MINATO MIRAI 21
YOKOHAMA
Japan
Minato Mirai 21, located in Yokohama, Japan, is a flagship urban redevelopment area well-known for pioneering smart city initiatives. The district integrates cutting-edge technologies to promote sustainability, digital innovation, and a high quality of urban life. The Minato Mirai 21 Smart City Consortium, in partnership with local government, universities, and private companies, spearheads efforts aligned with Yokohama’s “SDGs Future City” and “Innovation City” policies.
Minato Mirai 21 covers a waterfront development consolidating former industrial and port properties into a thriving business, cultural, and residential hub. Notable features include the PACIFICO Yokohama convention centre, Queen’s Square shopping mall, and the iconic Landmark Tower. The development emphasises green spaces and waterfront accessibility with extensive parks and promenades. Infrastructure modernisation includes broadband and 5G networks, smart transportation management, and disaster resilience systems embedded within the urban fabric.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Environmental sustainability is integral, encompassing energy-efficient buildings, green rooftops, water recycling, and eco-friendly public transport options. Minato Mirai places a high priority on preserving waterfront ecology and reducing urban heat through landscape design.
Smart City
The smart initiatives deploy IoT, 5G, AI, and big data analytics to manage energy, transport, and public safety. Digital platforms enable real-time city monitoring, smart lighting, and efficient resource allocation, promoting decarbonisation and innovation-led growth.
Human-Centric
Human-centred urban planning fosters inclusive public spaces, pedestrian-friendly environments, and cultural venues that create vibrant community life. Public art, accessible green zones, and engagement in SDG initiatives reinforce social cohesion and well-being.
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