​The 46th National Conference, the third time for the NC in Otaru, ended with an impression of generational change. Otaru's historic urban conservaton has made a new start for the next 20 years

From October 13th to 15th, 2023, in Otaru on a clear autumn day, the sky was blue everywhere, the sea was sparkling, and the historic buildings were shining. Approximately 400 people, including 24 from Taiwan, participated in the 46th National Conference in Otaru, with the theme of "Thinking from the 100-year history of the Otaru Canal: Bringing the charm of our hometown to the future." A serious, yet calm, debate ensued over the issues.

       The first conference in 1980 aimed to support the canal preservation movement. The second conference in 2001, after half of the canal had been reclaimed and maintained, discussed subsequent tourism, high-rise apartment development, and the role of citizen movements and government. This time, the third time, the basic theme was how to create a system to ensure that the achievements of the past are passed on into the future.

       On the first day, Professor Saburo Horikawa of Hosei University's Department of Sociology gave a report on Otaru, pointing out that Otaru's current stage is the "beginning of the end," and the participants were encouraged to think about how to reverse this "beginning of the end."On the other hand, there is great hope in the fact that young activists are beginning to take the initiative to utilize the HOKKAICAN CO Third Warehouse, which has been donated to the city for preservation.

       On the third day, the "Mayor's Summit: Historic Conservation and Community Development" was held at Assembly Hall in Otaru City. As Uchiko Mayor ONOUE Masahisa, Hakodate Mayor Jun Oizumi, and Otaru Mayor Toshiya Sako spoke with pride about their respective historic conservation efforts, I realized that 40 years have passed since the citizens and government faced off over canal preservation.

       In the corner for reports from various places, Magobe Hattori of Nagoya Arimatsu, who turned 94 this year, took the stage and reminded us of the words of Fumi MINEYAMA, leader of the canal preservation movement: "Let's cherish our hometown, which is nearby" "Though stakes may be driven in the canals, no stakes will be driven in our hearts"

Declaration​

＊＊＊

       The next 47th conference will be held in Tokyo from October 26th to 27th, 2024. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of our association. We would like to have an intensive discussion with all the participants about the next development of historical urban conservation. The venue is Chiba University Sumida Campus. The Mukojima EXPO will be held in the area, and we hope you will enjoy the historical environment of Tokyo, including Yanesen.

​