#Japan #Tokyo #Urban Greening #Toho Leo #ESD Program

Exceptional Response: Over 100 Applicants for 'Morikara x LABO'

In an exciting development, the 'Morikara x LABO' program, merging urban greening knowledge with next-generation education, will take place in August 2025 at the historic Kudan House in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The program, which specializes in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), is a collaborative effort by Toho Leo Corporation and renowned experts from the University of Tokyo.

Record Applications

Since its launch in June, the program has garnered significant interest, with over 100 applicant groups from across the country expressing their desire to participate. We extend our gratitude to everyone who applied, whether you will be joining us or not this time.

Understanding ESD

ESD focuses on equipping individuals with the knowledge, values, and attitudes necessary for a sustainable society, as defined by UNESCO and Japan's Ministry of Education. This educational approach emphasizes essential 21st-century skills like creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. According to research, ESD promotes transformative learning aimed at fostering personal and social change.

Core Values and ESD Synergy

'Morikara x LABO' embodies Toho Leo's philosophy of being 'guardians of forests and creators of urban futures,' aimed at transferring their core expertise in urban greening to the next generation. With insights from distinguished faculty members, including Professor Kayoko Kurita, and others from the University of Tokyo, the program strives to develop six key ESD competencies:
1. Future-Oriented Thinking: The ability to anticipate future scenarios.
2. Systems Thinking: Understanding relationships and interconnectedness.
3. Critical Thinking: The capacity to reevaluate and question.
4. Collaborative Skills: The ability to work together creatively.
5. Self-Awareness: Reflecting on one's own experiences and beliefs.
6. Value Judgment: Making informed choices about values.

By focusing on these competencies, the program aims to nurture children who can thrive in a complex urban environment.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

Toho Leo's expertise in urban greening serves as the backbone of the program. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including creating their own 'Mori-Kyara' (forest character) and collaborating with their parents in insightful learning experiences. These activities are crafted under the academic guidance of Professor Toshiyuki Amono, a former professor at the University of Tokyo, ensuring a multifaceted approach to education.

Significance in Academic Research

Beyond being a compelling educational initiative, 'Morikara x LABO' is also a research project exploring important questions:
1. How does parental support influence children's ESD competencies?
2. What gaps exist between parental expectations and children's self-identified goals?
3. How do the 'Mori-Kyara' creations reflect the ESD learning experiences and what impact does this have on recognition and accomplishment?

Innovation in Social Implementation

By integrating traditional craftsmanship with rigorous academic frameworks, this program sets a precedent for ESD in urban settings. It seeks to reconnect children living in cities with nature, promoting values of connection and co-creation. The artifacts produced, such as skill diagnostic charts, character design sheets, and parent-child dialogue records, hold potential for broader deployment in educational settings nationwide.

Program Details

Event Name: 'Morikara x LABO'
Dates: August 1-3, 22-23, 2025
Venue: Kudan House, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Target Audience: First to third graders and their parents
Organizer: Toho Leo Corporation
Collaboration: University of Tokyo
Special Supervision: Professor Toshiyuki Amono, University of Tokyo
Over 100 groups have already applied since the call opened in June, highlighting the program's promise.

Collaborators

The program features notable figures in the urban greening and academic fields:

• - Kazuharu Inohana, a first-class landscape architect specializing in building unique garden spaces.
• - Katsuhon Tanaka, a certified tree doctor actively engaged in diverse areas of value provision.
• - Professor Kayoko Kurita, an educational expert committed to developing future university educators.
• - Professor Toshiyuki Amono, a prominent figure in sustainability education.
• - Misaki Funahiki, a graduate student working on integrating corporate values into educational resources.

Toho Leo's Commitment to Social Value

Toho Leo transcends its role in urban greening, actively promoting social value through various projects that rebuild connections between humans and nature. This program showcases the potential for businesses to play a crucial role in the educational landscape, offering the next generation invaluable lessons in sustainable practices.

For more information, visit Toho Leo.

About Kudan House

Kudan House, a registered tangible cultural property, was established in 1927 and renovated into a venue for business innovation and special events. For more details, check out Kudan House.