The Problem We Solve
PPP doesn't stall because of technology or funding — it's a people problem.
Want to act, but don't know how? Public asset utilization starts here.
Isolated staff, internal persuasion barriers, inexperienced local companies. As a producer, we support the entire journey from concept to business.
Municipal staff, private operators, community professionals — for everyone who wants to turn public assets into viable businesses.
Getting Started
If you are considering public asset utilization, start here.
For Municipalities
For those considering aging infrastructure, school reuse, or PPP/PFI adoption. From regulatory guidance to consensus support.
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For Private Operators
For those exploring Park-PFI or Small Concession entry. From RFP analysis to SPC formation support.
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Community Development Professionals
For NPOs, community groups, researchers, and students. Practical knowledge on consensus building and area management, plus newsletter updates on the latest cases.
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Public Assets in Numbers
Japan's public assets are at a major turning point. The following figures illustrate the scale and urgency.
Schools closed (2002–2021 cumulative)
~8,580
Source: Ministry of Education (MEXT)
Park-PFI permits issued
150+
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (since 2017)
Public facilities over 30 years old
~60%
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Municipalities adopting Small Concessions
~50
Source: Cabinet Office PFI Promotion Office
Four Specialist Areas
PUBLIC 0 provides in-depth coverage across four domains.
Park-PFI
The Park Management System under Japan's Urban Park Act. We explain how the private sector activates parks through cafes, sports facilities, and event spaces.
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Small Concession
Delegating management and operations of smaller public facilities — such as community centers or former municipal buildings — to the private sector.
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Closed School Reuse
Converting school closures caused by declining birthrates into community assets. From certification schemes to reuse case studies.
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Facility Management
About 60% of public facilities are over 30 years old. Repair costs are 4x the budget. We help you decide: demolish, renovate, or revitalize — with evidence and options.
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Featured Case Studies
One representative case from each of our four specialist areas. Each article is a structural analysis — covering the background, revenue model, and conditions under which the case can be replicated.
Kadaru Terrace Kindaichi
Structural analysis of Kadaru Terrace Kindaichi in Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture (population 23,000). A locally funded townscape company, Kadaru Mirai, led a hot spring × Park-PFI project that won the 2023 JSCE Design Prize — a success model for small municipalities.
Read the analysis
Manazuru Small Concession
Structural analysis of the small concession project between Manazuru Town, Kanagawa (population ~6,000) and ENJOYWORKS. As the first case adopted under MLIT's Small Concession Formation Promotion Program, examines the citizen-participatory workshops and operator development-oriented public tender design for the former Folklore Museum (former Tsuchiya Residence).
Read the analysis
Kamiyama Green Valley
Structural analysis of 15 years of idle facility reuse by NPO Green Valley in Kamiyama Town, Tokushima Prefecture (population ~5,000). From artist-in-residence to satellite office recruitment to the opening of Kamiyama Marugoto Kosen — the process of achieving 'creative depopulation.'
Read the analysis
Nagaoka Kosodatenoeki Senshu
Structural analysis of Nagaoka City's Kosodatenoeki Senshu 'Tekuteku.' Opened in 2009 as Japan's first park-integrated childcare support facility. Examines the design philosophy of resident nursery staff, free admission, and all-weather functionality, plus the sustainable model expanded to 13+ locations.
Read the analysis
Not sure where to start with public asset utilization?
Our specialists will walk you through scheme selection and project development — step by step.
Editorial Policy
PUBLIC 0 is guided by four principles: "Neutrality" — balanced analysis from both public and private perspectives; "Evidence-based" — grounded in official statistics, laws, and policy documents; "Practice-oriented" — going beyond institutional explanations into hands-on procedures, case studies, and checklists; and "Openness" — all articles free to access with clearly cited sources. We aim to be a public knowledge resource where anyone can verify primary sources while making informed decisions.
How to Get Started
Consulting on public asset utilization follows three simple steps. Feel free to reach out — there is no cost or obligation.
Inquiry
Contact us via form or email. We'll ask a few questions about your situation. No fees whatsoever.
Hearing
We conduct an online or in-person session to understand your current situation, challenges, and the specific facilities or areas involved.
Proposal
We present concrete next steps — including scheme options, regulatory feasibility, and a projected timeline.
About Fees
Fees vary by project scope, duration, and required scope. Initial consultation is free, and we share ballpark figures and expected timelines on the spot. We tailor proposals to your annual budget constraints and subsidy availability.
* Zero-upfront options such as corporate hometown tax personnel dispatch (¥63B/year, 157 cases) are also available.
Start with a fee consultationWhat changes when you use PUBLIC 0
Beyond reading articles, when you consult —
Find projects that match your profile
We collect Small Concession, Park-PFI, and other procurement information nationwide, and introduce matching opportunities.
Start dialogue with municipalities
Through seminars, workshops, and sounding events, we help create connections with municipalities.
Assemble the right team
Architects, construction firms, financial institutions — the partners your project needs are found. "Can't do this alone" is no longer a barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is PUBLIC 0 for?
Our primary audience includes municipal staff, private operators, and community development professionals. Anyone interested in public asset utilization will find our content valuable.
How reliable is the information in your articles?
All articles are based on official statistics, legislation, and regulatory documents. Sources are cited within each article, allowing readers to verify the original references.
How much does it cost?
The initial consultation is free. We provide individual quotes based on the scope, duration, and scale of subsequent support. Zero-upfront options such as subsidies and corporate hometown tax personnel dispatch are also available.
Can I cite articles in municipal documents?
Yes, citation is permitted with proper attribution. Please cite as "PUBLIC 0."
Can I cite articles in council questions or internal government materials?
Yes. With 'Public 0' and the URL credited as the source, you are free to use our content in council inquiries, internal review materials, and training resources.
Can I cite articles in academic research?
Yes. All articles are freely available, and referenced statistics and regulatory documents are clearly cited. Please follow standard web citation format with URL and access date. Research inquiries are also welcome via our newsletter.
Who operates PUBLIC 0?
PUBLIC 0 is operated by the Institute for Social Vision Design (ISVD), a nonprofit organization that addresses social challenges through design, including public asset revitalization.
About the Operator
PUBLIC 0 is operated by the Institute for Social Vision Design (ISVD).
Operated by
Institute for Social Vision Design (ISVD)
ISVD is a nonprofit organization that confronts social challenges and creates solutions through the power of design. Public asset revitalization through public-private partnerships is one of ISVD's core activities, providing consulting services to both municipalities and private operators.
Principal Contributor
PUBLIC 0 articles are written by contributors with hands-on experience in public asset revitalization, based on primary sources and official policy documents.
Naoya Yokota
Public Asset Revitalization Producer / Licensed Real Estate Specialist
Institute for Social Vision & Design (ISVD)（Representative Director） / Correlate Design LLC（CEO）
Specializing in public-private partnerships for public asset revitalization. With a background in landscape design and policy science, he provides end-to-end support for Park-PFI, Small Concession, and closed school reuse projects — from feasibility analysis to business design and proposal development. Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist.
* We welcome contributions from local practitioners and researchers. If you're interested in writing for us, please get in touch.
Activity Snapshot
Current activity status of ISVD, the operator of Public 0, and accumulated site information.
specialist articles published
114
focus areas systematized
4
initial consultation
Free
* Specific client engagements and case studies will be shared during individual consultations, with due consideration to confidentiality.
"Nothing decided yet" is perfectly fine
From early concepts to full project launch, our specialists are here to help — free of charge.