#Japan #Tokyo #Youth Engagement #Teens’Tokyo

Tokyo Launches Official Teen Website

In 2022, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government initiated a child-friendly platform called the 'Tokyo Children’s Homepage', primarily aimed at elementary school students. With an impressive annual traffic exceeding 270 million page views, it became a beloved resource, attracting up to 90,000 daily visitors. Building on this success, officials introduced a dedicated section for middle and high school students. The beta version of the Tokyo Teen Website was initially released in December last year, and, following valuable feedback from students, the formal version is now available.

A Name Chosen by Students

The affectionate name for the site, 'Teens’Tokyo', emerges from a voting initiative involving 1,096 students, ensuring it resonates well with its target demographic.

Enhanced Features Tailored for Teens

The refreshed site is structured around six key areas designed to support teens in various aspects of their lives:

1. Educational Support - Information on tuition-free programs, scholarship opportunities, and exam fees.
2. Dreams & Challenges Support - Featuring videos and resources to encourage global leadership and study abroad opportunities.
3. Health & Wellbeing Support - Guidance for youth healthcare, young carers, and measures to prevent illegal work.
4. Experiential Activities - Examples of vocational experiences, alongside sports and cultural engagements.
5. Volunteering Opportunities - Insights into the benefits of volunteering and information on ongoing projects.
6. Latest Tokyo Government Updates - Livestreams of press conferences and other public announcements.
7. Discovering Tokyo - Educational materials about child policies and engaging content to learn about the charm of Tokyo.

Insight from Global Leaders

A significant addition includes inspirational messages from 10 renowned global leaders, including entrepreneurs and researchers. These individuals share insights for youths, aiming to broaden their horizons and encourage active participation in society. Some highlighted figures include:

• - Ren Ito, Co-founder of Sakana AI
• - Toshiro Tsuboi, CEO of Sagri Inc.
• - Miki Ohtani, former chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child

Student-Created Journalism

In an empowering initiative, the website features articles crafted by teens leveraging their unique perspectives. These articles, consisting of 11 newly added pieces, delve into various topics, from Tokyo's tourism initiatives to environmental conservation efforts. This endeavor showcases a deeper connection between youth and the civic landscape.

Popular AI English Conversation Content

Furthermore, to attract more students to 'Teens’Tokyo', the site promotes a popular AI English conversation feature. Prominent YouTuber Haiichi engages in dialogues with teenagers to spotlight the content effectively. This collaboration aims to maximize outreach and illustrate how technology can simplify learning.

In conclusion, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's innovative approach establishes a nurturing platform for teens, empowering them to engage with local governance and explore their interests. The 'Teens’Tokyo' website not only serves as a portal for information but also as a stage for youth voices to emerge, shaping the future of Tokyo.

For more information and to explore the site, visit Teens’Tokyo.