Enjoying Our Town Through Care Created by 'Connections' at Night Schools and Thrift Stores
A town in southwestern Miyazaki, Japan, is focusing on community engagement through night schools and thrift shops to create a more enjoyable living environment for residents.
In the town of Mimata, located in southwestern Miyazaki Prefecture and home to around 25,000 residents, an initiative aimed at realizing a community-oriented society is gaining attention. Launched with the concept of "making our town enjoyable ourselves," this project, which has been running for five years, is now taking new steps forward. On one January evening, approximately 50 people, ranging from children to adults, gathered at a children’s hall for an event called "Night School." Activities included vigorous games of dodgeball outside for middle and elementary schoolers, while indoors, both adults and children played card games of their choice. One mother shared how her previously withdrawn middle school son had found friends through Night School and increased his school attendance, noting, "He has become brighter." Night School is organized by the Community Design Lab (Commu-Rabo) within the local social welfare council and the Children’s Future Support Group, Tatekyo Naname, focusing on creating a lively community where everyone can thrive.
To address the need for daytime activities, "Day School" was established as part of the broader initiative, and eventually led to the creation of "Evening School" to offer a space for residents to feel connected throughout the day. Prior to the establishment of Commu-Rabo, the welfare council struggled to reach those in need, with many potential beneficiaries unaware of their eligibility for support. To remedy this, Commu-Rabo set explicit goals to create 200 activities and involve 2,025 players by 2025, which would represent about 10% of the population. Their commitment to creating three interconnected venues aimed at engaging residents in meaningful ways reflects a progressive approach to community welfare and social connection, challenging traditional models of assistance and emphasizing proactive participation.