Lessons from South Tokyo’s creative neighbourhood

In many cities today, urban development often follows a predictable formula: ageing districts are cleared, new towers rise, and the local character that once defined the neighbourhood quietly disappears.

Yet in a corner of Tokyo, a different model is taking shape – one that draws from the past while experimenting with the future.

The “Made in South Tokyo” exhibition, recently held in Kuala Lumpur as part of KLAF 2026: Future Culture, offers a glimpse into this alternative approach to urban regeneration.

Showcasing designers, engineers and artists working within Tokyo’s Kamata-Omori district, the exhibition reveals how craft, architecture and community collaboration can revitalise neighbourhoods without erasing their identity.