#Japan #Entrepreneurship #Utsunomiya #Gaiax

Utsunomiya's Entrepreneurship Workshop for Elementary Students

Introduction

Gaiax Inc., a leading company in entrepreneurship education, has teamed up with Utsunomiya Ventures and Utsunomiya East Junior High and High School to host the innovative "UTSUNOMIYA Entrepreneurship Seminar". This event aims to nurture young minds by offering a one-day workshop designed specifically for elementary students from the Utsunomiya area.

Workshop Overview

The workshop focuses on engaging young participants in the entire entrepreneurial process, from identifying problems to creating prototypes and presenting ideas. It allows students to actively participate while uncovering the significance of entrepreneurship and the thrill of being an entrepreneur.

This is the second consecutive year that Gaiax is collaborating with Utsunomiya City to provide this program for elementary school students, filling a gap in systematic entrepreneurial education for younger generations.

Objective of the Workshop

The primary goals of the UTSUNOMIYA Entrepreneurship Seminar are:

• - To understand what entrepreneurship is and its essential nature.
• - To spark a genuine interest in entrepreneurial pursuits among young students.

Participants will have the opportunity to experience the entire entrepreneurial process within a single day. They will work alongside junior and senior high school mentors, exploring problem identification, idea generation, prototype creation, and presentation challenges.

Who Can Participate?

The workshop is aimed at elementary school students from 4th to 6th grade, who are either residents of Utsunomiya or attend schools in the city. The program can accommodate 30 children, with a lottery system in place for admission if applications exceed capacity.

Date and Venue

The event will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the Tsuchiyama Room in Utsunomiya East High School.

Engaging Activities

Participants will find themselves immersed in a variety of engaging activities:
1. Icebreaker Session (13:30 - 13:50): Understanding the day’s objectives and forming small groups to enhance relationships among members.
2. Problem Identification (13:50 - 14:20): Students will select a problem from their surroundings to tackle during the workshop.
3. Break (14:20 - 14:30)
4. Information Gathering (14:30 - 14:45): Learning to innovate by viewing existing solutions from new angles and acknowledging how individuals cope with their challenges.
5. Analysis and Refinement (14:45 - 15:10): Collaborating in groups to develop a valuable product or service idea based on the previous discussions.
6. Break (15:10 - 15:20)
7. Prototype Development (15:20 - 15:50): Creating sketches or prototypes for the product or service, alongside preparation for presentations.
8. Presentations (15:50 - 16:15): Sharing ideas and prototypes with the group, enhancing members’ communication skills.
9. Conclusion and Reflections (16:15 - 16:30): Wrapping up the day's activities and reflecting on what participants have learned.

Cost and Registration

The workshop is free for all participants, though attendees will need to cover transportation costs to the venue.
Parents are invited to observe the program without having to register in advance.

Feedback from Participants

Feedback from previous participants highlights the workshop's impactful nature:

• - "Transforming ideas into reality was incredibly enjoyable. I felt a thrill as I moved closer to solving my problems!"
• - "I used to think entrepreneurship was complex, but realizing that it's about solving someone’s difficulties made it feel more accessible."

Conclusion

The UTSUNOMIYA Entrepreneurship Seminar is not just a workshop; it's a unique opportunity for young students to learn vital skills while nurturing their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Through collaboration with high school peers and professional instructors, the program promises a day filled with discovery and excitement for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

For more information about Gaiax and its various endeavors in fostering entrepreneurship, please visit Gaiax Education.