On June 6th, 2023, the Chikawa Community Garden officially opened its doors in Toshima City, a project brought to life by DAIKEN Corporation, headquartered in Osaka. This initiative uses previously unused land, specifically the former swimming pool site of Chikawa Junior High School, to create a community garden tailored for local residents. The endeavor targets social isolation and aims to foster intergenerational connections within the neighborhood, adhering to the proposals set forth under the Toshima Ward's business suggestion system established in fiscal 2023.
Equipped with all necessary gardening tools, the garden allows participants to visit without the need to bring anything. With a strong support system provided by specialized staff, even those who have never tried gardening before can confidently participate. The management has carefully selected crops suitable for the local environment to ensure year-round harvesting opportunities. Moreover, the garden will host seasonal harvesting events and markets open to everyone, promoting agricultural experiences and nutritional education for all, thereby aiding in reducing the experiential disparities among children in the community through public-private partnerships.
During the opening, a pair of elementary school sisters shared their thoughts after participating in the soil planting experience. They remarked, “The dirt is different from what we expected; it’s fluffy and interesting! It was fun!” They also expressed their desire to grow tomatoes, showcasing the excitement and curiosity sparked by their hands-on experience.
Overview of Chikawa Community Garden
- - Opening Date: June 6, 2023
- - Operating Company: DAIKEN Corporation
- - Location: Former site of Chikawa Junior High School swimming pool (1-12 Takamatsu, Toshima City)
- - Area: Approximately 700 square meters
- - Participants: Residents of Toshima City / Usage Fee: 3,000 yen per household per month (Currently, applications are temporarily halted due to high demand)
- - Access: A 5-minute walk from Yoyama Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho and Fukutoshin Lines
For further details, please visit the official Chikawa Community Garden webpage here:
Chikawa Community Garden Details
The business proposal system by Toshima Ward represents a commitment to collaborative creation, aligning with the district’s core vision articulated in its Basic Concept. This newly established system encourages local businesses to contribute practical insights towards resolving community issues through creative and sustainable projects supported by the ward.
For a glimpse of the garden's transformation, you can view the following images showcasing both the preparation stages by DAIKEN Corporation and the current lovely landscape of the Chikawa Community Garden:
In summary, the Chikawa Community Garden not only brings the joy of gardening to the community but also represents a significant step towards enhancing community cohesion and education in the broader neighborhoods of Toshima City.