#Japan #Musashino Art University #Hikone #Mikuji

Exploring the Future of Hikone City at the Hikone Machi Mirai (Mikuji) Event

In February 2026, a unique participatory event titled 'Hikone Machi Mirai (Mikuji)' will take place in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Organized by Musashino Art University and the Japan Research Institute, this event aims to engage citizens in dialogue about the future of their city through a beloved cultural practice: the omikuji, or fortune-telling slip. Scheduled for February 28th and March 1st, the event promises to be an interactive social experiment that connects the city's future considerations with the individual hopes of its residents.

Background and Purpose of the Event

The initiative stems from a collaborative research project launched in April 2025, focusing on empowering citizens through effective engagement strategies. Musashino Art University and the Japan Research Institute have dedicated their efforts to enhance public participation in city developments. The Hikone Machi Mirai event serves as a practical means to encourage individuals to reflect on their aspirations for the city.

With the fundamental idea that 'the future of a city is not predetermined but something we can shape ourselves,' participants will experience writing their future wishes based on predictions derived from objective data about Hikone's trends. Unlike conventional public consultation methods, the event utilizes the approachable format of omikuji, allowing a diverse group of citizens to share their ideas freely while significantly reducing barriers to participation.

What Participants Can Expect

The Hikone Machi Mirai event will feature a designated space within the popular 'Muji Bivacity Hikone' complex, making it accessible to a broad audience. Here’s how the event will unfold:
1. Visiting the Machi Mirai Space:
The event will be centered around an eye-catching omikuji display, drawing attention with its unique design. The oversized omikuji tube invites participation, encouraging casual visitors to join in the fun and share their thoughts about the city's future.

2. Drawing Omikuji and Adding Wishes:
Once participants draw their omikuji, they will find a prediction regarding Hikone's potential future written on it—such as predicting an increase in tourists attracted to Hikone Castle and a revival of the shopping district. Participants will then be prompted to write their hopes for improving that future directly on the slip, adding a personal touch to the omikuji.
The predictions are not merely generic but are informed by local characteristics and keywords gathered from residents ahead of the event, aiming to surprise and engage participants. This approach fosters creative thinking and encourages individuals to envision innovative solutions to urban challenges.

3. Displaying Wishes to Create Dialogue:
After personalizing their omikuji, participants will display their wishes on a dedicated board. This step enables the visualization of diverse desires and opinions, fostering dialogue between citizens, promoting a collective engagement with urban development, and ultimately creating a platform for ongoing interaction among residents.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Hikone Machi Mirai (Mikuji)
• - Dates: February 28 - March 1, 2026
• - Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• - Venue: Muji Bivacity Hikone, 43-1 Takegahana-cho, Hikone City, Shiga
• - Admission: Free; no prior registration required
• - Organizers: Musashino Art University / Japan Research Institute
• - Cooperating Venue: Muji Bivacity Hikone
• - Access: A 3-minute walk from Minami Hikone Station on the JR Biwako Line

Previous Initiatives

The Hikone Machi Mirai concept isn't entirely new; it initially took shape during a pilot project in Nagahama City in August 2025, where the omikuji format proved effective in engaging diverse demographics. Further demonstrations at the Ichigaya Innovation Days in November 2025 highlighted the ease of participation and the spontaneity of citizen involvement.

About Musashino Art University

Founded in 1929 as the Imperial Art School, Musashino Art University is on track to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2029. The institution aims to foster art professionals with broad cultural literacy and a focus on social contributions. Its extensive curriculum spans 12 disciplines, promoting creativity and critical thinking needed in today's society. Graduates frequently excel as artists, designers, and innovators across various industries.

For more information, visit the Musashino Art University website or contact [email protected] for inquiries about the event.