Report: Tsunagaru-shibu 2026 in Ota Ward

Social business community 'Waccel' (Location: Tokyo; Organizer: Yoshihiro Shimamura; General Producer: Tomoatsu Sumiya) held 'Tsunagaru-shibu 2026 in Ota Ward' on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (public holiday), at Den-en-chofu Seseragi Park and Seseragi-kan, Ota Ward, Tokyo. As implied by the name, a portmanteau of 'Tsunagaru' (connect) and 'inclusive,' the event served as a universal platform where people could interact regardless of disabilities, age, or gender, drawing over 300 attendees. It was a day of building new connections at Seseragi-kan, a long-loved gathering place for Ota Ward residents.

'Tsunagaru-shibu' is a series of universal events launched by Waccel in 2024, held with varying themes in collaboration with various partners. The movement aims to realize a society without barriers where everyone can be a protagonist, regardless of their background.

This Ota Ward event, the first of 2026, was themed 'Connecting in the Community.' Waccel collaborator Arina Matsuura served as the MC. The venue was vibrant with food booths, workshops, merchandise, and music performances, creating a space where participants, vendors, and local residents could interact as one.

■ Event Overview

Event Name: Tsunagaru-shibu 2026 in Ota Ward
Date & Time: April 29, 2026 (Wed/Holiday), 11:00-17:00
Venue: Den-en-chofu Seseragi Park / Seseragi-kan (Ota Ward, Tokyo)
Number of Participants: 300+
Theme: Connecting in the Community
Contents: Food vendors, workshops, merchandise, music performances, Anime Song DJ time, drum circle, basketball experience
Organizer: Waccel Co., Ltd.
Co-organizers: General Incorporated Association Union, Sota Hoshino, Den-en-chofu Seseragi Harmony

■ Highlight Programs

[Anime Song DJ Time by Nanchou Usagi x kzk] Attendees danced and interacted naturally amidst popular anime songs. The crowd became one through the rhythm, regardless of age or background, creating a high-energy atmosphere.

[Basketball Experience with Deaflympics Gold Medalist] Participants played with a female basketball athlete who won a gold medal at the 2025 Deaflympics. It was a valuable opportunity to broaden understanding and interest in Deaf sports.

[Drum Circle by Miho Senoo (Melodica Player)] A participatory performance where everyone, including the hearing impaired, children, and adults, played instruments together. It was a touching time that fostered communication beyond words.

■ Voices of Participants and Performers

[Participant] 'I experienced things I usually can't, like the basketball and DJ sets. Before I knew it, I was laughing and enjoying myself with a stranger next to me. I want more spaces like this.'

[Vendor/Performer] 'Not only did I talk to the customers, but I also bonded with people from the neighboring booths. We even exchanged contact info after the event. I had a great time as a performer too.'

[Staff] 'I was truly happy to have over 300 people visit. Seeing people with and without disabilities, both children and the elderly, smiling in the same space made us smile too.'

■ Sponsors
CanVas, JoJo Herb&Wellness, Biten Hakken Advisor Kazunori Hoketsu, Organic Goji Berry Pioneer 'HASSEN', N. Heart, nihon connect Kyodai Kanemoto, Mamare, Mamaz-on Co., Ltd., YELL, taptap