#Japan #Tokyo #SDGs #Toyo University #Pendemy

Toyo University’s Innovative Open Campus Event for Elementary Students

On May 30, 2026, a remarkable event took place at the Hakusan campus of Toyo University, where the educational resources of the university were showcased to inspire the next generation. In a collaborative effort, Pendemy, a company based in Fuchu City, Tokyo, and the Pendemy Digital Education Lab non-profit organization facilitated an open campus specifically designed for elementary school students. This initiative aims to connect higher education with younger learners through the lens of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

A New Approach to Education

The event was spearheaded by student groups including the Kyokyukai and the Toyo University SDGs Ambassadors, who took charge of the planning and execution of the day’s activities. The university aims to create a space that not only presents itself as a center of academic excellence but also as a place of aspiration for local children. Pendemy’s role was to support public relations and assist with event operations, providing a platform for about 50 participating elementary students to engage with university-level knowledge and social topics through direct interaction with current students.

University students guided the young participants around the expansive campus, allowing them to experience firsthand the scale and grandeur of university facilities, including areas that are typically off-limits to the public. This design was intended to instill a sense of wonder about academia in the attending youth.

Highlighting Student-Centric Learning

The initiative showcased the innovative ways student perspectives can reshape the educational landscape. By leveraging their field of study and experiences, university students converted their knowledge and campus insights into engaging programs for children. One of the main goals was to convey that university is not just a place for serious study, but also full of fascinating learning opportunities.

The event featured multiple programs:

Campus Exploration Tour

Current students acted as friendly guides, providing an engaging narrative as they led the young guests through the campus, explaining the various areas and facilities uniquely accessible only to university students.

SDGs Mock Classes

The student ambassadors crafted a quiz-based mock class, tailored for elementary students, emphasizing not just finding the correct answers but also pursuing discoveries related to global challenges.

Waste Sorting Game

Participants learned about waste management by engaging in a practical sorting game aligned with the university's sustainability guidelines, promoting discussions on individual contributions towards a sustainable future.

University Cafeteria Experience

Children took part in a tasting experience at Toyo University’s cafeteria, reputed to serve the best campus meals in Japan. Through casual dialogues with university students, they encountered an authentic glimpse of campus life.

At the conclusion of the event, participants each received a certificate of completion, providing them with a tangible sense of achievement and boosting their self-esteem while encouraging a love for learning.

Bridging Educational Gaps

Pendemy respects the aspirations of students and educators alike in creating innovative learning environments. By supporting student-led community initiatives and shaping opportunities for social practice, we aim to enhance traditional open campus experiences uniquely suited to educational institutions and local authorities.

Our commitment is to utilize our expertise to elevate the distinctive qualities and ideas of your institution, ensuring safe and high-quality program development and implementation.

For inquiries regarding collaborative educational programs customized to your needs, please feel free to reach out to Pendemy via our contact page: Pendemy Contact Form.

About Pendemy and the Pendemy Digital Education Lab

Our team consists of former engineers from international IT corporations, dedicated to transforming educational experiences. Pendemy focuses on curricular development, educational DX support, and planning collaborations between academia and the industry, while the Non-Profit Pendemy Digital Education Lab specializes in collaborations with public institutions and operational management of community service activities. Together, this hybrid collaboration model brings high-quality educational experiences nationwide, blending public and specialized interests for the benefit of learners.