On October 1, 2018, a new government facility opened in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture—an area that suffered devastating damage during the Great East Japan Earthquake. While city office operations had resumed after the disaster, this newly completed building marked a significant step forward in strengthening community infrastructure.
The new municipal complex integrates city hall functions with a Civic Center and Public Health Center, creating a multipurpose civic hub. Affectionately named “EASTPIA MIYAKO”, the name combines “East”—symbolizing Miyako’s status as Japan’s easternmost city on the main island—with a warm, welcoming tone. A pedestrian cross deck connects the building directly to Miyako Station, offering seamless accessibility.
Informed by the lessons of the earthquake, EASTPIA MIYAKO is fully equipped to function as a disaster prevention center and emergency response base, while also serving as a community gathering place in daily life.
The six-story facility houses the Civic Center on the first and second floors, offering spaces for community engagement and learning. These include the disaster preparedness plaza, which shares experiences and recovery lessons from the earthquake; the open exchange plaza, a casual seating area with tables and chairs; and the multipurpose hall, designed for events ranging from lectures to performances.
Conveniently located near the cross deck, the multipurpose hall is lined with large glass panels along the corridor-facing wall, allowing visibility from outside and creating a bright, open atmosphere that invites participation.
The hall seats up to 180 people and was designed with accessibility and versatility in mind. A Retractable Seating System was installed to accommodate a wide variety of events, and even the stage can be stored when not in use—maximizing flexibility for community needs.
After evaluating multiple facilities and configurations, EASTPIA MIYAKO chose a Fully Automatic Retractable Seating System for its ease of use and quick setup. While many full-automatic models still require manual installation of certain elements, EASTPIA prioritized a system that minimizes such labor.
The selected model includes motorized handrails and does not require a front masking panel, giving the seating a clean, streamlined appearance that blends seamlessly into the rear wall when stored. The only manual operation involves unfolding a single step to access the front row.
Even with minimal manpower, the system allows all 144 tiered seats to be deployed in just a few minutes—making it practical for daily use by city staff.
To match the hall’s monotone interior and light wood flooring, both the seat upholstery and the built-in floor carpet were chosen in black. This color helps the seats disappear into the background during performances, drawing attention to the stage.
Each tier is elevated by 250 mm, ensuring clear sightlines from all rows and a comfortable, unobstructed view for every audience.
The 144 seats in the Retractable Seating System are standard models with wide backrests and cushioned seats, offering firm, ergonomic support. When unoccupied, the seat bottoms fold upward, allowing for smooth circulation and wider walkways.
Each seat is upholstered in durable 3D mesh—a breathable material manufactured using a 3D knitting process that creates an internal air layer. This design keeps the seats cool in summer and comfortable year-round, even during extended use.
Since its opening, the Multipurpose Hall has become a central venue for daily community life in Miyako City. It regularly hosts a wide range of activities, including lectures and symposiums, film screenings, traditional Japanese dance rehearsals and performances, ceremonies and youth-led events, and public forums and community meetings.
Not merely a venue, the hall serves as a space for learning, cultural exchange, and mutual support—making it an indispensable part of everyday life for residents.
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