good luck Good Luck (General Incorporated Association)
Why

More people who make their own city better, on their own

Vacant lots, vacant houses, empty spaces in shopping streets. Every community has resources that were never put to use. And both adults and children have a wish to make something and to try something. We connect the two and put them into practice in the city. Our aim is to increase the number of people who take an active part in making their own city better.

  1. The social problem

    0×10,000 homes

    Japan has 9 million vacant homes, a vacancy rate of 13.8%, the highest on record. In Suminoe Ward it is 13.6%, about one house in seven. Even on shopping streets, unused space is appearing inside shops. Our towns hold a great many resources that are not yet being put to use.

    Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Housing and Land Survey (2023), Osaka City tabulation

    Our approach

    Before building something new, use what the community already has. Vacant lots become gardens, vacant storefronts become hubs for children, and empty space inside shops becomes a place for small-scale business. We team up with owners of land and buildings, local governments, and residents to draw out the value of these resources.

    What we have achieved

    0㎡

    The size of Minna no Uen Higashisumiyoshi, which opened in July 2026. Our practice, which began with a 150 m² vacant lot in Kitakagaya, has grown to include turning disaster-prevention open space into a garden with Kobe City and UR, and a pop-up on the Kagaya Shopping Street (SAINEN Shopping Street).

  2. The social problem

    0%

    In households with an annual income under 3 million yen, about one child in three (29.9%) had no experiences outside school in a whole year. Opportunities to try what you want to do vary greatly with a family's circumstances. It is the same for adults: the wish to open a shop or to teach something is held back by the hurdles of place and cost.

    Source: Chance for Children, "Survey on the Experience Gap among Children" (2022)

    Our approach

    We create places in town where people, adults and children alike, can give shape to their creativity and their wish to try things. Children take on challenges using the children's currency "puubu" at Kodomo Publica, a creative hub that is free to join. Adults become the ones who teach or open a shop, in gardens, kitchens, and vacant spaces on the shopping street.

    What we have achieved

    0people

    The total number of children who came to Kodomo Publica in fiscal 2025. We held 11 workshops led by local artists and shop owners as teachers. Those who were taught are now teaching others.

  3. The social problem

    0 in 10

    About 40% of people feel lonely, and 9.7% say they "never" talk with family or friends face to face. Chances to think of the town as your own concern, and to get involved, keep shrinking.

    Source: Cabinet Office, National Survey on Loneliness and Isolation (2025)

    Our approach

    Instead of "preparing and providing" a place, the people involved cultivate and run it themselves: tending the garden, leading workshops, planning events. As people take on roles and get involved, the town changes from a place where they live into a place they improve themselves.

    What we have achieved

    0years

    The number of years we have kept going in Kitakagaya. Minna no Uen Kitakagaya moved to self-management by its participants in 2014, its second year. People from age 5 to 80 take part, and some say, "I made lifelong friends after turning 50."