#Japan #Tokyo #Community Awards #Peatix #Mariko Inokuma

Peatix Community Awards 2025: Celebrating Community Initiatives

Peatix Inc., the company behind the event and community platform Peatix, is excited to announce the inaugural Peatix Community Awards 2025, which will take place on May 28, 2025, at the SCC Sendagaya Community Center. This ceremony promises to recognize and celebrate a variety of communities with diverse contributions from across Japan.

Starting from December 16, 2024, to March 16, 2025, over 450 entries were submitted from communities spanning all 47 prefectures. These entries represent a wide array of community efforts, ranging from emerging groups to long-standing ones with over ten years of experience. Some of the submissions are rooted in local activities, while others engage in social issue resolution or thrive in online spaces, showcasing a colorful mix of themes and styles.

A Diverse Array of Community Entries

The awards will feature contributions from both local and global communities, emphasizing inclusivity and variety. The submitted projects cover numerous categories, including regional groups, business networks, creative arts communities, and online initiatives. All 11 categories of community activities saw participation from various regions, underlining the event's goal to showcase the rich tapestry of community engagement in Japan.

Concept of the Ceremony

The awards ceremony is themed “Crossover Playground,” aiming to create an environment where different communities can intersect and forge new bonds. This event will not only serve as an awarding ceremony but also as a venue for community organizers to meet and engage with one another. The hope is that from these interactions, which transcend barriers of discipline and geography, future collaborations will emerge, fostering innovation and connection.

Event Details

• - Date: May 28, 2025 (Wednesday) 14:00 - 20:30
• - Location: SCC Sendagaya Community Center, Basement 1 (Circle Hall), 5 minutes walk from Harajuku Station
• - Website: Peatix Community Awards (The winning communities will be announced after May 28)

Media inquiries can be made through the contact section on the event's website. Applicants can reach out for further assistance regarding press arrangements.

Keynote Panel Discussion with Special Guests

As part of the awards ceremony, a keynote panel discussion will feature distinguished guests discussing the theme: “Chemical Reactions of Communities - New Possibilities Beyond Borders.” The panelists include:

• - Mariko Inokuma, CEO of OMOYA and founder of Women's Future University. Inokuma focuses on empowering women and has extensive experience in community and diversity management.
• - Takashi Yokoishi, CEO of &Co. and organizer of Tokyo Work Design Week. Yokoishi has made significant contributions to brand development and is known for facilitating large-scale community events.
• - Akira Nakajima, head of the Toshima Conference and incubation manager at RYOZAN PARK. Nakajima specializes in collaborative projects and has played a key role in supporting local community initiatives.

Event Schedule

• - 14:00 – 14:30: Registration
• - 14:30 – 14:45: Opening / Icebreaker
• - 14:50 – 15:15: Keynote Panel Discussion
• - 15:20 – 16:15: Awards Ceremony (First Half)
• - 16:20 – 16:45: Panel Discussion with Awarded Communities I
• - 16:45 – 17:00: Break / Community Presentation Time
• - 17:00 – 17:45: Awards Ceremony (Second Half)
• - 17:50 – 18:15: Panel Discussion with Awarded Communities II
• - 18:30 – 20:30: Networking Party

Content Partners and Highlights

• - Craft Beer: Visitors can enjoy craft beers provided by schmatz, a brand known for its delightful German brews.
• - Live Painting: Artist Shia, known for her profound emotional expressions, will be creating art live during the event.
• - Traveling Photo Studio: Yukino Nakanishi will capture portraits of visitors, allowing them to take home a printed memory.

Reason for the Awards

Since its inception in 2011, Peatix has supported over 120,000 community activities. The awards aim to make visible the incredible work of varied community initiatives, sharing their value with society and fostering further development in community engagement. Through this platform, Peatix hopes to inspire new community cultures and celebrate the connections that empower individuals and enrich society.