Our CEO, Tomokazu Iwabuchi, co-authored the book "The Promise and Perils of Gentrification: Case Studies for Gradual Urban Growth" (Gakugei Shuppansha), published on March 15, 2026.
The book appears as Volume 38 in the Ryukoku University Institute for International Social and Cultural Studies book series, and takes as its theme "gentrification" — one of the most pressing issues in contemporary urban planning and regional regeneration.
About the Book
Even as urban regeneration and improvement move forward, serious side effects have also come to light — from rising land prices displacing existing residents to the erosion of a place's distinct culture and character.
Drawing on ten case studies from Japan and abroad, the book examines both the promise and the perils that gentrification brings. Rather than simply criticizing the upscaling of cities, it analyzes — from multiple angles — how cities can grow better, and more gradually, without undergoing abrupt transformation.
Iwabuchi's Contribution
Drawing on his practical and research experience, Iwabuchi contributed analysis of specific case studies from Japan and abroad, along with insights for building sustainable cities.
What is needed for urban regeneration to lead to inclusion rather than exclusion?
From a practitioner's perspective, he discusses issues that will serve as a touchstone for the community-building efforts ahead.
Book Details
- Title: The Promise and Perils of Gentrification: Case Studies for Gradual Urban Growth
- Editor: Keiro Hattori
- Co-authors: Daisuke Abe, Takeshi Kurose, Ryoga Ishihara, Tomokazu Iwabuchi
- Publisher: Gakugei Shuppansha
- Release date: March 15, 2026
- Price: ¥3,080 (tax included)
We hope this book reaches anyone involved in urban development or regional revitalization, and anyone thinking about the future shape of our cities. We will keep applying what we learned from this book to our own work, and contribute to building richer local communities.
More on how this book connects to our work is available on our CEO's page.