Schemata Architects designs tiny Nakamata sweet shop in Maebashi Tokyo studio Schemata Architects has designed a confectionery store in Maebashi, Japan, with a courtyard to help open up and revive a shopping street that was on the decline. The Nakamata sweet shop is located on a once-busy street that was at risk of becoming a so-called "shutter street" – a street in Japan where most of the stores have been closed up. Above: the store sells traditional Japanese sweets. Top image: it is located in Maebashi To combat the decline of the street, the Maebashi Machinaka Agency was founded in 2016 as a corporation to promote the area and a number of new projects were launched, including the Nakamata store and its neighbouring shops.