#Japan #Tokyo #Kazuki Arai #Community Autonomy #Shinji Kajitani

Creating Spaces for Living Together

On May 15, 2026, Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore will host a significant event celebrating the release of Kazuki Arai's new book, 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy.' This event will feature an insightful dialogue between Arai, the Chairman of the National Child Welfare Center, and Shinji Kajitani, professor of philosophy at The University of Tokyo. This marks the first in-person event celebrating this book's release, and it aims to explore the theme of creating spaces for living together.

Context of the Event

As Japan confronts declining birth rates, issues like isolation and difficulty in living among children and young people have become increasingly pressing. In contemporary society, there’s a growing emphasis on 'ability' and 'results'. While it is crucial to recognize the value of achieving tangible outcomes, the significance of merely encountering others, forming relationships, and sharing experiences is often overlooked.

The National Child Welfare Center, founded by Arai, has dedicated over 15 years to treating children and youth as 'companions' rather than just beneficiaries of support. Through various grassroots initiatives in the heart of Nagoya, they have been successful in creating environments that encourage natural interactions, moving beyond the patron-client dynamic. This innovative approach to community-building was recently honored with the Prime Minister's Award at the 2023 'Future-Making Children-Centered Award'.

During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the philosophies of Kajitani, who is known for his expertise in dialogue and community practices he cultivates in educational, corporate, and community settings. Together, they will reflect on their respective practices and provide insights into how to develop supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, autonomy, and the essence of 'living together' in harmony.

Moreover, in addition to in-person attendance, the event will also be accessible online, allowing for broader participation. After the event, registered attendees will have the chance to access a two-week recorded archive of the discussion.

Event Details

Title: Celebrating the Release of 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy'

Date and Time: May 15, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30 (doors open at 18:45)

Venue: Event space on the 2nd floor of Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore & Online Streaming

Speakers: Kazuki Arai and Shinji Kajitani

Organizer: Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore

Participation Method: Tickets can be purchased via the 'Event Manager' service for various options, including in-person attendance, online participation, and book-inclusive tickets.

Capacity and Ticket Fees: In-person attendance is limited to 65 people, while online participation can accommodate 400 attendees. A variety of ticket options are available, including those with a book included.

For more details and to register, please visit the Daikanyama Tsutaya Bookstore event page: https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/event/humanities/53648-1327240329.html

Speakers' Profiles

Kazuki Arai

Chairman of the National Child Welfare Center and associate professor at Aichi Bunkyo Women's Junior College. Originating from Hokkaido, he has worked as a children's caregiver in child welfare facilities before establishing the welfare center. He has focused his efforts on including children and youths as 'companions' in his outreach practices in Nagoya for over 15 years. Notable publications include 'Children and Youth Creating Outreach' and 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy'. He received the Prime Minister's Award in 2023 and the Aichi Prefecture Chairman's Encouragement Award in 2026.

Shinji Kajitani

Professor at the Graduate School of Arts and Letters, The University of Tokyo. His expertise includes philosophy, medical history, and comparative culture. He actively engages in creating spaces for collective thinking in schools, businesses, and community organizations. His publications include 'What Does It Mean to Think: A Philosophy Primer for All Ages', 'Adventure Diary of Philosophical Dialogue: We Think, Therefore We Are', and 'Parenting as Thought: Philosophy of the History of Knowledge and Physicality'. He also serves as a director at the National Child Welfare Center.

About the Book

'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy' addresses the pressing question of why children and young people find themselves losing their sense of belonging and facing isolation in a society that often measures individual worth based on abilities and achievements. Drawing from over 15 years of practical experience at the National Child Welfare Center, the author emphasizes the potential of building 'community autonomy' where relationships are formed through collaboration, rather than through a framework of patronage and support. This illuminating book serves as a crucial resource for understanding the dynamics of fostering inclusive spaces for youth.