“Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce × Taisho University: Brooklyn Made Pop-Up Store” Opens

May 7, 2026

An opening reception was held on the 24th in anticipation of the grand opening on the 25th.
Attendees included Randy Peers, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce who has recently been appointed as a visiting professor at Taisho University, as well as designers Natchie, Voodo Fē, and Skool Milk, all of whom traveled to Japan from Brooklyn. We were honored to have numerous dignitaries in attendance, including Toshima Ward Mayor Miyuki Takagi from Toshima Ward, Chairman Shintaro Fukushima from the Sugamo Ekimae Shopping Street, and Chairman Hideaki Matsumiya from the Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street, who all offered words of congratulations.
On the opening days, the 25th and 26th, the store was bustling with many customers, including fans of the designers and those seeking specific items.

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This project aims to revitalize the Sugamo area through international products and culture, with a focus on “community support” and “small business support.” It is jointly operated by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Taisho University. For Taisho University, the project serves as a valuable practical learning opportunity as part of its PBL (Problem-Based Learning) program, helping students improve their planning, execution, and communication skills.

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Everyone is welcome, so please stop by.
Photos will also be posted on Taisho University’s official Instagram and Facebook (大正大学 | Taisho University | Facebook) accounts.

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce × Taisho University “Brooklyn Made” Pop-Up Store
Dates: April 25 (Sat) – July 12 (Sun), 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Open Thursdays through Sundays and on holidays)
Address: 1F Sugamo TK Building, 3-27-6 Sugamo, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0002 (1-minute walk from Sugamo Station)

Products for Sale:

• “Brooklyn Made,” a brand from Brooklyn, New York
• Original items created by renowned designers Natchie, Voodo Fē, and Skool Milk
• Original items planned by the above designers in collaboration with Taisho University students and many other products.

Inquiries (Store): 03-5394-3062
Pop-up Store Special Website (View available products)： brooklynmadestore.com/pages/now-open-in-tokyo

Featured Article: https://mainichi.jp/articles/20260426/k00/00m/040/215000c

We held a panel discussion at the Nikkei Regional Revitalization Forum

December 9, 2025

On Tuesday, December 9, as part of the “The Nikkei Regional Revitalization Forum: ‘Developing Regional Strategy Talent Will Shape the Future!’” hosted by the Nikkei, Professor Yosuke Hiraishi and students from our university held a panel discussion on the theme “Harnessing Brooklyn’s Diversity and Potential for Regional Revitalization,” sharing insights into their on-site activities.

日経地方創生フォーラムでパネルディスカッションを実施しました

2025年12月9日

12月9日（火）日本経済新聞社主催「日経地方創生フォーラム『地域戦略人材の育成が未来を創る！』」内で、「ブルックリンの多様性と可能性を地方創生に活かすために」をテーマに、平石洋介 教授と本学学生が現地での活動の様子などを交えて、パネルディスカッションを行いました。

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Initiation of Collaboration with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce on “Community Support and Small Business Assistance”

June 23, 2025

On Tuesday, June 10, our university welcomed President Randy Peers, Senior Vice President Dina Rabiner, and Global Affairs Specialist Nayun Ko from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (BCC) in New York, and launched a collaborative initiative focused on “community support and small business assistance.”
Up to now, our university has deepened partnerships with local shopping streets and regional communities through the development of the Gamall Marche, based in Sugamo, Tokyo. Meanwhile, the BCC has been actively supporting small businesses in the Brooklyn area and working to revitalize the local economy through the “Brooklyn Made” brand. Based on the shared philosophies and achievements of both parties, this relationship was established in conjunction with the opening of our university’s New York–Brooklyn Satellite Campus.
On the day of the event, our university introduced an overview of the institution and its initiatives in the Sugamo area, while the BCC explained the characteristics of the Brooklyn region and the activities of the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Chairman Hiroyuki Watanabe and Executive Director Go Ishii from the Toshima Branch of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated, providing reports on the current state of Toshima Ward and the Chamber’s initiatives and challenges. This was followed by an exchange of opinions aimed at concrete future collaboration.
Afterward, a field visit was conducted in the Sugamo area, including tours of the Gamall Marche and Gamall Shigakutei, as well as visits to the Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street and the Sugamo Station Shopping Street, allowing the guests to experience local commercial activity firsthand.
Based on these discussions, we will strengthen our cooperative framework toward conducting test marketing of “Brooklyn Made” products in Sugamo. Furthermore, we will continue discussions to develop activities linked to educational programs in New York in the next academic year, and work to concretize plans for community support and small business assistance.

• Gamall Marche:

  An antenna shop operated mainly by our university students, introducing specialty products from municipalities across Japan with which the university collaborates, based on a vision of coexistence with regional communities, and presenting these products in Sugamo.

• Gamall Shigakutei:

  A unique café/classroom jointly operated by rakugo performer Shirara Tatekawa (Visiting Researcher at our university’s Regional Vision Research Institute) and the university, where visitors can enjoy rakugo performances. Students are involved in store operations and menu development, providing a space that connects the appeal of Sugamo Jizo-dori and the world of rakugo.

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ニューヨーク・ブルックリン商工会議所と「地域支援およびスモールビジネス支援」に関する連携を始動しました

2025年6月23日

• ガモールマルシェ

  本学の学生が主体となって運営する日本全国のアンテナショップ。地方との共生をビジョンに掲げ、日本各地に点在する本学連携自治体の特産物を、巣鴨の地で紹介しています。

• ガモール志學亭

  落語家・立川志らら氏（本学地域構想研究所 客員研究員）と大学が共同で運営する、全国でも珍しい落語が楽しめるカフェ兼教室です。学生が店舗運営に携わり、メニュー開発を行うほか、巣鴨地蔵通りの魅力と落語の世界をつなげる空間を提供しています。​

Japanese Calligraphy An Infinite UNIVERSE
HAKKO ISHITOBI Exhibition

April 13, Sunday ~ April 27, Sunday

Experience the mesmerizing artistry of HAKKO ISHITOBI, Japan’s preeminent calligrapher, as he brings his groundbreaking “Ishitobi Style” to New York. For over half a century, his unique fusion of traditional beauty and modern sophistication has captivated audiences worldwide. Ishitobi’s powerful yet graceful expressions, born from a flexible and free spirit, have influenced generations of calligraphers.

Now, Ishitobi extends his educational reach to New York, sharing the profound spirituality inherent in writing. His teachings offer a path to mindfulness and well-being, nourishing the soul in our turbulent world.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness HAKKO ISHITOBI’s first New York exhibition, an event that transcends boarders and continues to enchant people worldwide.

J-Collabo/OSSAM Gallery: 300 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Hours: Mon - Wed by appointment only, Thu - Sun - Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tel: 347-987-3217
j-collabo.org

• DOCUMENTARY VIDEO
• ドキュメンタリー動画