Tokyo Information University Implements Learning System to Support Children’s Community Activities

Tokyo Information University, managed by Tokyo Agricultural University, is set to participate in the “Yachiyo Children's City Project 2026,” which takes place on October 3-4 at Takanodai Park in Yachiyo City, Japan. This initiative is designed to foster children's autonomy and collaboration through practical experiences such as job simulations.

The research group led by Associate Professor Yoshihiro Kono of the university’s School of Comprehensive Information Studies has developed a learning support system called “LeaFeS” (Learning Feedback System) aimed at bolstering children's voluntary learning via community activities. LeaFeS has been implemented in the Yachiyo Children’s City Project, where its effectiveness will be showcased and tested. In 2025, this system was utilized by a total of 238 participants, and the collected data is currently being analyzed to enhance LeaFeS further. The 2026 project will further promote the social implementation of the research findings.

Key Points

- The learning support system developed under LeaFeS will be demonstrated during the Yachiyo Children’s City Project. It is noteworthy that 238 participants used this system in 2025, which also involved university students collaborating on research and presentations at conferences and academic gatherings.

Research Outcomes

In the 2024 Yachiyo Children’s City Project, a total of 237 children participated. Throughout their engagement, their learning data was collected utilizing LeaFeS to support their initiative-driven learning. Analysis of the collected data indicated a marked improvement in the participants' ability to tackle challenges. Additionally, those who engaged for two to five hours showed enhancements in their career planning skills. This suggests that the system not only aids in immediate learning but also has long-term benefits in developing crucial life skills.

Academic Publications

Several papers outline the research findings and applications related to this initiative:

- Kono, Yoshihiro, Kadokura, Ryota, Goto, Yoshito, and Harada, Eriko, "Creating Opportunities for Children's Job Experience Through Community Activities and Developing Learning Feedback Systems," Human-Centered Design Promotion Organization Journal, Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 35-42, September 2024. Read more
- Kono, Yoshihiro, and Harada, Eriko, "Utilization of the Learning Feedback System (LeaFeS) in ‘Children's City’ and the Evaluation of Educational Effects," Human-Centered Design Promotion Organization Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1, March 2026. Read more

Event Overview

- Event Dates: October 3-4, 2026
- Location: Takanodai Park (2-36-36 Takanodai, Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture)
- Organizer: Yachiyo Children's City Project Executive Committee
- Collaboration: Tokyo Information University

This initiative represents a promising approach to integrating academic research with practical community engagement, ultimately aiming to empower the younger generation with essential skills for the future.