Celebrating 20 Years of Learning: Hills Workshop for Kids 2026
This summer, from July 25 to August 16, 2026, Mori Building Co., Ltd., based in Minato, Tokyo, will host the much-anticipated "Hills Workshop for Kids 2026." This year's event marks two decades of providing dynamic educational opportunities for children in some of Tokyo's most iconic locations, including Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills, Toranomon Hills, and Ark Hills.
The Hills Workshop, a staple of summer activities since 2006, provides a unique learning environment for kids by collaborating with various tenants and shops throughout the community. Over the years, the workshop has evolved significantly, offering around 1,000 different programs and attracting approximately 53,000 young participants. Past workshop attendees have reported that their experiences significantly influenced their educational and career choices, including winning awards in competitive research projects and solidifying their aspirations for the future.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the 2026 edition promises a more extensive range of learning experiences than ever before. This year, the workshop will feature approximately 100 different activity types, totaling 350 individual sessions. Kids can dive into emerging technologies such as generative AI and robotics, alongside education programs focused on finance, careers, and sustainability through the lens of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, there are opportunities for culinary education, firsthand job experiences, and intensive research exploration.
Among the exciting new offerings, children will have the chance to create their own personalized AI, guided by professionals from SHIFT, participate in a mock trial under the mentorship of legal experts at TMI総合法律事務所, and design their own city plans through the Future Architects Academy with Japan Design. Nearly twenty new companies will join the event, including ENEOS Xplora, and workshops will also be available for middle school students, providing a variety of hands-on experiences in the fields of healthcare and culinary arts.
Mori Building continues to foster collaboration with diverse companies in the office and retail sectors, creating authentic learning opportunities that are vital for developing the talents of future generations.
Workshop Highlights
- - Dates: July 25 (Saturday) to August 16 (Sunday), 2026
- - Number of Programs: Approximately 100 types with 350 sessions
- - Locations: Various special venues in Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills, and Toranomon Hills
- - Registration: Open from June 12 (Friday) 10:00 AM to June 23 (Tuesday) 3:00 PM
- - Lottery Results: Available on July 3 (Friday)
- - Official Website: Hills Workshop for Kids
Technology Experiences
Children will engage in unique technology-driven activities such as
- - Creating their own AI that responds conversationally with guidance from AI engineers at SHIFT, an initial participant
- - Participating in an interactive internet safety workshop by CARTA HOLDINGS, also a first-time participant.
- - Learning data science through hands-on projects in collaboration with the SAS Institute Japan.
Financial and Career Education
Workshops designed to introduce kids to the concept of money and careers in an engaging manner include:
- - Building a robot that can overcome obstacles by gaining funding, organized by Monex Securities.
- - Interactive sessions on companies and investments led by Invesco Asset Management that teach children about social systems, reinforcing understanding of finance and entrepreneurship.
Real-World Job Experiences
The workshop will offer children a chance to experience various professional roles:
- - Mock trials with legal professionals to understand the legal system and ethical concepts.
- - Hands-on medical simulation experiences at Keio University to inspire future interests in healthcare.
Culinary Experiences
Children can learn about food preparation and sustainability through engaging programs such as
- - Making traditional sushi under expert guidance from chefs and participating in pizza-making activities with personalized toppings.
As the 20th anniversary of the Hills Workshop for Kids approaches, Mori Building emphasizes its commitment to creating enriching experiences through collaboration with industry leaders. By providing children the opportunity to learn in a practical, engaging way, the workshop aims to nurture the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow who will shape a better future for all.