#Japan #Tokyo #ICHI COMMONS #After School NPO #社会課題解決

ICHI COMMONS and After School NPO Collaborate to Address Social Issues

On November 12, 2025, ICHI COMMONS Inc. and the After School NPO will co-host a special dialogue event aimed at encouraging meaningful collaborations between corporations and non-profit organizations (NPOs) focused on social issues affecting children. Held at Nakajima Tosho Co., Ltd. in Shibuya, Tokyo, the event aligns with the vision of enhancing after-school activities across Japan, termed 'Golden Time for After School.'

This dialogue will showcase various organizations, including ICHI COMMONS, which provides a collaboration platform called 'Sustaina Net,' and partners such as the Mitsui Sumitomo Financial Group and Suntory Holdings. These corporates will share their experiences in providing enriching opportunities for elementary school students while tackling the social issue of experience disparity among children.

The structure of the dialogue features multiple sessions discussing the practical outcomes, challenges, and underlying sustainability strategies of each participating organization. Participants will collaboratively explore new possibilities for cooperation between corporate participants and NPOs, ultimately considering specific future actions to enhance collaboration in the realm of children's welfare.

Event Details

• - Title: Dialogue for Corporate-NPO Collaboration Towards Social Issue Resolution: Aiming for Cross-Sectoral Cooperation in Children's Development
• - Date: November 12, 2025, from 14:00 to 17:00 (Networking session from 17:00 to 18:00)
• - Eligibility: (1) CSR, CSV, and Sustainability department heads and representatives from companies; (2) NPO representatives who are already engaged in corporate partnerships (limited to two attendees from a single organization).
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Venue: Nakajima Tosho Co., Ltd., 2F Hall, Shibuya, Tokyo.
• - Access: An 8-minute walk from Shibuya Station (various train lines), or a 5-minute walk from Exit 11 of Hanzomon Line.

Registration Link: Sign up here
Registration Deadline: November 10, 12:00 p.m.

Background of the Dialogue

ICHI COMMONS and After School NPO recognized the challenge of fragmented efforts in the child welfare sector, leading to inefficient use of time and resources. Across Japan, social issues related to children's welfare are increasingly complex, with a significant portion of children experiencing relative poverty or lacking supportive social environments. Therefore, fostering an environment for greater collaboration between businesses and NPOs, as well as pooling knowledge and investments, is essential for addressing these pressing challenges.

With Japan facing rapid depopulation and an increase in societal issues, including a notable rise in relative poverty among children, it is critical that diverse stakeholders contribute to developing social safety nets adapted for today's needs. The cross-sectoral collaboration between businesses and NPOs can enhance the speed and sustainability of interventions aimed at benefiting the next generation.

Agenda Highlights

1. Opening Remarks:
- _Takahiro Fushimi, CEO of ICHI COMMONS Inc._ on collaborative models between corporations and NPOs.

2. Case Studies on Cross-Sector Collaboration:
- Case 1: Atelier Vanrai with Mitsui Sumitomo Financial Group - Presentation on their initiatives to create educational experiences for children.
- Case 2: Kodomo Bouken Bank with Suntory Holdings - Focus on addressing the gap in children's experiences and opportunities through innovative programs.

3. Group Discussions: Focus on challenges and strategies in collaboration within the child-focused domain.

4. Panel Talks: Discussion on necessary elements for fostering new forms of cross-sectional cooperation, featuring key representatives from various organizations.

5. Networking Session: An opportunity for participants to forge connections and share insights on collaborative efforts towards impactful social engagement focused on children.

Through this dialogue, ICHI COMMONS and After School NPO aim to not only address immediate social issues but also initiate ongoing discussions leading to sustained cross-sectoral collaboration, contributing fundamentally to the betterment of child welfare in Japan.