Tokyo Metropolitan Government to Host 'Entrepreneurship Experience Event 2026' – Open Call for Elementary and Junior High School Students

Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute (Headquarters: Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masaaki Kabanishi) announces the recruitment of participants for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's 'Entrepreneurship Experience Event' and 'Entrepreneurship Experience Workshop' in Reiwa 8 (2026), part of its initiative to promote entrepreneurship education for elementary and junior high schools.

Since 2021, Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute has been entrusted with the operation of Tokyo's entrepreneurship education program for elementary and junior high schools, serving as the administrative secretariat. In collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Industrial and Labor, the institute aims to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit among the next generation of youth.

To broaden the base of future entrepreneurs, including young people who will drive future industries, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host entrepreneurship experience events targeting elementary and junior high school students within Tokyo.

In Reiwa 8, the program will include a one-day 'Entrepreneurship Experience Event' and a five-day 'Entrepreneurship Experience Workshop.' Participation is highly encouraged.

1. Entrepreneurship Experience Event

Experience how to start a company in just one day!

This one-day group event allows participants to experience the entire process of starting a business—from company formation and market research to fundraising, sourcing raw materials, advertising, sales, and financial settlement. Through this program, students will discover the fun of launching a company and the excitement of tackling challenges with peers, broadening their future career options by imagining starting their own business.

Capacity: 30 participants per session (selection by lottery if oversubscribed; results announced late July)

Participation fee: Free (participants cover their own transportation costs; no meals or drinks provided at the venue)

Elementary School Students (Grades 4–6)

<23 Wards Area>

Date: August 1 (Sat), 9:30–18:00

Venue: Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute Ichigaya Office (5-banchou 3-1, Chiyoda Ward, Go-bancho Grand Building 7F)

Application period: June 15 (Mon) – July 12 (Sun)

<Tama Area>

Date: August 8 (Sat), 9:30–18:00

Venue: Open Innovation Field Tama, Hachioji Hall (3-5-1 Meijimachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo, 2F)

Application period: June 15 (Mon) – July 19 (Sun)

Junior High School Students

<23 Wards Area>

Date: August 2 (Sun), 9:30–18:00

Venue: Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute Ichigaya Office (5-banchou 3-1, Chiyoda Ward, Go-bancho Grand Building 7F)

Application period: June 15 (Mon) – July 12 (Sun)

<Tama Area>

Date: August 7 (Fri), 9:30–18:00

Venue: Open Innovation Field Tama, Hachioji Hall (3-5-1 Meijimachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo, 2F)

Application period: June 15 (Mon) – July 19 (Sun)

2. Entrepreneurship Experience Workshop

Experience the mindset of an entrepreneur over five days!

This five-day program covers information gathering, idea generation, idea refinement, business model development, presentation, and reflection. Participants will learn entrepreneurial thinking, develop the mindset and skills to solve societal challenges through business, and cultivate the resilience to overcome difficulties with peers. Led by real-world professionals, the workshop fosters creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future.

Capacity: 10 elementary students (Grades 4–6), 10 junior high students (selection by lottery if oversubscribed; results announced mid-October)

Participation fee: Free (participants cover their own transportation costs; no meals or drinks provided at the venue)

Application period: July 31 (Fri) – October 11 (Sun)

Schedule:

＜DAY1＞ November 14 (Sat): Elementary session 10:00–12:30 / Junior high session 14:00–16:30

＜DAY2＞ November 21 (Sat): Same as above

＜DAY3＞ November 28 (Sat): Same as above

＜DAY4＞ November 29 (Sun): Same as above

＜DAY5＞ December 5 (Sat): Joint session for all students 13:00–17:00

Venue:

＜DAY1–4＞

Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute Ichigaya Office (5-banchou 3-1, Chiyoda Ward, Go-bancho Grand Building 7F)

＜DAY5＞

Tokyo Innovation Base (3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Sushi Tech Square 2F)

Details and Application

Please visit the official website 'Youth Entrepreneurship Education Program'

Inquiries

Entrepreneurship Education Promotion Project Secretariat for Elementary and Junior High Schools (c/o Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute)

Phone: 03-5840-7603 (Weekdays 10:00–17:00)

Email: kigyouka-kyouiku@lab-kadokawa.com

About Entrepreneurship Education

Entrepreneurship education is not a specialized program only for entrepreneurs or business owners. It is an educational approach designed to nurture essential skills for the future—such as creating new value through collaboration, independence, and strong motivation—needed to thrive in the modern era.

About Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute

Kadokawa ASCII Research Institute leverages expertise in media operations and content creation to provide a wide range of services, including research, consulting, marketing, business solutions, publishing, and educational support. By integrating content, media, and research capabilities, the company addresses challenges for businesses, local governments, and public institutions.

Business Areas:

Media operations, research and consulting, marketing, solution services, publishing, educational support, and more

Official website: https://www.lab-kadokawa.com/