#Japan #Tokyo #Community Building #Social Welfare Forum

A New Beginning for Community Welfare

The "Community Welfare Forum", which has been held for the past ten years with the goal of promoting local welfare activities, will transform into a new event, the "Social Welfare Practice Forum", scheduled to take place in January 2026. This change marks an exciting opportunity for local welfare associations (Shakai Fukushi Kyougikai) and community members to come together to explore the future of their neighborhoods.

Purpose and Goals of the Forum

The newly established Social Welfare Practice Forum aims to facilitate a dialogue among community members, welfare associations, and relevant organizations on shaping the local community. What kind of community do we want to create? What can we do for effective community building? These are the pivotal questions the forum intends to address through shared experiences and discussions.

The inaugural session will feature keynote speaker, Professor Hiroichi Watanabe from Musashino University, who will shed light on the essential role of welfare associations in community welfare. In addition, representatives from various welfare associations, including Oshima Municipal Welfare Association, Kunitachi City Welfare Association, and Chiyoda Ward Welfare Association, will present their practical experiences in fostering community connections that resonate with regional needs.

Towards the end of the event, participants will have the opportunity to engage in informal discussions known as "Group Yuru Talk", allowing for a relaxed sharing of thoughts and reflections.

Who Should Attend

The forum welcomes anyone interested in community welfare—whether you are already active in your community, a student eager to learn about welfare, or simply someone curious about the activities of welfare associations. People from outside Tokyo are also warmly invited to participate, creating an inclusive space for all.

Event Details

Hybrid Format

• - Date and Time: January 23, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• - Location: AP Tokyo Yaesu, 7th Floor P Room (1-10-7 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo)
• - Participation Fee: Free

Program Highlights

1. Keynote Speech: "Why Welfare Associations Are Close to Us" by Professor Hiroichi Watanabe.
2. Practices Report:
- "Connecting through Deliciousness to Enjoyment—A Multigenerational Exchange Hub: Oshima Shokudo" by Oshima Welfare Association.
- "A Farm where Diverse Backgrounds Connect: Kunitachi Hinata-en" by Kunitachi Welfare Association.
- "Ciao!—A Multigenerational Exchange in Chiyoda" by Chiyoda Welfare Association.
3. Group Yuru Talk: An informal discussion wrapping up the event.

Registration Information

• - How to Register: Interested participants should fill out the registration form provided.
• - Capacity: The venue accommodates up to 90 people on a first-come, first-served basis, while online participation is unlimited.
• - Registration Deadline: January 9, 2026.

For more details, please visit the Tokyo Social Welfare Association's official event page.

Inquiries

For any questions related to this event, contact the Tokyo Social Welfare Association, Community Welfare Division, at 03-3268-7186. We look forward to seeing all of you there for a meaningful and interactive experience!