Exploring the Future of Nagano: The Shinshu Mirai Festival 2025

The Shinshu Mirai Festival promises to be a groundbreaking event for the youth of Nagano Prefecture. Scheduled for October 18, 2025, in Matsumoto City, the festival aims to give young people a platform to discuss and propose solutions for the future of their region. This initiative, commissioned by Nagano Prefecture, is being organized by ATOMica, a social co-working startup based in Miyazaki.

Event Overview

On the day of the festival, attendees will engage in various discussions and activities that will empower them to take charge of their future. Key highlights include a panel discussion featuring Nagano Governor Abe and youth representatives, as well as a talk session with Matsumoto City Mayor Gabi Yamamoto, the Generation Z Division Chief of Kitakyushu, and promising young entrepreneurs. Young participants will also pitch their policy proposals, aiming to influence local governance positively.

Various booths related to the event will be installed to facilitate engagement and networking, allowing attendees to dive deeper into the issues affecting their community. The festival serves as a stepping stone for young people to become active contributors to Nagano's future.

Background and Motivation

Nagano's population has experienced a significant decline since its peak in 2001, with fewer than 2 million residents as of February 2024. The decrease is particularly pronounced among the youth demographic, which poses a long-term challenge for the region's viability. In light of these concerns, it is essential to cultivate an environment in which young people can engage actively with local issues.

Since 2022, Nagano Prefecture has seen a net increase in population due to incoming residents outnumbering those leaving. However, reversing the decline observed among younger generations remains a challenge. To combat this trend, the Shinshu Mirai Festival aims to encourage young people to take ownership of local issues, inspiring them to participate actively in the community.

With ATOMica's expertise in operating co-working spaces and facilitating youth programs, the festival is set to provide a unique opportunity for young participants to voice their ideas and opinions, bridging the gap between them and local government and enterprises.

Festival Features

The festival will feature various sessions designed to inspire and educate participants:

- Panel Discussion 1: A deep dive into effective communication strategies aimed at the youth, led by Matsumoto City Mayor Gabi Yamamoto, Kitakyushu's Generation Z Division Chief Kanako Kashiwagi, and LocaLink's co-CEO Kokoro Nagai.
- Panel Discussion 2: Engaging discussions focusing on lowering the voting age and establishing youth councils, featuring Governor Abe, Youth Council President Yuuki Murubashi, and young representatives Eri Ishii and Kenji Nobuto.
- Policy Pitch Session: Young teams will present policy proposals based on popular themes, demonstrating their commitment to pressing local issues.

In addition to discussions and pitches, various exhibits and mini-events will enable participants to connect with one another and explore multi-faceted perspectives on Nagano's future.

Event Details

- Name: Shinshu Mirai Festival 2025
- Date: October 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Location: Agata no Mori Cultural Center, Matsumoto City, 3-1-1 Ken, Nagano Prefecture
- Admission Fee: Free
- Organizers: Nagano Prefecture
- Managed by: ATOMica

For more information and registration, visit the event's website or sign up here.

Conclusion

The Shinshu Mirai Festival represents a significant opportunity for the youth of Nagano to engage in meaningful dialogue about their future. By facilitating discussions and proposals, the festival aims to empower young individuals to actively shape the long-term development of their community. As we look forward to this inspiring event, we hope that the festival will serve as a catalyst for ongoing engagement and innovation among Nagano's youth.