【Nara City】Mochiidono WaQWa to Open in November 2026

Nara City is supporting the development of the 'Mochiidono WaQWa' complex facility, which is implemented by the Mochiidono Center Street Cooperative Association with the aim of creating new vibrancy and activating the regional economy in the central business district.

Currently, businesses that will open in the facility are being recruited, and various applications are being received from all over the country.

For details about Mochiidono WaQWa, please refer to the attached recruitment materials.

▼Mochiidono WaQWa PR Video

The Mochiidono Center Street in Nara, which has produced over 60 graduates from 'Yume CUBE', is moving on to the next stage.

The new facility 'Mochiidono WaQWa' will not be a collection of individual stores, but a next-generation shopping street model where three hubs—entrepreneurs, the region, and information—are interconnected.

The Hub Structure of WaQWa

Mochiidono WaQWa

A next-generation shopping street model where entrepreneurs, the region, and information intersect

1. Entrepreneur Hub

The next stage of 0→1

Network of over 60 graduates from Yume CUBE

Senior-to-junior mentoring

Collaboration with VC, universities, and companies

2. Regional Hub

Interaction between residents, tourists, and entrepreneurs

Incorporation of disaster prevention and stockpiling functions

Community events and radio calisthenics

New product announcements and pop-up events

Moving the entire street as a 'surface'

3. Information Hub

Broadcasting from Nara to the world

Circulation from individual stores to the entire shopping street

Media and SNS collaboration

External dissemination of the Nara brand

Disseminating the next-generation shopping street model

↑ The entire shopping street functions as a 'surface' as the three hubs are interconnected ↑

About the Name

'WaQWa' is a name that expresses the cycle of 'WakuWaku' (excitement) generated from 'wa' (harmony and connection among people and regions) and 'Q' (challenge and exploration).

Why 'Next-Generation'?

The shopping street integrates three functions: entrepreneur development, regional exchange, and information dissemination. It is a next-generation shopping street facility designed as a 'hub' rather than a collection of individual stores.

Designed as a 'Hub' rather than a Tenant Lease

Entrepreneur network × region × information dissemination are interconnected

Recruitment Slots

1. Anchor Tenant Slot 3 slots

'Destination-type' stores that can attract customers from outside the area. As the face of the shopping street, they will lead the entire shopping street. Duration: 10 years.

2. Next Step Slot 5 slots

Businesses in the phase of expanding and systematizing existing businesses. Duration: up to 3 years.

H Section (Special Program)

H Section: Michelin Egg Project

Support for chefs aiming for Michelin listing for 3 years. Opening a restaurant or auberge in Nara after graduation is a prerequisite. The shopping street side will prepare general kitchen equipment, providing an environment where chefs can concentrate on cooking.

Schedule

April 2026 Press release and tenant recruitment begins

June 2026 Document examination (1st and 2nd rounds) and interview examination

End of July 2026 Tenant decision and contract (tentative)

November 2026 Grand opening (tentative)

Inquiries

Nara City Tourism and Economic Department Industrial Policy Division

TEL:0742-34-4741

Mochiidono Center Street Cooperative Association

〒630-8228 47 Banchi, Mochiidono-cho, Nara City

TEL:0742-22-2164

MAIL:nara_mochiidono@yahoo.co.jp