KUROFUNE Design Holdings Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Masamichi Ueta) started from members who studied together at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Harvard business school, and MIT. In April 2021, the international student dormitory “U Share Nishi Waseda” that aims to design an optimal living environment that integrates living space and learning space, in which students, the next generation of global talents, can live together, will start its operation.
We are creating a space design that not only allows residents to discover diverse values and people, but also creates opportunities to “share” their own initiatives and dreams on a daily basis. Our long-term goal is to create a society where diverse people can thrive, which we aim to accomplish through nurturing global talents who have a global perspective, respect diversity, and work towards solving social problems.
This will be the first flagship of the international student dormitory “U Share”. In the future, we will collaborate with universities and surrounding areas, aiming to expand not only in Japan but also overseas.
Main features of U Share Nishi Waseda
U Share Nishi Waseda is an international student dormitory where diverse students can live together, and grow together.
Located within walking distance from Waseda University, there are many amenities such as parks, long-lived restaurants, second-hand bookstores and public baths, supermarkets and gyms. U Share Nishi Waseda is not only a student dormitory, but also a node for creating new connections with the local community.
Through the creation of organic connections between people, we will add a new color to the vibrant and memorable Waseda city.
In the planning, designing and the operation of U Share, the experience that the founder of KUROFUNE Design Holdings has gone through as a “resident” in the United Kingdom and the United States, and the knowledge they gained through engaging in planning & design, and development, is fully utilized.
Through “sharing” space and time, we understand each other, inspire each other, learn from each other, and grow together. We aim to create a place where such a positive cycle of “share” occurs, on a daily basis.
Design for Growth
U Share goes beyond mere space design and is thoroughly committed to designing the growth and experience of the residents. Specifically, we aim to design architecture and space that promotes interaction and growth of residents through the optimal mix of private and shared areas.
In addition, we aim to build a consistent brand and maximize the resident’s living experience by conducting planning, design, real estate planning, investment planning, and operation all at once, by ourselves.
English-based Living Learning Environment
In principle, U Share’s common language will be in English. We will create a multilingual living environment based on English, in order to encourage residents to become global talents who have overcome linguistic barriers and are capable of sharing their dreams and efforts in English.
Through events such as Movie Night, Cooking Event, and Cocktail Night, diverse students from all over the world interact with each other on a daily basis to foster advanced communication skills, language skills, a global perspective, and an understanding and respect toward diversity.
Education & Career Development Support
U Share will provide world-class education and career support services to support the success of residents in the world stage. We aim to create an environment that fosters global talents, through educational programs full of intellectual stimulation, such as lectures from people who are active on the world stage, study abroad sessions, workshops with entrepreneurs, etc.
Facility overview
Name: U Share Nishi Waseda
Location: 2-18-25 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Structure / scale: Reinforced concrete construction 1 basement floor, 9floor, above ground Number of rooms: 31 rooms
Private room facilities: Bed (storage under), desk, chair, wardrobe, etc. fully furnished
Common facilities: General common areas (rooftop, cafe, library, etc.), Common area on each floor (dining / kitchen, separate bath / toilet, furnished with a washer / dryer and other home appliances)
Completion: February 2021
Move-in period*: Sequentially after March 7, 2021
Planning, design and operation: KUROFUNE Design Holdings Inc.
Website: https://en.u-share.com/top/
Contact: info@u-share.com
* Only around 20 of the 31 rooms are scheduled to operate for the time being, with the aim of preventing the spread of the Covid infection
U Share Nishi Waseda, application of the 0th batch for April 2021
U Share Nishi Waseda’s application for our 0th batch members (about 20 people) is now open. We are looking for a wide range of unique students from all over the world and are deciding which members will move in. You can check the details from the following page.
Company Profile
Company name: KUROFUNE Design Holdings Co Inc.
Location: 7-8-15 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo U Share Minami Aoyama
Established: July 2018
Business: International student dormitory management, study abroad / career support, real estate planning / investment planning, urban planning & design, architectural design / design services, etc.
Representative Director: Masamichi Ueta