Chiyoda Ward Students Experience Workplace Learning at Photo Shoot

In a unique initiative aiming to enhance educational experiences, two second-year students from Chiyoda Ward's Kojimachi Junior High School engaged in workplace learning at Sen Corporation, a comprehensive early childhood care tech service provider. This program, running from November 26 to 28, 2025, is part of the local government’s efforts to connect students with businesses in the area, allowing them to gain firsthand insights into professional environments while also alleviating the workload of educators.

Role of Community Coordinators

The program was made possible thanks to the newly established Community Coordinator system in Chiyoda Ward, which aims to address challenges such as increasing workload among teachers and the scarcity of workplace learning opportunities for students. This system effectively bridges the gap between local businesses and junior high schools, facilitating high-quality experiential learning while minimizing administrative burdens on educators. By collaborating with these coordinators, Sen Corporation was able to tailor the workplace experience to meet students’ needs, ensuring an engaging and insightful learning environment.

Overview of the Workplace Learning Program

- Dates: November 26-28, 2025 (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM)
- Locations: Sen Corporation and Kids Square Marunouchi Eiraku Building (nursery)
- Participants: Two second-year students from Kojimachi Junior High School

Activities Included:

1. Discussion with School Photographers
The students had the opportunity to engage in discussions about the significance and meaning of capturing children's photographs, referencing works from professional photographers. They learned about basic photography techniques including composition, lighting, and how to portray emotions effectively.

2. Hands-On Photography Practice
Utilizing professional-grade DSLR cameras, the students practiced setting up and executing photo shoots. They actively participated, asking insightful questions about how to achieve their desired photographic outcomes.

3. Real-World Experience at a Nursery
The students applied their skills by photographing children at a local nursery. They learned to engage with the children and draw out their expressions, adapting their approach based on the age of the children they were shooting.

4. Presentation of Their Work
Concluding the workshop, the students edited their photos and presented their thoughts on their photographic intentions and the narratives behind their images.

Student Insights:
- “I felt that capturing children eating is one of the cutest moments, so I wanted to deliver that to parents through my photos.”
- “In editing, I focused on creating a soft atmosphere in my pictures.”
- “I aimed to compose my shots in a way that parents would want to use them as wallpaper on their smartphones.”

They also learned about the importance of understanding who their audience is, particularly from feedback provided by parents who have purchased the photos.

Comments from Principal Tsutomu Horikoshi

Principal Horikoshi expressed the significance of these hands-on experiences in career education. He highlighted how workplace learning enables students to explore environments that align with their future career aspirations. He noted that collecting student feedback on preferred fields for these experiences can help tailor educational offerings more effectively than pre-COVID arrangements which largely relied on remote guest lectures. Many students expressed a desire to gain interpersonal communication skills applicable in real-world scenarios, such as those in healthcare settings.

Social Contribution by Sen Corporation

For Sen Corporation, this initiative is not just about education but also community engagement. They aim to provide children with opportunities to develop their creativity and expressive capabilities. As the demand for career education and experiential learning rises, collaborative partnerships between local businesses and schools are increasingly vital. With a background in school photography and childcare services, Sen Corporation is committed to continually supporting educational initiatives that benefit the community and prepare future generations for success.

About Yes Cheese!

Yes Cheese! (https://sencorp.co.jp/service) is a comprehensive childcare tech service focused on nurturing children's happiness. By supporting various activities such as seasonal photography for schools and integrating photo sales, communication systems, album production, and food education services, Yes Cheese! aims to enhance children's experiences, ensuring they grow into happy and healthy individuals. With a focus on the overall welfare of children, they strive to provide services that advance both their physical and emotional development.