From a Society that Measures People by Ability to a Society that Creates Places to Live Together – Kazuki Arai × Shinji Kajiya, Book Launch Talk Event at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books

To commemorate the publication of 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy' (Seseragi Shuppan) by Kazuki Arai, Chairman of the National Children's Welfare Center, a dialogue event will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books with Shinji Kajiya, Professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and philosopher.

This event is the first to be held at a physical bookstore to commemorate the publication of 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy,' and the first book launch event in Tokyo.

The theme is "How to create a place to live together."

Amidst the declining birthrate, while the isolation and difficulties faced by children and youth are discussed, modern society increasingly demands "ability" and "results."

In an environment where being useful, being evaluated, and achieving results are emphasized, the meaning of people simply meeting, forming relationships, and spending time together becomes obscured.

Kazuki Arai established the Specified Non-profit Organization National Children's Welfare Center, which has continued its practice in the city of Nagoya for over 15 years, welcoming children and youth not as "recipients of support" but as "companions." Through encounters on the streets and in public spaces, they have created places that are not fixed by a supporter/supported relationship, and have explored the ideal form of community autonomy where young people themselves take responsibility for relationships and spaces. This practice was awarded the Prime Minister's Award in the "Kids First Award" in 2023.

At this event, we will welcome Shinji Kajiya, known for his practice of philosophical dialogue, and, using the practices fostered in the field of child and youth support as a clue, consider relationships beyond support, safe spaces, autonomy, and the meaning of "living together."

In addition to in-person participation, online participation is also possible. A two-week archive distribution will also be available for applicants after the event.

Event Overview

'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy' (Seseragi Shuppan) Publication Commemorative

Kazuki Arai × Shinji Kajiya Talk Event "How to create a place to live together."

Date: Friday, May 15, 2026, 19:00-20:30
*Doors open at 18:45

Venue: Daikanyama Tsutaya Books, Building 3, 2nd floor event space, and online streaming.

Speakers: Kazuki Arai, Shinji Kajiya

Organizer: Daikanyama Tsutaya Books

How to participate: Purchase eligible products through the event ticket reservation/sales service "Event Manager."

Capacity/Participation Fee: In-person: 65 people, Online: 400 people
There are multiple ticket options, including in-person, online, and tickets with a book.

Event details/Application
Please check the Daikanyama Tsutaya Books event page.
https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/event/humanities/53648-1327240329.html

Speaker Profiles

Kazuki Arai

Chairman of the National Children's Welfare Center. Associate Professor at Aichi Bunkyo Women's Junior College. Born in Hokkaido. After working as a child welfare worker at a children's home, he established the National Children's Welfare Center. For over 15 years, he has continued his practice in the city of Nagoya, welcoming children and youth not as "recipients of support" but as "companions." His books include 'Outreach Created by Children and Youth' and 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy' (Seseragi Shuppan). Received the Prime Minister's Award in the "Kids First Award" (2023) and the Aichi Prefecture Mental Health and Welfare Association President's Encouragement Award (2026).

Kazuki Arai, author of 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy' / Chairman of the National Children's Welfare Center.

Shinji Kajiya

Professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Specializes in philosophy, medical history, and comparative culture. He conducts activities to create "places for thinking together" in schools, companies, and local communities. His books include 'What Does It Mean to Think: An Introduction to Philosophy from 0 to 100 Years Old,' 'Adventure Diary of Philosophical Dialogue: We Think, Therefore We Are,' and 'Childcare as Philosophy: A Historical Philosophy of Knowledge and Body.' Board member of the National Children's Welfare Center.

About the book 'From Ability Society to Community Autonomy'

This book re-examines why children and youth lose their place and are driven to isolation in a society where people's worth is easily measured by their abilities and achievements. Drawing on over 15 years of practice at the National Children's Welfare Center, which the author established, it presents the possibility of "community autonomy" – creating spaces with children and youth, thinking together, and taking shared responsibility, without premising a supporter/supported relationship.