On July 30, 2023, the Toshima District of Tokyo signed an important partnership agreement with the Peace Communication Foundation, which aims to cultivate the next generation of global talent. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote a peaceful society for future generations. The collaboration has its roots in past events such as the "World Children's Future Conference supporting the UN in TOSHIMA", which focused on the growth and independence of children by empowering them through diverse educational activities.
The agreement outlines various activities targeted at elementary school students residing in Toshima, including hosting the "World Children's Future Conference supporting the UN" and offering guidance in sports activities led by top athletes. Additional plans involve the execution of sports events aimed specifically at middle school students. On the agenda is the upcoming conference set for August 2026, which will expand its focus on sports and cultural activities to further support the development of youth in the area.
As part of this initiative, Toshima-ku will also implement a curriculum called "My Navi Presents Middle School Club Activation Project Toshima 2026" at Ikebukuro Junior High School, aimed at enhancing sports and other extracurricular activities. This will include a series of events designed to improve fundamental athletic skills, thereby enriching the overall experience for students participating in club activities—striving to ensure that they receive varied opportunities both inside and outside of these organized activities.
Miyuki Takagi, the Mayor of Toshima, expressed her hopes for the alliance, emphasizing that learning directly from elite athletes and artists can provide children with significant motivation and growth opportunities. "Until now, many of these endeavors have been limited to isolated events. Moving forward, we want to explore new ways to establish club activities in a structured manner," she stated, highlighting the need for planned approaches in fostering youth engagement.
The signing ceremony was held at Toshima's city hall, attended by key representatives from both the foundation and the district, including Koji Ikki, the Executive Director of the Peace Communication Foundation, and Toshima’s Education Director, Masaru Kiyano. The partnership aims not only to engage children in meaningful events but also to instill sustainable development goals (SDGs) through the theme "A Sustainable Future for Toshima" in the upcoming conference set for August 28, 2026.
This initiative will target elementary school students from 4th to 6th grades, either residing in or attending local schools within Toshima. The event will take place from 1 PM to 5:20 PM at the Toshima Center Square, incorporating educational lectures and activities led by special guest athletes.
Some of the notable athletes and personalities involved include Takeshi Mizuchi, former professional soccer player and TV sports presenter; Miyuki Takahashi, a former captain of Japan's women's volleyball team, who has transitioned into a sports commentator and multi-talented media figure; Sayaka Takahashi, former badminton representative who is now active in coaching and speaking engagements; and Dai Tamura, a globally recognized artist known for his sports-related artwork, especially in collaboration with the NBA.
With strong community support, this initiative promises to inspire local youth and contribute to a more educated and athlete-inclusive environment in Toshima, ensuring that the children of today are well-equipped for a globalized future.