Hiroaki Hoshino, Representative Director, President and CEO, Tokyu Land Corporation

Cities start moving when people "give it a try."

Representative Director and President, Tokyu Land Corporation　Hiroaki Hoshino (Hiroaki Hoshino)

■ Profile
Born in Saitama Prefecture in September 1965. Graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Keio University. Joined Tokyu Land Corporation in April 1989, where he worked in the office and commercial facility business. After serving as an executive officer and director, he became the President and Representative Director of Tokyu Land Corporation in April 2023. He is leading the redevelopment of Shibuya, Tokyo, which is said to be a once-in-a-century event.

Hiroaki Hoshino of Tokyu Land Corporation became interested in the real estate industry after noticing "this park is nice" as a student. Since joining the company, he has continued to bring greenery to cities and create reasons for people to gather. The driving force that has allowed him to overcome the bubble economy, the Lehman Brothers crisis, and COVID-19 is "never run away, never give up, never be discouraged." These words are filled with real passion and determination that will resonate with even anxious students.

I attended university from 1985 to 1989. At the time, we were in the midst of the bubble economy, with stock prices rising almost daily and even students taking an interest in asset management. As a student, I loved getting together with people and valued spending time with my club members more than studying. We would see each other at university almost every day and then go out into the city to chat. I was particularly passionate about seasonal sports. I belonged to an intercollegiate club that was popular at the time and enjoyed various sports for each season, mainly tennis. My basic attitude was to "give it a try," and my connections with my club members were my greatest motivation.

■ My interest in real estate started with "This park is nice."

It was a random moment that sparked my interest in the real estate industry. I was walking around town and suddenly thought, "This park feels nice," so I started researching to find out who built it. As I pursued how land and buildings move and how they create value, I realized that if I was on the "builder's side," I could be involved in making the city itself more appealing. By the time I was in my third year, I had solidified my desire to work in the real estate industry and decided to join Tokyu Land Corporation.
The first thing I was in charge of after joining the company was the renovation of Tokyu Plaza Kamata (located in Ota Ward, Tokyo), which is located in front of Kamata Station and is famous for its rooftop Ferris wheel. Although it was in a prime location in front of the station, I was still just starting out and there were many constraints, such as the building, so it was difficult to put together the renovation plan as I had originally envisioned. It was around this time that I learned that you never know what a job is like until you actually try it, and that's why you just have to keep trying.
In 2008, the Lehman Shock occurred, dealing a major blow to the entire industry. Projects that were under construction also faced difficulties in raising funds, and loans were even stopped. As I dealt with the situation afterwards, there was a time when I asked myself, "What was the purpose of my work?" However, I continued to face my work, believing that "there is always meaning in a completed building." This experience shaped my work philosophy: "Never give up halfway through. Never stop until you find the answer."

■ Shibuya redevelopment. Making it a "town you'll want to visit" again

One of our core businesses is the redevelopment of Shibuya. This project is the culmination of years of work by the entire Tokyu Group on urban development, integrating railways and the city. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the flow of people has clearly changed. With telecommuting becoming more common, people are looking for reasons to come to the office. This is why we need to redefine what makes a city a place people want to visit again. Shibuya is a place where diverse cultures, including fashion, music, and video, intertwine and radiate. In such a city, the "atmosphere" and "vibe" are the elements that determine its value. We will cherish the city's culture while carrying out urban development that is ahead of its time, and with passion. This is the kind of city I want to pursue.
Shibuya Solasta, where our office is located, is also creating spaces that reflect this philosophy. Each department is free to design their own layout, and some floors have spaces that incorporate a lot of greenery. Many of these were ideas from employees themselves. I think a bottom-up culture is firmly rooted here.
Also, one of the keywords I consider important when it comes to urban development is creating a "green network." For example, I envision a green network that connects the central Shibuya area, which we call the "Greater Shibuya Area," from Meiji Jingu Shrine to Gaien, Aoyama, and Omotesando, with greenery scattered on building rooftops and elsewhere. At first glance, the different patches of greenery may seem separate, but when viewed from above, they are clearly connected. I believe this will have a positive impact on the ecosystem and bring a sense of "peace" to the city.

■ Energy business, regional collaboration...the evolving image of developers

In recent years, Tokyu Land has also been focusing on the renewable energy field. From the perspective of urban infrastructure, the company is undertaking new businesses that combine real estate and energy, such as developing land in consultation with local stakeholders to install power generation facilities such as solar panels. The company is also collaborating with local governments such as Sagamihara City in Kanagawa Prefecture and Matsumae Town in Hokkaido. Supporting diverse lifestyles can be said to be part of urban development.
With the question in mind, "What kind of city would I really like to live in?", I would like to continue moving forward without stopping, aiming to create a city where people and nature can coexist together.

■ I want to convey to young people the attitude of "try it first"

You may be troubled by things you don't know. But the important thing is to "try it first." Try it, and then talk about it in your own words. I think that's where it all starts. And I hope you'll meet and talk with as many people as possible. The "human warmth" that you can't get from information on the internet alone is very important.

■Message to students

Currently, the economic climate remains relatively favorable, but as you enter the workforce, you will likely face economic fluctuations at some point, and struggles may arise. It is important to remain mentally strong at times like these. In the long course of your working life, you are sure to experience ups and downs. I believe it is important to always be prepared, both physically and mentally, so that you can bounce back when you feel down. I look forward to seeing students who have the courage to never give up, regardless of whether they are in the humanities or sciences.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on July 30, 2025 by Shion Teranishi, a third-year student at Kokugakuin University

Miho Iwai, third-year student at Gakushuin Women's College / Hayato Kanamaru, first-year student at Tokyo University of Science / Shion Teranishi, third-year student at Kokugakuin University