[Event Report] "Practice for a Small Society" Born on a Commercial Facility Rooftop
The end of March marks the spring break season, with cherry blossoms beginning to bloom and a pleasant spring warmth in the air.
At a commercial facility directly connected to major stations in Tokyo, we planned and produced "Kids FLEA MARKET," an interactive event for children using the rooftop space.
We present the results of a multifaceted initiative that went beyond a mere event, incorporating "ways to foster children's initiative" and creating new connections with local families, along with the excitement of the day.
The Inspiration: A New Form of Community Born from Dialogue with the Facility
The origin of this project dates back to an "adult flea market" held on the rooftop of the same facility.
At that time, we received a very warm response from local residents, and in conversations with the facility's staff, a shared realization emerged: "This rooftop space has even greater potential as a hub connecting local people."
What was particularly striking was the large number of customers with children and the many "smiling parents and children participating in the flea market."
The facility's desire to "deepen engagement with local families" and our vision to "create a learning environment where children can take the lead" overlapped. Through ongoing dialogue, the planning for "Kids FLEA MARKET" began.
Children as both Sellers and Buyers: Creating a "Small Society Practice" Ground
"Kids FLEA MARKET" is an event where only children sell and buy. Little store managers pass on treasured items to someone new.
Dialogue mediated by unique currency and the exhilaration of successfully conducting business independently draw out children's intuitive "I want to try!" energy and create significant success experiences.
From setting prices to making purchases, the time spent 고민하고 생각하는 is a "small society practice" within play. It was designed as an "interactive content" to foster understanding of the role of money and the importance of cherishing things through pretend store play.
💡 ACM's Unique Planning and Production: A "Formula for Success" that Engages Children and Parents
The significant buzz surrounding this event was due to the mechanisms and environment we uniquely designed.
1. Educational Design Emphasizing Initiative to Foster "I Did It Myself!"
Adults act as "reliable supporters," entrusting children with all aspects of pricing, customer service, and even price negotiation. Two types of guides, one for children and one for adults, were prepared in advance to involve children from the preparation stage. This process of thinking for themselves and repeatedly experimenting to complete a business transaction provides children with a lifelong success experience that cultivates their "independence" and "sense of responsibility."
2. "Unique Currency" Connecting Secure and Deep Community Exchange
By adopting a unique currency specifically for the event, we prevented financial troubles such as theft and calculation errors, creating a safe environment where children could immerse themselves in business without anxiety. The excitement of "I want to spend all the coins I earned!" and warm conversations mediated by the coins naturally fostered interaction, promoting the reconstruction of a local community centered around the facility.
3. "Authentic" Environment Achieves Both High Attendance and Social Contribution
On the day of the event, children participated in vocal practice and learned the basics of customer service before opening their stalls, and even conducted their own financial reporting after the event, offering a "real business experience." This high-quality learning environment and the commercial facility's secure infrastructure strongly attracted families with high educational awareness, leading to a strong sense of familiarity and increased loyalty towards the facility.
💬 Customer Feedback: A Long-Awaited Visit and a "Positive Impression of the Facility"
In the post-event survey, numerous comments were received indicating not only enjoyment but also a change in perception towards the facility (increased brand loyalty).
"After having children, I had been away from shopping at this commercial facility for a while. But when I heard that a parent-child event was being held, I visited again after a long time. When I actually came, I discovered new things, like 'This facility has such wonderful stores!' More than anything, I had a very positive impression of a facility that hosts such wonderful events for children."
By using educational content for children as a hook, we were able to bring back dormant customers and reignite interest in the facility's appeal.
Children's Smiles and the Warm Gaze of the City Embracing Them
The reason this "Kids FLEA MARKET" was so warm and vibrant was, above all, thanks to the many "child store managers" who earnestly took on the challenge, and the visitors who gently watched over and cheered on their growth.
Our team is truly delighted that the commercial facility rooftop became a space that goes beyond just shopping, connecting people and celebrating children's growth with the entire community, like an "original landscape."
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated, and to the facility staff who helped create this wonderful opportunity with us.
We look forward to seeing your radiant smiles again, whether here or in a new town!
