that have these things PLUS affordable housing.

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There must be something else that's unattractive about them otherwise the idea would be successful.

I think people don't mind more suburban areas but everybody has their own preference as to where they want to be. For example there are people who prefer Saitama, others that prefer Gunma and other that prefer Kanagawa. So the only central place that is somewhat satisfactory to everybody is Tokyo.