MINATO MIRAI 21
YOKOHAMA
Japan
Located in Yokohama, Japan, Minato Mirai 21—its name meaning “Port of the Future”—is a flagship waterfront redevelopment area that serves as a major economic hub and a platform for sustainable urban transformation. The district is home to approximately 2,050 companies and attracts over 101.8 million visitors annually.
Built on this foundation, Minato Mirai 21 has been transformed from former industrial and port land into a mixed-use district integrating business, culture, and residential functions, with parks, promenades, and open waterfront spaces that enhance urban life.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Building on these efforts, Minato Mirai 21 was designated a “Decarbonization Leading Area” in 2022. Through data-driven approaches—such as material flow analysis—and cross-sector collaboration, the district is developing urban-scale resource management models.
Starting in 2026, the Asia Pacific Circular Cities Forum will be held at Pacifico Yokohama in the district, serving as a global platform where cities share practical knowledge and real-world experience in advancing circular urban development.
As a result, Minato Mirai 21 has evolved beyond a conventional economic hub, emerging as a key district leading Yokohama’s transition toward a circular economy.
Smart City
To advance this model, the district integrates advanced technologies to promote sustainability, digital innovation, and quality of life. By convening stakeholders from academia, industry, and the public sector, it fosters co-creation and operates as a living lab where new solutions are continuously tested and refined.
Human-Centric
At the same time, by integrating high-quality urban spaces with parks and waterfront areas, along with advanced systems such as smart traffic management and disaster-resilient infrastructure, the district fosters vibrant interaction among diverse communities. Consequently, Minato Mirai 21 stands as a forward-looking smart urban model, where sophisticated infrastructure and an exceptional public realm converge to deliver enduring urban vitality and an outstanding quality of life.