#Japan #Bunkyo #Toyo Gakuen #Child Clothing #Zendra Inc.

Child Clothing Exchange Event: A Community Initiative by Toyo Gakuen University

Toyo Gakuen University, located in Bunkyo, hosts its annual child clothing exchange event on September 4th, in collaboration with local government and Zendra Inc. This innovative initiative aims to support families in need while promoting sustainability through the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (2R). Last year, approximately 2,500 items of clothing were collected and redistributed, with expectations for even greater participation this year.

The event will take place in the entrance hall of the university’s Hongo Campus. Anticipating the needs of the community, this year's event includes a public learning session titled "Current Issues and Challenges in Child-Rearing: Perspectives from University Students." This session will allow attendees to engage with students on the pressing issues surrounding parenting and child-rearing, fostering a deeper understanding of social challenges. Participants in this session will receive early entry to the clothing exchange, 15 minutes ahead of the general public.

The Human Science Department at Toyo Gakuen University offers hands-on experiences through its intensive fall semester course, “Human Society Seminars.” The course encourages students to engage with local communities and identify ways to address societal issues, including child-rearing. This collaboration with Bunkyo City and Zendra Inc. is unique, as it blends academia, industry, and government efforts to benefit families and children in the community.

Last year's exchange saw a successful turnout, with students implementing a new idea addressing gender neutrality in clothing distribution. They organized clothing based on size rather than gender, ensuring a fairer selection process. The event generated significant interest, with attendees lining up well before the opening.

This year marks the introduction of the public learning session to further discuss the relevance of clothing exchanges in supporting child-rearing and addressing environmental issues. The initiative serves as a model for other local governments, reinforcing Bunkyo’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting the reuse of goods.

Event Details:

• - Title: Toyo Gakuen University x Zendra Inc. x Bunkyo City Child Clothing Exchange
• - Date: September 4, 2025, Learning Session 10:00-10:40 AM, Clothing Exchange 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
• - Location: Toyo Gakuen University, Hongo Campus Entrance Hall, 1-26-3 Hongo, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
• - Activities: Public learning session on child-rearing issues and free clothing distribution, including a collection on-site
• - Target Audience: Residents, students, and employees living or working in Bunkyo City who are involved in childrearing
• - Registration: Pre-registration required for the learning session via the designated application form. Attendees for the clothing exchange can join without registration.

The clothing exchange is supported by various partners and further aims to reduce waste while actively addressing social challenges. Zendra Inc., known for its work in the cleaning industry, plays a significant role in collecting unneeded children’s clothing and redistributing it to families in need. The initiative has expanded its reach throughout the Kanto area and other regions in Japan, continuing to provide support and foster community spirit.

In conclusion, the annual clothing exchange event is more than just a distribution of clothes; it’s a collaborative effort to cultivate awareness around parenting, sustainability, and community support. This event represents a significant step toward creating a society that values both the environment and the well-being of its families.