[Toshima Ward] A Step Towards Discovering a New Self Through Lifelong Learning in Spring. Report on the Learning Festival Featuring a Rakugo Performer Who Went Pro from a Local Club

The Toshima Mirai Cultural Foundation (Location: Toshima Ward, Tokyo; Chairman: Naoto Aiba) held the "Lifelong Learning Festival ~Get to Know the Local Cultural Creation Centers~" on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Toshima Center Square (Toshima Ward Office 1F, 2-45-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward).

"Discover various learnings, find your own color!" Participants' passion ignites with the arrival of spring. "Why not come and find learning tips to design your future self?" Under this slogan, 415 visitors, eager to "start something new" before the new fiscal year, gathered for this event. In the open, atrium-like space, the cheers from the stage mingled with the quiet enthusiasm of those engrossed in workshops, creating a constantly vibrant atmosphere.

[Background of the Event: Why is a "Place for Learning" Needed in Toshima Ward Now?] In modern society, as challenges like reduced intergenerational interaction and isolation arise, the "Local Cultural Creation Centers" within Toshima Ward aim to be "community hubs" where every resident can be a protagonist. This event was planned with the aim of updating the perception of Local Cultural Creation Centers from "places to rent" to "places to discover a new self." By creating a "learning intersection" where local organizations, Toshima Ward, and residents can interact beyond the boundaries of "teaching and being taught," the true purpose of this event is to bring new color to everyone's daily lives.

Vibrant Stage Presentations, Daily Achievements Energize the Venue What most excited the venue were the stage presentations by lifelong learning groups active at the Local Cultural Creation Centers. From children to seniors, multiple generations shone with their "own colors" on stage, receiving great applause from the audience. ● Next-generation energy: The powerful dance of [DokimekiwaR Dance Kids] that opened the event. ● Japanese sounds and bonds: The heartfelt shakuhachi performance by [Shakuhachi Circle Taimu] and the warm ensemble by [Music Club "Tanoshī Oto" (Fun Sounds)]. ● Traditional dance: [SAKURA] performed "Furyu-odori," registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. [Photo 1] DokimekiwaR Dance Kids (usually active at Minami-Otsuka Local Cultural Creation Center) [Photo 2] Shakuhachi Circle Taimu (usually active at Sugamo Local Cultural Creation Center) [Photo 3] Music Club "Tanoshī Oto" (usually active at Zoshigaya Local Cultural Creation Center)

From a Chihaya Local Cultural Creation Center Club to a Professional Path. Sanyutei Manto Speaks on the "Possibilities of Lifelong Learning" Rakugo performer Sanyutei Manto also appeared on stage. Manto, who once belonged to the adult rakugo club at the Chihaya Local Cultural Creation Center (currently closed for renovation), is truly a star born from the community. His real-life experience of "learning in the community changing his life and leading him to a professional path" strongly impressed visitors with the "infinite possibilities of lifelong learning." Furthermore, at the lecture, Atsushi Makino, Professor at Taisho University and Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo, spoke on the theme of "Spinning 'Good Things,' Becoming a 'Good Presence' – Social Education and Lifelong Learning to Create Everyone's 'Hometown'." He discussed the importance of community in the coming era, and many attendees listened intently. [Photo 4] Sanyutei Manto's Rakugo & Talk Session [Photo 5] Professor Atsushi Makino's Lecture

Experiences to Shape Your "Own Color." Chess, Traditional Crafts, and Community Bonds The experiential workshops offered a diverse lineup including "Kogin-zashi" (traditional embroidery), "preserved flowers," "bird carving," and "chess matches." "Café Fureai," operated by the Toshin-kai Social Welfare Corporation active in Toshima Ward, also made a special appearance at the venue, with warm drinks and light meals helping to deepen interactions. The foundation's mascot, "Toshima-kun," also appeared, and the venue was filled with warm smiles throughout the day. [Photo 6] "Kogin-zashi" experience (usually active as "Tsugaru Kogin-zashi wo Tanoshimu Kai" at Komagome Local Cultural Creation Center) [Photo 7] Café Fureai's pop-up store (usually open on the 4th floor of Toshima Ward Office) [Photo 8] Toshima Mirai Cultural Foundation mascot character "Toshima-kun"

100% Positive Feedback with No "Dissatisfaction" and Voices from Participants A major feature of this festival was its collaborative implementation with the Local Cultural Creation Centers and ward organizations such as the Lifelong Learning and Sports Division's "Multicultural Coexistence Seminar" and the Toshima Ward Board of Education's "Toshima P Seminar." Thanks to this integrated operation, the survey recorded an astonishing result of 0% responses indicating "disappointment," with 100% positive feedback (satisfied or normal combined)*. *From survey responses to "How was the content of this event?": "Satisfied" 77.3%, "Normal" 22.7%

[Voices from Visitors (Excerpt from Survey)] "I was surprised that the lecture and workshops were in the same venue, but after participating for a day, I discovered that it worked well. Wonderful." "The dancing was energetic and gave me energy. It was an event where the organizers' enthusiasm was conveyed, and I hope it continues." "I often participated in seminars alone until now, but this time I met people with whom I could hit it off." "This was my first time participating in an event with such a theme, and it was very good. I hope they do it again next year."

Furthermore, despite 27.3% of respondents having "never known" about the Local Cultural Creation Centers, 95.4%* of survey respondents answered "definitely want to start a new hobby or activity" or "became interested (would like to start if there's an opportunity)." *From survey responses to "Did you want to start a new hobby or activity after participating in this event?": "Definitely want to start" 22.7%, "Became interested (would like to start if there's an opportunity)" 72.7%

This proves that the event functioned as a "community intersection" for unearthing latent learning needs. [Photo 9] Staff explaining to visitors at the Local Cultural Creation Center PR exhibition booth

To Make Local Cultural Creation Centers a "Hub for Culture and Learning" The Local Cultural Creation Centers, located in five places within Toshima Ward (Komagome, Sugamo, Minami-Otsuka, Zoshigaya, Chihaya *currently closed for renovation), are companions for residents to find their own unique "color." With the start of the new fiscal year, we will connect the enthusiasm generated by this festival to daily courses and club activities, aiming to realize a richer local community.

Event Outline ・Event Name: Lifelong Learning Festival ~Get to Know the Local Cultural Creation Centers~ ・Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 10:00-16:00 ・Venue: Toshima Center Square (1st floor, Toshima Ward Office Main Building) ・Number of Visitors: 415 ・Speakers: Sanyutei Manto (Rakugo performer), Atsushi Makino (Professor, Taisho University Faculty of Regional Creation; Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo) ・Stage Participating Groups: DokimekiwaR Dance Kids, Shakuhachi Circle Taimu, Music Club "Tanoshī Oto", SAKURA