Saga City: Japan's Top Ebisu Connects! University Students Make City Walking More Fun

An industry-academia-government collaborative idea presentation event was held on July 9 at Saga University, aiming to generate new vitality and foot traffic in the city center by leveraging Saga City's regional asset—'Ebisu culture.' Students from Professor Arima's seminar in the Faculty of Art and Regional Design at Saga University participated, proposing unique initiatives that creatively combined sports and digital technology. The event featured lively Q&A sessions, with questions and feedback from local professional sports teams and companies engaged in regional revitalization.

It was an inspiring day filled with anticipation as young creativity merged with the charm of a historic city, envisioning a more engaging form of urban exploration in Saga.

"In the godless month, Saga becomes Japan’s second-hottest city for deities"—University Students Redefine the 'Ebisu Pilgrimage'

At the dynamic and exciting presentation, students from Saga University’s Faculty of Art and Regional Design took the stage to propose new ways of creating buzz by leveraging traditional regional assets. In October, when deities across Japan gather in Izumo, Saga City—home to the highest number of Ebisu shrines in Japan—imagines itself as the 'hottest city in Japan,' filled with deities watching over empty homes.

The students’ proposals were packed with digital innovations such as 'My Ebisu Diagnosis,' a personality test tailored to Ebisu, the AR-powered 'Favorite Ebisu General Election,' and a smartphone app-based 'territory capture game.' Additional ideas included nighttime 'lantern walks' and experiential events where participants run through the city with players from the local professional basketball team, Saga Balloons—concepts so compelling they feel ready for immediate implementation.

Longtime community builders praised the event, saying they gained 'new insights and courage.' Familiar cityscapes were vividly reimagined through the students’ fresh perspectives, making this a highly meaningful presentation.

Endorsement from Urban Professionals: Dialogue and the Shape of the Future

The students’ passionate ideas were received by seasoned urban developers from the 'Ebisu de Machizukuri Network,' along with representatives from companies actively involved in regional collaboration.

Following the presentations, a Q&A session allowed participants to ask questions, share feedback, and express hopes for future developments. For the students, this dialogue with practitioners provided a valuable opportunity to refine and deepen their ideas.

The fusion of private-sector expertise in digital innovation and professional sports, combined with the community group’s deep love for Ebisu, meshed perfectly with the students’ creativity. A warm atmosphere filled the venue, elevating proposals beyond mere event ideas into truly feasible, actionable strategies.

Ebisu Weaving a Future Where Everyone Can Comfortably Explore Saga

Saga City’s cherished Ebisu culture is now being faithfully passed on to the next generation, infused with fresh energy.

The ideas generated in this event will gradually be incorporated into Saga City’s urban development plans and real-world initiatives. By cherishing the 'hints for enjoying the city' shared by students, the community will work together to create a warm, welcoming downtown where both residents and new visitors discover small joys with every step.

Friendly Ebisu, Shamisen Ebisu, Child-Rearing Ebisu

Event Overview

Date: July 9, Reiwa 8 (Thursday), 1:15 PM onwards

Venue: Room 2103AL, 1st Floor, Building 2 for General Education, Honjo Campus, Saga University (1 Honjomachi, Saga City)

Program: Opening remarks, student presentations, and discussion among industry, academia, and government participants

Participants and Presenters:

- Seminar students of Professor Arima, Faculty of Art and Regional Design, Saga University (approx. 13 students)

- Citizen group: Ebisu de Machizukuri Network

- Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., Saga Branch

- Saga Balloons Co., Ltd.

- Saga City Economic Affairs Department, Downtown Revitalization Office