Collaborative Sports Exploratory School Trip in Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido

Collaborative Educational Trip: Sports-Powered Explorations in Kamikawa Town

Introduction to the Program

In a groundbreaking educational initiative, TOKYO EDUCATION LAB, based in Minato City, Tokyo, has partnered with Kamikawa Town in Hokkaido to create a pioneering program known as the “Sports-Co-Creation Exploratory School Trip.” This initiative aims to engage high school students in a collaborative exploration of regional revitalization through sports.

This unique program emphasizes the theme of sports as a catalyst for local engagement and teamwork. Students from Komaba Gakuen High School in Setagaya, Tokyo, will participate in a journey that spans approximately ten months, culminating in a hands-on experience in Kamikawa Town. The program is designed to encourage students to develop action plans that enhance their understanding of the locale.

The Role of Kamikawa Town

Kamikawa Town, famously recognized as Japan's most open-innovation town, aims to foster collaboration among local businesses, organizations, and municipalities. Under the inspiring vision of generating “1 billion people moved”, the town has initiated several innovative projects. They recently signed a partnership agreement with Mizuno Corporation to utilize Baseball5, an official sport in the upcoming 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games. The town hosted the inaugural “Big Snow Cup,” a community-driven Baseball5 tournament, in December last year and is set for a follow-up event in October 2025.

Program Outline

The exploratory school trip, implemented from January through September 2025, encompasses a variety of learning modules. Totaling 20 sessions, the students will immerse themselves in pre-trip learning aimed at discovering Kamikawa's unique attributes and challenges. Through informative sessions delivered by local stakeholders, including Mizuno Corporation and local entrepreneurs, students will delve into the area's potential and create innovative tourist ideas.

Learning Objectives

During the preliminary phase, students will learn about Kamikawa Town's basic information, attractions, and issues. The core aim of the program is for students to brainstorm ideas that utilize Baseball5 to enhance Kamikawa and related areas such as Yamaguchi City and Yuda Onsen.

Developing Presentations

Following approximately ten months of lectures and group work, students will have the opportunity to visit Kamikawa Town, participate in workshops, and engage with local businesses. This experiential learning will culminate in a presentation where the students will showcase their insights to local audiences.

Future Aspirations

TOKYO EDUCATION LAB aspires to continue fostering exploratory learning experiences in the frame of educational trips. By maximizing student potential and strengthening inter-school ties, the LAB aims to create opportunities that will serve as foundational career experiences for participants.

Insights from Leaders

In reflection on this collaboration, President Takayuki Kanai of TOKYO EDUCATION LAB emphasized the transformative potential of this program. He noted that student-led exploration not only fosters a deep engagement with their learning but also nurtures sustainable relationships within the community. By redefining the role of school trips, they hope to bridge educational and societal experiences, expanding students' career prospects.

Community Engagement and Appreciation

Kohei Mitani, GM of the Regional Attraction Creation Division of Kamikawa Town, expressed gratitude for students’ commitment to addressing regional revitalization through sports. By harnessing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas from young minds, Kamikawa aims to continue inviting educational trips and engaging with youth across Japan to cultivate new connections and sustainable growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the collaborative sports exploratory school trip offers students a chance to engage actively with the community of Kamikawa Town. Through experiential learning, students will develop valuable skills and insights that may influence their future careers and relationships with the region.

For more information about TOKYO EDUCATION LAB's initiatives and programs, please visit their official website or contact their PR team.