News

The "Hachioji Station South Exit Gathering Hub" is being developed at the south exit of Hachioji Station to open in October 2026, with three functions: learning, interaction, and disaster prevention. The nickname "Sotomori" was chosen from among 886 proposals submitted by the public to ensure that the facility would be loved by the citizens of Hachioji, and was narrowed down to 8 proposals!

◾️ Thoughts behind the nickname
Hachioji was once called "Souto" (meaning "mulberry city") because sericulture and textiles flourished there. We decided on the name "Mori" in the hope that it will become a place where people can experience the culture and history of the city and nurture it with care. It is hoped that the new "Mori" will become a new symbol of the city as a place for citizens to relax and enjoy the abundant greenery.

〜Hachioji Station South Exit Gathering Center -
This is a base facility with a disaster prevention function that will be developed using the former site of the Hachioji Medical Prison in order to realize a "third place" that encourages people to use and stay there with three functions: learning, exchange, and disaster prevention. It aims to realize a "Third Place" by integrating a "Park for Everyone" that connects to the town, a "History and Local History Museum" for the next 100 years, a "Resting Library" that promotes learning, exchange, and gathering, and an "Interaction Space" that connects these facilities.