Redefining Japan’s future airport city

Masterplanning balanced growth

We developed the NAC concept masterplan to stimulate the hinterland economy, promote synergy, innovation and rejuvenation by amalgamating knowledge, industries and housing around NRT, and attracting in foreign capital and know-how to catalyse skills and productivity uplift. Connecting nine towns and cities, our strategy ensures balanced growth for the airport and surrounding communities, blending living, working, leisure and nature seamlessly.

Development nodes strategically located in areas with existing infrastructure and minimal constraints optimise opportunities while minimising environmental impact. A proposed new rail station aims to enhance accessibility to the Tokyo Metropolitan Region, while an expanded public transport network will bolster connectivity within and beyond NAC.

Our plan underscores the incorporation of world-class amenities, a welcoming environment and additional community facilities for local and global talent. By integrating agricultural landscapes, topographic features and waterways into the urban fabric, we will establish a central green/blue corridor network that promotes active mobility and wellbeing.

Embracing heritage and innovation

As a foundational strategy, NAC guides future discussions, consolidates emerging opportunities and supports marketing efforts both nationally and internationally. By positioning NAC as a globally competitive hub, our masterplan ensures sustainable development that aligns with the needs of both business and community.

At the heart of this vision lies ‘heritage and innovation’, honouring the region’s cultural and historical significance while embracing modern advancements. This concept rests on four key pillars: creating vibrant communities with aspirational living and employment opportunities, establishing a leading aviation innovation hub in East Asia, developing a distinct tourism destination beyond Tokyo and fostering a life sciences cluster propelling technology and sustainability forward.

Defining success

At the outset of the study, our focus was on creating an attractive alternative to Greater Tokyo Area’s dense urban landscape through airport city development. We aimed to benefit existing communities, reduce environmental impact, rejuvenate the declining agricultural sector, drive industry innovation and attract investment, aligning with the government’s objectives. We identified 55 key performance indicators to guide the masterplan within a strategic framework.

As NAC emerges as a vital economic driver for the region, our proposed enhancements include:

• Revitalising the local community with essential government services and infrastructure, potentially partnering with the private sector.
• Promoting sustainable development, including net-zero targets and agritech opportunities, to enhance farming productivity.
• Stimulating investment in human capital, start-ups, green technologies and digital innovations to create jobs and spur productivity growth.
• Attracting tourists by providing a hub connecting to various destinations, fostering exploration of local areas.

Economic positioning

The economic positioning analysis for the future NAC evaluates key sectors, value chains and major players and aligns them to government growth objectives. By estimating sector potential, it provides development recommendations in line with NAC’s goals, global trends and its unique locational advantages.

Captured in a regional masterplan, NAC aims to establish a self-sufficient mixed-use development. It offers an attractive alternative to Tokyo’s urban density, diverse and international services and facilities to attract domestic and foreign talent, create high-value job opportunities, revitalise agriculture and serve as a springboard for tourists to explore the region.

The masterplan identifies constraints such as airport-related restrictions, the integration of cultural sites, agricultural activities and hazardous areas. However, opportunities lie in expanding the region’s multimodal transport network, improving access to tourism assets and leveraging natural attractions. The study highlights significant upside potential in life sciences (agritech, medtech and electronics), aviation (cargo, MRO – maintenance, repair and overhaul and training) and tourism.