Reviving Hiketa: A Collaborative Initiative for Preserving Traditional Townscapes and Addressing Vacant Homes

In a significant step towards revitalizing the picturesque townscape of Hiketa in Tokushima Prefecture, the Japan National Trust (JNT) has launched the Hiketa Machiya Matching Project, affectionately known as "Machimachi." This initiative forms part of the national effort under the Community Heritage Support Program, which aims to combat the growing challenges posed by vacant homes in the area, with a focus on sustainability and community engagement over the next three years.

Overview of the Project

Hiketa, a town steeped in history and boasting beautiful traditional architecture, has seen a troubling increase in the number of vacant homes, primarily due to a declining population resulting from aging demographics. Local youth, concerned about the future identity of their community, have taken action. They have begun to facilitate the matching of vacant home owners with potential residents, successfully achieving transfers for three properties already. The local initiative, supported by the Trust-Yell program, seeks to enhance this process and solidify connections among community members, home owners, and prospective new residents.

To officially launch this project, a series of workshops are planned for August 2025, coinciding with the Setouchi Triennale, an international art festival that will spotlight the region. During this time, experts will participate in a symposium focusing on the potential for re-purposing historical buildings, while practical workshops will address the removal of unneeded items from old businesses, setting the stage for inspiring revitalization efforts.

Collaborative Community Engagement

Machimachi is not short on diversity; it attracts members from various backgrounds—dentists, carpenters, artists, and travelers—contributing to a dynamic community atmosphere. Additionally, the involvement of Kagawa University signifies a widening collaboration scope, bringing more expertise and resources to the project.

The local youth-led initiative focuses on invigorating interest among citizens regarding the preservation and utilization of vacant homes, not only to draw in new residents but to foster better understanding and cooperation between different organizations and local governance.

Activity highlights will include surveys of historical architectures, invigorating community spirit through events, and partnerships with real estate agents for better property management support. In a bid to showcase the region's rich cultural heritage, projects such as the "Light of Hiketa" will illuminate the town with stunning light displays during the art festival, promoting nighttime vibrancy while enhancing security and local tourism appeal.

Addressing Community Challenges

Hiketa's municipality, situated at the eastern edge of Kagawa Prefecture and serving as an entry point from Kansai and Tokushima, has long retained its historical vibrancy as a key port town. However, it now faces a concerning statistic—42.8% of its population is aged over 65, and as of 2018, the town had a vacancy rate over 20%. Consequently, a staggering 300 vacant homes exist within the town, contributing to a declining sense of community and local pride.

Compounding the issue is the psychological barrier some current residents feel towards renting or selling to newcomers, stemming from a lack of information about the potential uses for these properties, coupled with depreciating asset values that deter real estate interest.

Event Outline: The First Hiketa Townscape Meeting

To kick off the Machimachi initiative, the first Hiketa Townscape Meeting will be held over two days from August 10 to 11, 2024, featuring:

- Project Introduction: Guided walks exploring the historic features and initiatives within the Machimachi project, alongside discussions of previous successes.
- The Ito Project: Updates on efforts to preserve the historic Ito store, including ongoing collaborations with volunteers to salvage materials.
- Symposium on Vacant Homes: Featuring discussions led by various national experts, focusing on revitalizing vacant properties and how these efforts integrate with the broader cultural initiatives surrounding the Setouchi Triennale.

As these projects unfold, they signify a promising shift for Hiketa, blending history with innovation, and enabling local residents to reclaim the vibrancy of their community.

For further details, visit the Hiketa Machiya Matching Project's official website or learn more about the JNT's Community Heritage Support Program here.