University students offer career experience programs to local elementary school students!
"unite," an officially recognized student organization at the Shinjuku campus, held its first ever event, "Shinjuku Future Vision EXPO 2026 ~A Future Beginning with Memories~".
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On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the first job experience Events for elementary school students, 'Shinjuku Future Map EXPO 2026: A Future Starting from Memories,' was held at the Shinjuku Campus. This Events was hosted by UNITE, the official student organization of the Shinjuku Campus, with students taking the lead from planning to managing the event.
On the day, 19 organizations and 22 booths exhibited, including companies from various industries such as aviation, pharmaceuticals, and sports, local groups active in the Shinjuku area, and student groups both inside and outside the university. Through job experiences and workshops, the children enjoyed learning about various jobs and connections with society.
On the day, 19 organizations and 22 booths exhibited, including companies from various industries such as aviation, pharmaceuticals, and sports, local groups active in the Shinjuku area, and student groups both inside and outside the university. Through job experiences and workshops, the children enjoyed learning about various jobs and connections with society.
Events, a tremendous crowd of 475 people, mainly local elementary school students, attended, and the campus was filled with great energy throughout the day, closing in great success.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the region who attended, as well as to the companies that cooperated in hosting the event.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the region who attended, as well as to the companies that cooperated in hosting the event.
Inspired by experiences from elementary school, I now take on the role of providing my own experience—Comment from Kazuki Oshima (College of Business Management, 3rd year), Vice President of UNITE and Events Originator.
The 'Shinjuku Future EXPO2026' project began in September 2025. This Events is based on the concept of 'experiences that will remain memorable for children even after 10 years!' This is influenced by the original experiences that inspired my own dreams from a workshop I experienced in elementary school, which led to my current learning in J. F. Oberlin University. The motivation for the idea was a strong desire that 'this time, we want to deliver learning that will become a catalyst for children's futures.'
Although encouraged by the staff, I made up my mind, but at first, I was at a loss for the large-scale project I had no experience with. However, with the support of local residents and university professors, the path gradually opened up. Even during company visits, things were always going in circles at first, but through repeated improvements under the guidance of staff, I learned practically about the rigidity of society and manners. Gradually, smooth meetings became possible.
Although encouraged by the staff, I made up my mind, but at first, I was at a loss for the large-scale project I had no experience with. However, with the support of local residents and university professors, the path gradually opened up. Even during company visits, things were always going in circles at first, but through repeated improvements under the guidance of staff, I learned practically about the rigidity of society and manners. Gradually, smooth meetings became possible.
Two months before the event, we focused on public relations and, with support from Shinjuku Ward, distributed about 10,000 flyers to elementary schools in the ward. Amid a mix of pride and anxiety about having accomplished our work, there was an unexpected incident just before that the day before was canceled due to the approaching double typhoon. We worried that nine months of effort would be wasted, but on the day of the event, the members of UNITE gathered early in the morning and prepared with all their might, successfully hosting the event. I will never forget the sense of relief I felt when I saw parents and children filling the campus. What made me happy was that everyone finished without injury.
If the participating children, ten years later, remember this Events when choosing their career paths and find employment in exhibiting companies, organizations, or related industries in the future, nothing could make me happier. I myself will apply the experience of these nine months to my future career.
We are not satisfied with this success; with unite's goal of "becoming a bridge between the community and J. F. Oberlin University," we will continue our activities with full effort and strengthen our ties with the community.
If the participating children, ten years later, remember this Events when choosing their career paths and find employment in exhibiting companies, organizations, or related industries in the future, nothing could make me happier. I myself will apply the experience of these nine months to my future career.
We are not satisfied with this success; with unite's goal of "becoming a bridge between the community and J. F. Oberlin University," we will continue our activities with full effort and strengthen our ties with the community.
Experience the future of UNITE — Comments from UNITE representative Minori Maehara (College of Business Management, 3rd year)
When the 'Shinjuku Future Expo' was first decided, we had no idea what kind of Events it would be. However, as the project progressed, various challenges arose and new ideas emerged, so we had many discussions among the members to ensure the success of the Events.
At times, opinions clashed, but everyone worked toward the same goal and worked together as one. As a result, with the cooperation of many people, we were able to successfully hold the Events.
At UNITE, we aim to serve as a bridge between the community and the J. F. Oberlin University. Until now, our main activities have been subsidizing the operation of Events requests from local residents. However, this time, we felt that by not only deepening connections with the community but also creating opportunities for children to think about their own futures, we were able to play a role as a bridge to the future.
Moving forward, UNITE will continue to take on new challenges while valuing human connections, aiming for even greater leaps forward.
At UNITE, we aim to serve as a bridge between the community and the J. F. Oberlin University. Until now, our main activities have been subsidizing the operation of Events requests from local residents. However, this time, we felt that by not only deepening connections with the community but also creating opportunities for children to think about their own futures, we were able to play a role as a bridge to the future.
Moving forward, UNITE will continue to take on new challenges while valuing human connections, aiming for even greater leaps forward.
Inquiry
J. F. Oberlin University Shinjuku Campus Community Collaboration Student Group UNITE
- unite@s.obirin.ac.jp
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