March 8 Celebrates International Women's Day and Mimosa Day with Events at Sunshine City

Celebrating International Women's Day at Sunshine City

On March 8, a significant day marking both International Women's Day and Mimosa Day, Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will feature a special collaboration with the Suzuran Smile Project, celebrating its 5th anniversary. This initiative aims to empower young women, and the festivities will include a range of activities designed to raise awareness and promote support for the project.

Events Highlighting Young Women’s Empowerment

During the celebration, several initiatives will kick off, including an exhibition and participatory workshops in the Sunshine City SOLARIUM. From February 26 to March 8, visitors can enjoy presentations that highlight the journey of the Suzuran Smile Project and the team's efforts in collaborating with students.

Features of the Event

1. Educational Panels: Visitors will find three informative boards that outline the milestones and achievements of the Suzuran Smile Project over the past five years. The exhibition will showcase how the project connects with local high school and university students to enhance its outreach.

2. Student-Initiated PR Materials: As part of the project, high school and university students have been actively involved in creating promotional materials from scratch, including PR cards and videos. These will be displayed and screened in the SOLARIUM, providing insight into the creative process behind the campaign.

3. Mimosa Message Cards: In a highly interactive segment, guests are encouraged to participate in a workshop that utilizes mimosa flowers—symbolic of International Women's Day—to express gratitude by crafting message cards. Participants will place their cards on a community board, visually illustrating a collective expression of appreciation.

Special Activities on March 8

On March 8, from 14:30 to 17:30, a special booth will be set up on the first floor of the entertainment area. Students will distribute PR cards produced for the campaign, including limited-edition novelty items featuring the official project mascot, the Suzuran Spirit. These cards will serve as conversation starters, aiming to raise awareness among peers about the support available for young women in the community.

Furthermore, stickers designed by students from Tokiwakai Joshi Gakuen High School will adorn 18 female restroom stalls throughout Sunshine City, promoting the project and encouraging young women facing challenges to seek help. These stickers are crafted with meaningful phrases and messages that resonate with their peers.

About the Suzuran Smile Project

Launched in January 2021, the Suzuran Smile Project operates as a cross-sector initiative of the Toshima Ward government to assist young women who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives. Over the past five years, it has pioneered the free provision of sanitary products and gained recognition for its initiatives addressing issues faced by young women. The project embraces innovative proposals from young staff and seeks to collaborate with private organizations, ultimately fostering an environment where young women can readily access the support they need.

Sunshine City has expressed its commitment to this cause by becoming a “Toshima Community Suzuran Supporter” starting in January 2025, further solidifying its role in promoting awareness and advocacy for women's rights.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

This year’s events aim to send a powerful message to young women and their communities: they are not alone in their struggles, and help is available. Each activity not only celebrates their contributions but also aims to connect those in need with essential resources. Both the Suzuran Smile Project and Sunshine City managers emphasize the importance of outreach and community engagement, ensuring that no young woman feels isolated in her experiences.

As the celebrations unveil, those interested in learning more about the activities and support available can visit Sunshine City during operating hours. As they reflect on the project's achievements, the collaborative efforts between the Suzuran Smile Project and the greater community continue to pave the way for future initiatives to support young women.