Tokyo Denki University, Soka City, and Kato Works Launch Industry-Academia-Government Collaborative Project: 'Machi no Hero Academy Special Edition: Science'
Tokyo Denki University, Soka City, and Kato Works are launching an experiential learning program called 'Machi no Hero Academy Special Edition: Science' to foster children's interest in science and manufacturing through a three-part series.
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Tokyo Denki University (President: Tatsuhiko Iba-moto) and Soka City (Mayor: Yuriko Yamakawa), as part of their comprehensive collaboration agreement, are partnering with Kato Works Co., Ltd. (President: Yasuyasu Kato) to hold 'Machi no Hero Academy Special Edition: Science,' an experiential learning program designed to foster interest in science and manufacturing among the next generation.
About 'Machi no Hero Academy Special Edition: Science'
This program is a series of workshops providing experiential learning opportunities that are difficult to obtain through school education, realized through the 'industry-academia-government' collaboration of Soka City, Kato Works, and the university. Over the course of three sessions, it aims to nurture interest in science and manufacturing among the younger generation and create opportunities to think about the future of Soka City.
The program is aimed at 25 elementary (5th-6th grade) and junior high (1st-3rd grade) school students in Soka City, focusing on deepening their understanding of electricity, public infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Program Details (Total of 3 sessions)
The program incorporates university learning, field trips to public infrastructure facilities, factory tours, and group work to advance learning through a multi-faceted approach.
Session 1: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Tokyo Denki University, Tokyo Senju Campus
'Learning the Power of Oil and Electric Drive Systems from Crane Trucks!'
Students will learn about electrical and hydraulic power and deepen their understanding of regenerative systems through assembling model cars.
Session 2: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | New Soka Fire Station (under construction) & Soka City Hall
'How are the vital "bases" that protect our town constructed?'
Students will learn about the importance of maintaining and managing local infrastructure, the role of local government, and the role of crane trucks in infrastructure development.
Session 3: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | Kato Works Co., Ltd., Ibaraki Factory
'Discover how large crane trucks are born!'
In addition to touring the manufacturing process of crane trucks that support city infrastructure and exchanging ideas with engineers, students will review the entire program and hold group presentations. Feedback will be provided by the university, local government, and active engineers.
About Tokyo Denki University's Regional Collaboration Activities
Tokyo Denki University aims to be a university rooted in the community by promoting and supporting regional exchange, particularly near its campuses, and working closely with local governments and various organizations. One of its initiatives is practical education that teaches children the 'fun of manufacturing.' Leveraging the university's research and educational strengths, it supports the development of future engineers in collaboration with the community. It holds numerous events, including the 'D-SciTech Program,' electronics workshops, and science experiment classes for elementary and middle school students, conveying not just the fun of 'manufacturing' but also the importance of exploring 'why?' and 'how?'
About 'Machi no Hero Academy Special Edition: Science'
This program is a series of workshops providing experiential learning opportunities that are difficult to obtain through school education, realized through the 'industry-academia-government' collaboration of Soka City, Kato Works, and the university. Over the course of three sessions, it aims to nurture interest in science and manufacturing among the younger generation and create opportunities to think about the future of Soka City.
The program is aimed at 25 elementary (5th-6th grade) and junior high (1st-3rd grade) school students in Soka City, focusing on deepening their understanding of electricity, public infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Program Details (Total of 3 sessions)
The program incorporates university learning, field trips to public infrastructure facilities, factory tours, and group work to advance learning through a multi-faceted approach.
Session 1: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Tokyo Denki University, Tokyo Senju Campus
'Learning the Power of Oil and Electric Drive Systems from Crane Trucks!'
Students will learn about electrical and hydraulic power and deepen their understanding of regenerative systems through assembling model cars.
Session 2: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | New Soka Fire Station (under construction) & Soka City Hall
'How are the vital "bases" that protect our town constructed?'
Students will learn about the importance of maintaining and managing local infrastructure, the role of local government, and the role of crane trucks in infrastructure development.
Session 3: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | Kato Works Co., Ltd., Ibaraki Factory
'Discover how large crane trucks are born!'
In addition to touring the manufacturing process of crane trucks that support city infrastructure and exchanging ideas with engineers, students will review the entire program and hold group presentations. Feedback will be provided by the university, local government, and active engineers.
About Tokyo Denki University's Regional Collaboration Activities
Tokyo Denki University aims to be a university rooted in the community by promoting and supporting regional exchange, particularly near its campuses, and working closely with local governments and various organizations. One of its initiatives is practical education that teaches children the 'fun of manufacturing.' Leveraging the university's research and educational strengths, it supports the development of future engineers in collaboration with the community. It holds numerous events, including the 'D-SciTech Program,' electronics workshops, and science experiment classes for elementary and middle school students, conveying not just the fun of 'manufacturing' but also the importance of exploring 'why?' and 'how?'
FAQ
What is the Machi no Hero Academy?
It is an experiential science and technology learning program for elementary and middle school students, provided through industry-academia-government collaboration.
Who is eligible?
Elementary and middle school students living in Soka City.
When is the event?
It will be held in three sessions on July 4th, July 22nd, and August 25th, 2026.