#Japan #Tokyo #children's safety #note #Kokumin Kyosai

Ensuring Safety for Our Children: The 7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project

In an endeavor to protect the younger generation from traffic accidents, Kokumin Kyosai Coop, led by Chairman Akihito Uchikoshi, initiated the '7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project' in 2019. This initiative not only raises awareness regarding the safety of children but also actively discourages traffic accidents among the most vulnerable age group, specifically seven-year-olds.

As we know, May has been identified as the month with the highest incidence of traffic accidents involving this age group. To address this concerning trend, the project encourages collective action and awareness through creative means. One of the main components of this effort is the upcoming collaboration with note, which is set to host the '#ConsideringChildSafety' contest from May 13 to June 1, 2025. Participants are invited to share personal narratives about children's safety, such as experiences of children being protected on their way to school by adults or the significance of safety measures like the yellow crossing flags. This contest serves as a platform for anyone, whether a first-time writer or a seasoned professional, to contribute to enhancing public consciousness around reducing traffic-related incidents.

Contest Details

• - Theme: '#ConsideringChildSafety'
• - Format: Submissions can take various forms, including essays, illustrations, stories, or comics.
• - Timeline: The contest is open for submissions from May 13, 2025, to June 1, 2025, with results to be announced in early July.
• - Submission Guidelines: Participants must create or log in to their note account, use the designated hashtag, and ensure submissions are made public at no cost. Those who have previously shared content can also repost it using the hashtag for eligibility in the contest.

Importance of the Initiative

The stark reality is that children, particularly first-graders who have just started school, are more susceptible to traffic injuries due to their shorter stature and underdeveloped awareness of their surroundings. Data from the Traffic Accident Analysis Center highlights this vulnerability. To mitigate this prevalence, Kokumin Kyosai Coop has made significant strides since the launch of the project. More than 1.55 million yellow crossing flags have been distributed across schools and children's centers nationwide as safety measures. Additionally, in partnership with Kanazawa University, the project has developed 'My Community's 7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Hazard Map,' which assists in visualizing local risks and integrating safety education into families and schools.

Ongoing Efforts

The project has more initiatives in place, including the digital picture book 'The Magical Glasses,' which is aimed at both educating children and their parents about traffic safety in an engaging manner. Collaborative research with Kanazawa University since November 2019 focuses on observing 7-year-olds, aiming to improve safety protocols and reduce accidents.

Moreover, April 4 has been designated as 'Child Safety Monitoring Day' to promote greater awareness and support community initiatives geared towards child safety. This constant push for support and collaboration aims to engage the public in recognizing and assisting this vital cause that protects our children.

A Call to Action

Kokumin Kyosai Coop emphasizes that this is not merely an organizational effort; it is a community-driven initiative that requires active participation. This project exemplifies the cooperative spirit of the organization, as it has continuously evolved to address the pressing needs of society, particularly in ensuring a safe environment for children. As we can see, fostering a culture of safety not only helps in preserving lives but also contributes to constructing a society where everyone can thrive peacefully.

For more information and to contribute to the contest, check out their official website at Kokumin Kyosai Coop and Note. Let's unite in making our streets safer for the younger generation and cultivate an environment where all children can walk freely and safely.