SOCIALSQUARE Akita Sanno Store (Akita City, Akita Prefecture), a welfare service provider for people with disabilities operated by the specified non-profit organization Social Design Works (Headquarters: Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Representative: Tsuyoshi Kitayama), will hold a community exchange event "Gochamaze Spring Festival Vol.3" on Saturday, April 4, 2026, to commemorate its 3rd anniversary.
This event is an opportunity for the facility, which has been operating under the concept of "Gochamaze" (meaning 'mixed-up' or 'diverse') where people interact beyond differences such as disability, age, and nationality, to reflect on its three years of progress with local residents and further expand its reach. Participation is free and entry/exit is unrestricted, open to everyone.
Approximately 100 people attended the previous event, including local residents, students, and welfare professionals, from adults to children.
Event Outline
Purpose of the Event
Since its establishment in 2023, SOCIALSQUARE Akita Sanno Store has not only provided employment transition support and independent living training (life skills training) but also created opportunities for diverse people to gather as an open community space.
Through daily interactions, relationships are gradually fostered that go beyond the "supporter/supported" dynamic, connecting people as individuals living in the same community.
This event, marking the 3rd anniversary of its opening, is an opportunity to reflect on the journey with local residents who have been involved so far and to further expand these relationships.
Overview
Event Name: Gochamaze Spring Festival Vol.3
Date and Time: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Venue: SOCIALSQUARE Akita Sanno Store
1F Avante Sanno, 6-2-16 Sanno, Akita City, Akita Prefecture 010-0951 *Approximately 10 minutes by bus from JR Akita Station towards the Prefectural Office/City Hall *5-minute walk from "Prefectural Office/City Hall Mae" or "Prefectural Office Second Building Mae" bus stops
Admission: Free / Entry and exit free
Event Details: Food and Drink Sales
・TRANSIT (Atelier & Gallery): Herb tea
・Mushipan Toki: Steamed buns
・Tsunagu Coffee: Coffee
・Teonigiri: Onigiri (rice balls)
Workshops
・TONKAN: Woodcraft
・Slime Mold Research Club: Window glass art using resin clay
・SOCIALSQUARE: Wreath making using fabric scraps
The venue will also feature music provided by DJ Oitan and an exhibition and sale of handmade works created by SOCIALSQUARE members. Additionally, there will be a corner for local residents to write messages on cards, which will be displayed at the venue to liven up the atmosphere.
Background of the Event
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for the realization of a "community-inclusive society" where people live together regardless of disability, age, or nationality. However, the weakening of human connections in communities and the increasing number of people feeling isolated remain challenges.
The term "Gochamaze" in the event title refers to a way of enjoying a society where diverse people naturally interact, while acknowledging these differences as a premise.
NPO Social Design Works has been developing welfare facilities for people with disabilities called "SOCIALSQUARE" nationwide, with the mission of "transforming the 'Gochamaze worldview' into the norm 20 years from now."
Through this event, we aim to create a place where everyone in the community can interact and further expand new relationships based on diversity.
Comment from the Person in Charge
We are holding our annual 'Spring Festival' again this year, an event that can be enjoyed as spring arrives. This third edition of the event will feature workshops for crafting and hands-on experiences, as well as light meal sales that can be enjoyed casually.
We hope that local residents, welfare professionals, and children alike will learn about our facility and company through this event.
First-time visitors are also very welcome. Please come and enjoy a pleasant spring moment at the venue. We look forward to seeing you all.
Ken Hosaka, Square Crew, SOCIALSQUARE Akita Sanno Store
For future event information, please check our facility's website and social media.
[Contact for this matter]
NPO Social Design Works Public Relations: Watanabe
Email: pr@sdws.jp
[Company Overview]
NPO Social Design Works
Established: January 2017 Location: 17 Mizunode, Uchigo Uchigo-machi, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture Representative Director CEO: Tsuyoshi Kitayama
SOCIALSQUARE Akita Sanno
The Akita Sanno store, the 7th SOCIALSQUARE location and the first in Northern Tohoku, opened in April 2023. As a multi-functional facility offering independent living training and employment transition support, it provides assistance tailored to individual needs, focusing on "Select Work" time where users can pursue their dreams, goals, and interests. Users can also aim for employment by gaining practical experience through internships and volunteer activities in an environment close to actual employment. We propose plans tailored to each individual's goals through regular consultations.
SOCIALSQUARE Akita Sanno Store
(Operated by: NPO Social Design Works)
1F Avante Sanno, 6-2-16 Sanno, Akita City, Akita Prefecture 010-0951
Phone: 090-8509-3151 Email: ss_akitasanno@sdws.jp
NPO Social Design Works
Operates welfare facilities for people with disabilities called "SOCIALSQUARE" nationwide. Provides employment transition support, independent living training (life skills training), and employment retention support services. We strive to be a team that fosters a culture where colleagues appreciate each other, pursue each other's happiness, cooperate, and respect and support diverse ideas, lifestyles, and work styles. Within this framework, we will engage in various social contribution activities for people, towns, and culture, looking ahead 20 years into the future.
Corporate WEB: https://sdws.jp/
Service Site: https://socialsquare.life
About SDWs
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News