WeWork KANDA SQUARE Hosts the People Curiosity Festival for Kids
WeWork KANDA SQUARE recently held a captivating event titled the "People Curiosity Festival," aimed explicitly at children and their families. This event was made possible through a collaboration between
People Inc., a renowned toy manufacturer based in Chuo, Tokyo, and
WeWork Japan, which operates flexible office spaces.
People's dedication to enhancing child development through play is well-known, and this event was an extension of their ongoing project, the
People Baby Research Institute, which has utilized WeWork KANDA SQUARE as its operational base since 2022. Through the institute, People conducts in-depth observations of babies and seeks to explore and encourage young children's curiosity. By partnering with WeWork, they aim to foster a welcoming environment where parents and their little ones can engage in meaningful, playful experiences.
The Event Overview
The
WeWork Kids Welcome Day, featuring the People Curiosity Festival, was designed exclusively for WeWork users, with an open invitation for People’s toy-testing families. The event kicked off with an insightful talk titled, "How to Choose Toys," led by People Inc.'s CEO,
Masato Kiribuchi, and the leader of the People Baby Research Institute,
Koita. This interactive dialogue drew from their firsthand experiences with parents and children, tackling common concerns such as selecting appropriate toys and ensuring children engage joyfully with them.
The talk took place in the lobby of WeWork KANDA SQUARE, creating a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Attendees included curious parents, casual passersby, and members who took the opportunity to listen in during their lunch breaks. Notably, four invited families were present, where children could directly interact with the toys and exhibit their curiosity, much to the delight of everyone around. The event not only provided invaluable insights into toy selection but also highlighted humorous and heartwarming moments, like the adorable presence of babies playing among the attendees.
During the session, Kiribuchi emphasized the intrinsic curiosity every child possesses. He stated, "We refer to the innate desires and potential capabilities within all children as 'curiosity.' Our role is to create opportunities for them to explore and express this curiosity through play. When selecting toys, observe what interests your child and their behaviors to find toys they genuinely engage with." Koita humorously added to this by mentioning unconventional favorite toys such as inexpensive plastic cups, which stimulate fascinating interactions for babies.
People Playland: Work and Play Combined
Another exciting feature of the festival was the
People Playland; a unique workspace integrated with a designated play area where children could play while their parents worked. This innovative concept provided an engaging atmosphere for approximately 30 child monitors and their parents, showcasing the seamless integration of work and family life. In this dedicated space, familiar toys alongside soon-to-be-launched products lined the play area, allowing children to explore freely while their parents continued their professional tasks nearby.
Attendees marveled at the environment designed to mimic everyday workspaces where children could partake in play. As
WeWork KANDA SQUARE users observed their space transformed into a playful and vibrant environment, many expressed how precious this temporary setting was to experience. With the emphasis on the natural integration of childhood curiosity and professional duties, this stood out as a remarkable collaboration between a flexible workspace and a child-centered approach.
About People Inc.
Founded in 1982, People Inc.'s mission remains centered around fostering children's curiosity and creativity. From devising innovative toys to offering services aimed at enhancing child development, the company aspires to create moments where curiosity flourishes. Learn more about their initiatives at their
official website.
Conclusion
The
WeWork KANDA SQUARE and
People Inc. collaboration highlights a refreshing approach to work-life balance while fostering early childhood learning experiences. Through events like the People Curiosity Festival, the synergy between these two organizations benefits families by enhancing the understanding of child development amidst playful exploration. As we continue to navigate a world where flexibility and creativity intersect, these types of events are critical for nurturing curiosity in future generations.