Reconsidering urban park privatization in Japan: a cross-sectional study of parks redeveloped by private enterprises under the Park-PFI scheme

In Japan, the Urban Park Act was amended in 2017 to introduce the Park-PFI scheme, which enables the long-term installation of restaurants, shops, and other facilities in parks, along with the integrated improvement of surrounding pathways and public spaces. This study examines 41 parks redeveloped through Park PFI, identifying the types of future visions presented by municipalities in their public solicitation guidelines. It also analyzes the spatial characteristics of developed parks by mapping the distribution of profit-oriented and non-profit-oriented spaces. These investigations reveal both regional differences and shared challenges in the privatization of urban parks.