Running around Nishinomiya for an on-the-ground investigation! It’s the “Hashiripo” corner
You’ve all probably heard that commercial a lot lately! It really sticks in your head, doesn’t it?
“UR de a~~~ru♪”
I can almost hear people all around Nishinomiya saying, “I know that one!” or humming it to themselves.
*If you’re shy like me, just sing it in your head.
This time while running through Hama-Koshien to look into UR, I found something strange.
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What I found while running around Hama-Koshien
What is this!?
It had such a unique shape, like a cart, a stroller, and a large plastic case all combined, that I couldn’t take my eyes off it!
Since there were brooms and garbage bags, it seemed pretty clear that it was cleaning equipment.
They were all lined up!
Several different kinds of brooms, bamboo brooms, rakes, and mops!
If this were Dragon Quest, it would be equipment worthy of a level 99 hero’s inventory. And they’ve even formed a party.
The entrances to the housing complex were actually sparkling clean!
You can just imagine the incredible cleaning staff using these tools to keep the residences clean every day!
Where I found this cleaning equipment
This was the guide sign at the entrance.
At the very top it says “浜甲子園さくら街”. And there are the letters “UR”.
[Trivia ①] What is UR?
UR = Urban Renaissance Agency
An urban development agency. It is an independent administrative institution under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
In other words, because it was created by the national government, the key point seems to be that it’s cheaper than typical market rates♪
(No key money, handling fees, renewal fees, or guarantor required is also a big plus.)
So, this “Hama-Koshien Sakura-gai” is UR housing de a~~~ru♪
＜Reference link＞Hama-Koshien Sakura-gai (Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture)
[Trivia ②] Why did “Hama-Koshien Sakura-gai” become UR housing?
Apparently, the housing complexes spread across Hama-Koshien were originally built by the national government (Japan Housing Corporation, now the Urban Renaissance Agency) to solve postwar housing issues.
In recent years, as the housing has aged, plans were made to rebuild the complex, and “Hama-Koshien Sakura-gai” was apparently completed as the first phase of that project.
People actually started moving in in 2005 (Heisei 17), so it’s pretty new!
Finally
March, the moving season, is already coming to an end. Now that you all “know” about UR, if you’re thinking about starting a new life somewhere, why not keep it in mind as one option?
