Hiroshima Station has officially unveiled its new commercial facility, Minamoa, in a grand opening that took place on March 24, 2025. The station, a pivotal center for transportation and commerce in the region, welcomed a crowd of eager shoppers and sightseers in a celebration that marks the beginning of a new era for the city.
With much anticipation, around 400 people lined up from 5 AM to be among the first to experience the new space. The excitement was palpable, and as one man remarked, "The building is beautiful, and I feel excited just to be here." The thrill in the air captured the essence of what Minamoa represents for Hiroshima—growth, development, and community.
Minamoa features a staggering 217 stores, comprising an extensive array of brands, including various first-time arrivals in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Among the retail offerings are popular restaurants and a cinema complex. Shoppers quickly headed for their favorite brands, as women in the queue expressed enthusiasm for stores like Shake Shack. "We came here to enjoy Shake Shack; it's quite special for us," one woman shared, reminiscing about how her visit to the restaurant in Las Vegas marked a special moment in her life.
Seiichi Takemoto, President of China SC Development, the company behind Minamoa, led the opening ceremony, during which he highlighted the significance of the new facility. "I hope the opening of Minamoa will mark the beginning of the future development of Hiroshima's city," he stated, encompassing the strategic vision set for the area. His words echo the sentiments of many locals who see this facility as a key driver for economic and urban growth.
Initially set for a 10 AM opening, the time was moved up by an hour due to the large turnout. The switch proved beneficial, allowing visitors to reduce congestion and enjoy an easier shopping experience. As another excited woman recounted, "We were aiming for 9 AM, but since we saw the line was long, we bought things quickly. I can't wait to show my friends what we found!"
The shopping center's layout is designed for maximum convenience and flow. Accessible from the first basement level up to the seventh floor, it consists of about 32,000 square meters, providing ample retail space that includes everything from fresh food to fashion and accessories. The site also incorporates a cinema complex, set to enhance the entertainment options available to visitors.
Notably, Minamoa is integrated with the existing facilities at Hiroshima Station, contributing to a total of approximately 40,000 square meters of commercial space housing around 300 stores when combined. As the facility prepares for the imminent streetcar service slated to kick off this summer, it aims to become a thriving transit hub that echoes the lifestyle of modern-day Hiroshima.
More than 200,000 people visited the preview and pre-opening events leading up to the grand opening, indicating the robust interest and high expectations surrounding Minamoa. This reflects a broader trend in urban development in Japan, where new projects increasingly focus on creating vibrant community spaces that offer a blend of shopping, dining, and leisure.
With Minamoa now open, locals and visitors alike are thrilled at the prospect of this commercial hub enriching their experiences in Hiroshima. Designed not just as a place to shop but as an avenue to foster community connections, it is expected to play a vital role in the city's cultural and economic landscape.
The journey to develop Minamoa included significant planning and commitment to ensuring that it meets the needs of today’s consumers while also enhancing the overall aesthetics of Hiroshima Station. By combining natural elements with urban design, the space aspires to be as welcoming as it is functional.
As people stroll through Minamoa, it's not just about shopping; it's about creating memories and experiencing the new amenities it brings to life around Hiroshima Station. In this way, Minamoa is seen not just as a new building, but as a stepping stone toward revitalizing the city and spurring further urban development.
With grand expectations and vibrant anticipation of what’s to come, Minamoa has officially opened its doors, ready to make its mark on the heart of Hiroshima. As the dawn of this new chapter begins, the future looks bright for both the station and the surrounding community.
