The Tsuruta Town Regional Revitalization Support Center "TSURUTA LABO" (Tsuruta Town, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture), which utilizes a former school building, will open in Tsuruta, Aomori on November 16th.

The school building of Tsuruta Town Mizumoto Central Elementary School, which closed in 2019, will be used as rental offices, co-working spaces, event venues and shared shops. Tsuruta Lab is run by the Mottainai Research Institute, a general incorporated association established by local volunteers.

The school building, completed in 2004, is a two-story reinforced concrete structure with a total floor area of ​​3,613 square meters. It features a gymnasium, grounds, outdoor pool, multipurpose hall with an atrium, kitchen, broadcasting room and tea room.

According to the organization, eight classrooms will be rented out as offices, and four of the rooms are already occupied. The usage fee is 46,000 yen per classroom per month. Discounts are also available for cooperation in supporting the organization's activities. The usage fee for the co-working space is 300 yen per hour, 1,000 yen per day, and 8,000 yen per month. The usage fee for the gymnasium and grounds is 100 yen per person per hour (maximum fee of 800 yen for eight or more people).

Opening events will be held on November 16th and 17th. On the 16th, a talk event will be held with guest Yamada Takashi, known for his book "Japan's Most Odd Civil Servant," and on the 17th, Hamada Daitoyo, managing director of "Ikikaki Market," which runs the market "Niji no Mart" (in front of Hirosaki Station), will be invited. 15 stores selling food, drink, and craft goods will be set up at the venue. Admission is free. The event will be held from 10:00 to 17:00.

The organization's representative, Utako Oka, said, "We launched the organization with the concept of 'creating the future out of waste.' We want to use the resources of our hometown, Tsuruta Town, to create a place that will bring joy to the local community." She also said, "We are looking for ideas for events and how to utilize the school building."