[Machida City, Tokyo] Announcement of Research and Study for Fiscal Year 2026: "Towards a Sustainable Machida"

The Machida City Future Creation Research Institute (Director: Mikio Wakabayashi) will continue its theme of "Towards a Sustainable Machida" from the previous fiscal year, focusing this year on research and studies from the "Environment" perspective. To achieve environmental sustainability in Machida City, we will analyze the current situation and identify challenges, study the success factors of advanced cases, and propose concrete measures tailored to Machida City's characteristics.

"Machida Future Creation Vision 2040"

Research Content

Purpose of Research and Study

Machida City faces the risk of fiscal deterioration due to a declining working-age population and the increase in social security costs accompanying a declining birthrate and aging population. Concerns about budget deficits and becoming a deficit-run municipality have been pointed out in the "Machida Future Creation Vision 2040" and "Machida City Future Urban Research 2050." As aimed for in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), harmony among the three elements of "Economy, Society, and Environment" is indispensable for sustainable urban development. Aiming for a "Sustainable Machida," in FY2025, we conducted research and studies on necessary measures from the "Economy" perspective as a top priority to promote structural transformation.

In FY2026, we aim to conduct research and studies on methods for sustainable management and utilization of satoyama, which are valuable regional resources contributing to the improvement of the town's appeal in various fields, from an "Environment" perspective, and to propose concrete measures.

For previous research and studies, please visit the Machida City website.

2. Overview of Research and Study

(1) Extraction of Specific Research Issues

We extracted issues from the analysis of the current situation to achieve environmental sustainability in Machida City.

(2) Organization of Research Issues and Consideration of Solutions

We will organize the issues by collecting and analyzing the quantitative and qualitative information and data necessary to consider solutions for the research issues.

(3) Analysis of Success Factors of Cases and Case Studies

We will investigate advanced cases that are implementing initiatives leading to solutions or similar initiatives.

(4) Hearing from Experts

We will conduct interviews with administrative organizations, private organizations, academic experts, etc., to reflect a wide range of opinions.

(5) Consideration of Effective Methods

Based on the above research, we will propose items to be considered in the medium to long term and items that should yield short-term results.

(6) Proposal of Concrete Measures

We will propose concrete policy proposals including implementation costs, expected economic effects, and required time. We will propose Machida City's unique measures, not simply adopting initiatives from other municipalities.

(7) Information Dissemination

We will regularly disseminate information on the research process and results.

(8) Creation and Presentation of Research Results

We will hold a research presentation meeting as a venue to present research results and proposals. We will also create a summary version for dissemination to citizens, etc.

3. Schedule

This research and study is planned to be conducted according to the following approximate schedule.

Month

Implementation Content

(7) Information Dissemination

May-June

(1) Extraction of Specific Research Issues

(2) Organization of Research Issues and Consideration of Solutions

Implementation

July-October

(3) Analysis of Success Factors of Cases and Case Studies

(4) Hearing from Experts

Implementation

November

(5) Consideration of Effective Methods

December

(6) Proposal of Concrete Measures

2027

January-March

(8) Creation and Presentation of Research Results

Implementation

About Machida City

Machida City, with a population of approximately 430,000, is located in the southern part of Tokyo. It is about a 30-minute train ride from the city center. The area around Machida Station is lined with large commercial facilities, and the shopping streets that have prospered since ancient times are still vibrant. A little further from the station, there are many natural areas such as satoyama landscapes, lush green parks, and farmlands growing local vegetables. It is a city where you can enjoy both urban convenience and nature.

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