Nishinomiya's 'Machigaku 2026' Project-Based Learning Program Begins Recruitment for Citizens and Local Organizations Collaborating 'City as Campus'

NPO Nagomi (Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture; Representative: Masaru Tsubokura), which operates the citizen-participation learning platform 'Machigaku' in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, has begun accepting applications for its 2026 'Project-Based Classes' starting June 15, 2026.

'Machigaku' was established under the concept of 'the entire city as a campus,' functioning as a community learning space where schools, businesses, government, and citizens collaborate across boundaries, enabling people of all ages—from children to adults—to learn together through practice. In 2026, the program will launch project-based classes in collaboration with 13 local enterprises and organizations, including Nishinomiya Hankyu Department Store, Co-op Kobe, and Hanshin Engei. Approximately 90 recruited university students and working adults will lead the planning, with classes starting sequentially from July 4, 2026 (Saturday).

Application details are available here.

■ 13 Citizen-Participation Projects Launch Simultaneously Across Nishinomiya!

NPO Nagomi (Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture), operator of 'Machigaku'—a learning space for all citizens—has opened recruitment for its 2026 'Project-Based Classes' starting June 15, 2026. 'Machigaku' is a new form of community-based education based on the concept of 'the entire city as a campus,' where people of all ages can learn together. By collaborating with diverse entities such as schools, businesses, government, and civic groups, the program uses the local community itself as a learning field.

The 2026 program is scheduled to begin on July 4 (Saturday). Recruitment is now open for the 'Project-Based Classes,' which involve collaboration with local enterprises and organizations active primarily in Nishinomiya City.

What is Machigaku's Project-Based Class? What does it look like?

Project-based classes are not passive lecture-style courses. They are hands-on programs where participants actively engage in planning, management, research, production, and implementation, directly confronting real-world and local community challenges and initiatives by companies and organizations, deepening their learning together with peers.

This year’s program features diverse themes, including planning family-oriented events at Nishinomiya Hankyu Department Store, practical in-store VMD (Visual Merchandising) with Net Toyota Kobe, satoyama conservation activities with Co-op Kobe, a 'Zero-Yen Park' project with Hanshin Engei, and a career and self-exploration program with Minato Bank.

Additional collaborative projects are planned with various local groups, including music event planning and management, local radio program production, parenting magazine creation, board game development, and community hub development.

Through interactions with company representatives, local organization staff, civic activists, university students, and residents, participants can broaden their interests and develop practical skills such as planning, communication, and collaboration—skills increasingly demanded in real society. Amid growing concerns about declining opportunities for youth and citizens to engage with their communities, 'Machigaku' aims to create meaningful connections through learning, offering everyone a chance to participate in their community in their own unique way.

90 Citizens and Students Recruited from University Students and Working Adults Are Leading the 'Planning'!

What makes this initiative unique is that the 13 projects are being planned not by professionals, but by citizens and students recruited in April who voluntarily expressed interest in 'Machigaku' and wanted to challenge themselves with course planning. About half are students from universities such as Kwansei Gakuin University, Mukogawa Women's University, and Osaka Kyoiku University, while the other half are working professionals. By combining students’ fresh ideas with professionals’ real-world experience, they have spent about two months preparing these one-of-a-kind practical classes.

University students discussing with company representatives (class coordinators) University students discussing with company representatives (class coordinators)

The program aims to create opportunities for local businesses, organizations, and citizens to learn and challenge themselves together, discovering new connections and the charm of the local community.

Last year’s implementation overview and report

■ Recruitment Overview

Application Period: June 15 (Mon), 2026 – June 30 (Tue), 2026
Program Period: July 2026 – February 2027
Eligibility: Middle school students, high school students, university students, working adults, etc. (varies by project)
Participation Fee: Listed on the dedicated application page below
Number of Projects: 13 projects

■ Details and Application Page
https://wakamono-nishi-2023.my.canva.site/dahkzx-wi7m

■ About Machigaku

Machigaku is a citizen-participation learning project based on the concept of 'the city as a campus,' utilizing the Nishinomiya area as a learning space. It promotes a new form of community school where businesses, organizations, schools, government, and citizens collaborate across boundaries, enabling multi-generational learning.

＜Organization Overview＞

Organization Name: NPO Corporation Nagomi

Address: 2-16-19-102 Higashinaruo-cho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture

Representative: Masaru Tsubokura (as of May 2026)

Established: November 2013

Business Activities: Co-creative community hubs, livelihood support, safe spaces, community kitchens, markets, etc.