Advancing Machida: A Vision for the Leading City in Tamagawa Region

The Machida City Future Development Research Institute, led by Director Hiroo Ichikawa, has published its 2024 research report titled "Advancing Machida: A Vision for the Leading City in Tamagawa Region." This report outlines critical analyses and proposals aimed at elevating Machida's status among its peers.

Research Overview

Purpose of the Study

According to the Japan Power Cities 2023 (JPC) ranking, which evaluates city characteristics based on 86 indicators across six categories, Machida ranked below the top 80 out of 159 municipalities. This disappointing outcome highlighted the need for improvement, particularly when compared to other cities in the Tamagawa area, including Fuchu, Mitaka, Tachikawa, and Hachioji.

With the research highlighting persistent challenges since 2020, it is crucial for Machida to overcome its negative urban perceptions and become a desirable municipality for the next 5 to 10 years. The study aims to provide recommendations that would position Machida as the leading city in the Tamagawa region by comparing it with other local governments.

Analytical Perspective

A significant focus of the study was to identify areas in the JPC indicators that show growth potential for Machida. For instance, the city performs relatively well in categories like the percentage of employed women and weekend activity levels compared to other municipalities, suggesting room for improvement. Conversely, indicators such as value-added production, the proportion of creative industry workers, and residential satisfaction levels are notably low and need attention in the path towards achieving the leading city status.

Visioning: Three Desired Outcomes

After utilizing the analysis, surveys, case studies, and expert interviews, three primary themes were developed to encapsulate the aspirations for Machida:

1. A Vibrant City

- Economic Impact from Sports: Attract visitors through sporting events who will then patronize local eateries and explore attractions, driving economic benefits.
- Station Redevelopment: Enhance access to local attractions by developing entertainment venues like cinemas through station area revitalization.
- Visitor Experience: Ensure that guests from outside feel safe, secure, and at home when visiting Machida.

2. A Work-Friendly City

- Business Recognition: Position Machida as an ideal business location, encouraging more established companies and startups to set up operations here.
- Job Opportunities for Youth: By fostering an environment that encourages businesses, improve employment prospects for the local youth to counteract population declines after graduation.
- Supporting Career Development for Women: Enable women who have interrupted careers due to motherhood or other reasons to flourish in high-value jobs through skill development opportunities.
- Flexible Work Environments: Increase the number of companies adopting flexible working practices, thereby creating more inclusive workplaces for women.

3. Revitalization of Housing Complexes

- Innovative Living Spaces: Transition traditional housing complexes into multifunctional spaces that provide living, enjoyment, and working environments to solve existing issues.
- Improving Accessibility: Enhance living conditions through new transport links to attract younger residents and mitigate issues of vacancies and aging populations in housing complexes.
- Community Development: Establish symbolic streetscapes that are maintained by residents to improve the public's perception of these complexes.

Proposed Initiatives

Based on the refined desired outcomes, several strategic initiatives have been proposed, emphasizing key projects that could significantly impact the city:

1. Vibrant Economic Linkage through Sports [Leading Project]

- Engagement with Local Economy: Create systems that connect the draw of sports events to boost local spending, collaborating with businesses and implementing digital tools to encourage consumer actions during game days.

2. Work-Friendly Ecosystem [Leading Project]

- Startup Ecosystem Development: Foster local startups and involve established businesses to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, incorporating universities along the Odakyu line to share valuable resources and opportunities under an open ecosystem framework.

3. Multifunctional Housing Complexes [Leading Project]

- Creative Spaces for Youth: Develop policies to allow young creatives, such as art students, to utilize studios and collaborate on projects within these complexes. Additionally, provide opportunities for small startups and freelancers to use shared office spaces to encourage entrepreneurship and creativity.

The culmination of these proposals is essential to realize Machida’s vision as a leading city, fostering community vitality, economic growth, and innovative living solutions.