Operating the Web Media "Namaken"

We operate "Namaken," a web media platform for junior and senior high school students, introducing the activities, faculty insights, and student voices from mechanical, electrical, architecture, and civil engineering research labs. Beyond presenting each lab's characteristics, we share the perspectives and specific initiatives of professors and current students, providing useful information for future career decisions.
By 2030, we plan to interview over 1,000 research labs in specialized departments nationwide and distribute the content as printed booklets to high school students.

Hosting the "Construction & Disaster Prevention Grand Prix" for Children and Communities

We regularly host the "Construction & Disaster Prevention Grand Prix for Children and Communities" at local festivals and construction events, communicating the importance of civil engineering and disaster prevention. Leveraging student research, we offer hands-on experiences such as liquefaction and tunnel structure experiments, disaster preparedness backpack creation, and radio-controlled heavy machinery operation, reaching a broad audience from children to adults and showcasing the appeal of the construction sector.
In FY2025, we held 13 events nationwide with approximately 1,580 participants. We plan to continue hosting these events regularly. Starting in FY2026, we will conduct post-event surveys to measure how much awareness and interest in construction and manufacturing have increased, and use the results to improve and enhance event content.

Operating the Community & Cafe Project "TONKAN"

"TONKAN" is a hands-on initiative where students themselves handle everything from property search and design to construction and operations. Working in partnership with local communities and governments, the project aims to achieve both student learning and solving local challenges. As of FY2025, it operates 14 locations nationwide, with over 150 partner schools and more than 20,000 students utilizing the spaces.

In FY2025, the proposal for the Yokohama location—Kibogaoka Challenge Base (KCB)—was unanimously adopted under Yokohama City's "Yokohama Citizen Urban Development Program." KCB is scheduled to grand open in June 2026, featuring an integrated facility combining cafe, co-working, and event spaces as a community exchange hub. The facility is being developed through collaboration among students, experts, construction companies, and local residents, emphasizing the process of creating value together with the community.

Learn more about "Kibogaoka Challenge Base"

TONKAN will continue to work with local governments and communities, aiming to expand to 50 locations by 2030 and foster interest in the architecture and urban development fields among the next generation.