#Japan #Shinjuku #My Earth #SoELa

Embracing Environmental Education in Shinjuku

In an innovative effort to teach children about environmental challenges, a local project called "My Earth Shinjuku Version" has been undertaken. This initiative, a collaborative endeavor involving Takarazuka University, Seijo High School, Clarion Shinjuku football club, and the NPO SoELa, is supported by the Shinjuku ward in Tokyo. The project aims to educate young minds about the ecological issues in their area through a fun and interactive card game.

On November 16, a trial event took place at the Kashiwagi Community Center as part of the local festival, the "Shinjuku Kashiwa Festival." Here, children and parents had the opportunity to engage with the prototype of the My Earth card game. Clarion Shinjuku staff and students from Seijo High School collaborated to explain the game’s rules while facilitating gameplay. It was delightful to observe children competing against one another, learning the rules, and repeatedly asking to play again, showcasing their enthusiasm and engagement.

Insights Gained from the Trial

During this trial, valuable feedback was gathered regarding elements that made the game enjoyable for children. Insights into how to communicate environmental issues effectively were also collected, benefiting the game's instructional design.

On December 12, another implementation took place at Kashiwagi Elementary School, where 20 students from grades 3 to 6 participated in a session tied to the entrepreneurial exploration project "Kashiwagi Live." This initiative seeks to address social challenges and foster regional revitalization through collaboration with local businesses and experts.

Engaging Young Learners

In the initial part of this session, Daito Nishiyama from Clarion Shinjuku explained the overview and gameplay of the My Earth card game to the students. The children were then split into two teams: the "Global Warming Team" and the "Biodiversity Team," to compete and learn about local wildlife, food chains, and the impacts of human activities on the environment. Special cards showcasing environmental contributions from Clarion Shinjuku's partner companies added depth to their learning experience, allowing the students to intuitively grasp the significance of these initiatives.

As the session progressed, each student researched local species and illustrated their own original cards. Many chose common creatures like earthworms and crows, using their characteristics to create unique cards that reflected their strengths and ecological connections. The active involvement of students and their ability to comprehend the content quickly impressed the facilitators.

Educational Reflection

Kayto Sugano, a teacher at Kashiwagi Elementary School, noted, "While students typically explore environmental issues and the SDGs through textbooks and online research during social studies, opportunities to understand local natural environments and the threats they face are rare. The My Earth Shinjuku Version offers a chance for students to discover the beauty of nature right in the heart of a bustling urban area like Shinjuku. It has been a learning experience not just for the children but for us adults as well."

Future Prospects

With the valuable feedback from the trials, development of the final version of the My Earth card game is currently underway, with an expected completion date in February or March 2026. Beyond its completion, considerations are being made on how to utilize the game as an educational tool to deepen understanding of Shinjuku's environment and foster awareness of conservation efforts within local activities. This initiative aspires to expand horizons for environmental education through collaborations across various sectors—education, community involvement, and sports activities—aiming to enhance potential learning experiences for future generations.