In Sapporo's Odori area, a new community space called "TONKAN SAPPORO" opened on November 19, 2025, with students leading everything from finding the property to design and management. We spoke with Rino Omura, the representative of TONKAN SAPPORO, and Keita Watanabe, the next representative, about this place that is expected to become a hub for creating connections between the community, companies, students, and businesses.

We interviewed Rino Omura (left), representative of TONKAN SAPPORO, and Keita Watanabe (right), the next representative.

TONKAN SAPPORO is a community space primarily run by students interested in civil engineering, architecture, and urban planning in and around Sapporo. Equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, large work desks, and free drinks, it's a place where students can work on assignments and projects, and the general public can use it for PC work or taking a break.

Although its theme is "Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning," users are not required to be in those fields. It is a new "community hub" where anyone can drop by.

Students who worked together to create the space gathered for the opening party.

A major feature is that students took the lead in creating the space, from selecting the property to designing it. The project began in December 2024, sparked by architecture students who wanted to experience creating a space themselves. They started by searching for potential properties. After comparing several candidates, they chose the current location, prioritizing a place easily accessible for students.

The opening party.

The interior design was decided through a student competition. The current design was selected from six proposals after being judged by three architecture professors from the Sapporo area. During the main construction period from August to October, up to 40 people participated on-site. They worked almost every day during the summer break, and in the evenings after classes resumed. Over 20 people continue to be involved in its operation.

While facing many unexpected challenges on-site, the students' efforts were supported by experienced construction companies and others who provided construction cooperation, design advice, and contractor introductions. With advice from a first-class architect who serves as an advisor for the entire TONKAN project, the student-led initiative became a real learning opportunity where the expertise of professionals and local skills intersected.

Another feature of TONKAN SAPPORO is its student-friendly pricing. It's free for architecture and civil engineering students, 300 yen per day for other students (including junior high and high school), and 600 yen for the general public. With Wi-Fi, power outlets, and free drinks available, it's perfect for long work sessions. It is open on weekday evenings and on Saturday, Sunday, and holiday afternoons. While it serves as a workspace open to everyone, it is also envisioned as a community hub for consulting with peers, socializing, and more, not just for work.

Located right next to the Sapporo Clock Tower, on the B1 floor of the Sapporo Clock Tower Building.

After the opening, various events and workshops are planned, such as portfolio consultation sessions for architecture students led by senior students. TONKAN SAPPORO aims to create a cycle of learning and practice as a "place where students, companies, and the community meet."

The project involves students from various backgrounds, including Sapporo City University, Seisa Dohto University, and Hokkaido Polytechnic College. Students skilled in design and those strong in practical work naturally complement each other's roles, creating a place where learning from different schools intersects. Rino Omura says, "I want to make it a place where we can build a network that transcends university boundaries."

This new "community hub" in Sapporo is alive with the spirit of student challenges. Be sure to stop by and see it for yourself.