#Japan #Tokyo #LEGO Group #World Play Day #Build the Change

LEGO Group’s Initiative for World Play Day

LEGO Group is taking a significant step to celebrate "World Play Day" on June 11 by aiming to create “playful cities” together with children across the globe. This initiative coincides with the findings from a recent international survey that highlights the role of play within urban environments. The study surveyed approximately 20,000 children and their parents from various countries, including Japan, the UK, the US, France, Germany, Australia, the Czech Republic, China, Mexico, and Poland, focusing on children aged 6 to 16.

The results reveal an alarming situation regarding urban planning and its disregard for children's voices and needs. As the world transitions into an era where children will increasingly inhabit urban areas—projected to rise from one-third to nearly 70% by 2050—it is crucial to address the concerns voiced by the younger population.

Challenges Identified by Children

The survey unveiled several key observations:

• - 33% of children indicated that urban planners fail to consider their needs and preferences.
• - 36% expressed concerns that their cities prioritize vehicles over people, limiting safe and appealing play areas.
• - 64% noted a lack of enjoyable play spaces, with 44% wishing for more places to play with friends.
• - Parents echoed these concerns, with 84% feeling their communities do not prioritize play, and many fearing that their children may become the first generation to miss out on outdoor play experiences.

Additionally, 11% of parents admitted they cut back on other spending to afford safe play spaces for their children, which signifies a high demand for accessible, family-friendly recreational opportunities.

The Positive Impact of Play on Urban Development

LEGO Group emphasizes the importance of integrating play into urban design to foster healthy childhood development and a thriving community. The benefits of providing children with space and time to engage in play are profound; it enhances social connections, mental health, and overall well-being.

For instance, 43% of parents reported improved sleep quality in their children after play days, while 81% of children felt that play leads to greater happiness. The emotional and cognitive development facilitated by play is not limited to children; it extends to families, providing stress relief and a sense of community.

A Call for Safe, Accessible Play Spaces

In Japan, parents share a significant concern regarding the scarcity of safe and accessible playgrounds. A striking 70% reported the lack of sufficient, safe play areas in their communities and only 12% felt their cities were designed with children in mind.

Moreover, about 90% observed that imaginative play substantially benefits real-world skills, with nearly 85% of parents viewing playtime as essential learning time. The data reinforces that play is not merely for children; adults also demand recreational opportunities, emphasizing that 94% believe play remains crucial regardless of age.

Creative Urban Initiatives through Play

In response to these findings, LEGO Group has launched the "Build the Change" program, aimed at transforming children's imaginative ideas into real-world applications. This initiative encourages children to devise solutions for urban challenges using LEGO bricks and their creativity. Notable ideas include playful concepts like zip lines and slides integrated into city landscapes.

The culmination of these efforts will showcase innovative projects on World Play Day, led by prominent figures like former NASA engineer Mark Rober and supported by various influencers. Unique immersive experiences will unfold globally, particularly in cities like Berlin and Boston, highlighting how children's creative ideas can reshape urban environments.

In conjunction with this, local events will occur at LEGO Discovery Centers in Japan, featuring exciting interactive programs designed to ignite children's creativity. Initiatives are also taking place in over 30 community partners worldwide, emphasizing the collaborative aspect of this movement.

The Legacy of World Play Day

Ultimately, the LEGO Group is dedicated to carrying forward the children’s vision of creating playful cities. Their survey findings and children's proposals will serve as a “how-to guide” shared with urban planners and policymakers, advocating the essential role of play in our cities. Through collaborative efforts, both locally and globally, LEGO hopes to elevate the importance of play, making it an integral part of urban living.

For more information about World Play Day and how to participate, visit: www.LEGO.com/WorldPlayDay