From the source rules

Who goes first in Machi Koro?

IDW / Pandasaurus English rulebook, 2014

The rulebook only says to determine a starting player; it gives no method, so choose one however your group likes.

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

Rule details

Players take turns in clockwise order.

At the start of the game each player rolls a single die on their turn.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

Source & edition

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