Messe Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shigeru Miyamoto) has donated 10 million yen to Tenri City, Nara Prefecture’s 'Children's Place-Making' initiative through the corporate hometown tax system.

On June 19, 2026, a certificate of appreciation ceremony was held at the future construction site of 'e.f.t. College of Arts,' the recipient project of this donation. Tenri City Mayor Ken Namikawa presented the certificate to President Shigeru Miyamoto. This initiative represents a public-private partnership project that channels the company’s core expertise in 'delivering感动 experiences' and 'eliminating loneliness' into creating a rich third place (a 'third space') for the next generation.

Delivering Real Emotional Experiences: The 'Place-Making Business'

Messe Holdings is dedicated to eliminating loneliness and delivering heartfelt, real-life emotional experiences through its 'Place-Making Business.' We envision a future where, centered along the Chuo Line, every individual we encounter can find a truly comforting and welcoming space. Currently, through coworking spaces (for 'working') and sauna and urban entertainment/gaming businesses (for 'playing'), we have successfully created spaces for adults to work and play, delivering countless real connections and emotional experiences every day.

Supporting Every Individual, from Children to Adults

While we have established a solid foundation in creating spaces for adults, when compared to our ideal of providing a 'place for everyone,' we realized we were still far from creating environments where 'children can play and learn.' A truly fulfilling human experience is only complete when 'working,' 'playing,' and 'learning' are integrated. With the spread of digitization and online communication, real-life connections among people have weakened, leading to widespread loneliness in society. As AI further accelerates this trend, it has become essential to provide children with spaces beyond digital screens—real environments where their five senses are stimulated, and they can actively and autonomously 'learn.' To deeply support every individual’s life journey, from childhood to adulthood, filling this missing piece became our next challenge.

A Fateful Connection with Former Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten President Leading to Support for Tenri City

Through an introduction by Mr. Nakagawa, former President of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, whom we have long admired and learned from, we became aware of the activities of Mr. Takashi Yoshidada, founder of 'e.f.t. College of Arts.'

The 'Children's Place-Making Project' that Mr. Yoshidada is advancing in Tenri City—using art and creative expression—was exactly the kind of space we had always wanted to create: one where real emotional experiences and educational value are seamlessly fused. This encounter led to a deep resonance between our shared ideals for what a 'place' should be. Motivated by this alignment, we decided to fully support this initiative beyond the boundaries of government, private sector, and creators, by making a 10 million yen donation to Tenri City through the corporate hometown tax system.

The Birth of a New Third Place Where Play and Learning Converge

The 10 million yen donation will be used to create an environment in Tenri City where children can gather and participate in art and creative expression workshops led by Mr. Yoshidada, fostering a space where they can genuinely feel excitement and joy. This will not be merely a childcare facility, but a new third place where children forget loneliness and develop autonomy through real-life experiences—where 'playing' and 'learning' are fully integrated.

Envisioning a Future Where Places Embrace the Entire Community

【Comment from Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and President, Messe Holdings Co., Ltd.】

"In today’s world, loneliness is spreading everywhere due to digitization and online lifestyles. As AI further accelerates this trend, our profound resonance with Mr. Yoshidada and Tenri City marks a solid first step toward expanding our vision of the 'Place-Making Business' on a larger scale. From here, we will continue to engage local residents and diverse communities, expanding a warm circle of community that supports every individual’s life journey—from children to adults."

Related Links / Company Overview

・e.f.t. College of Arts (Mr. Yoshidada) Official Website: https://www.coa.eft-art.jp/

・Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Official Website: https://www.nakagawa-masashichi.jp/company/

・Company Name: Messe Holdings Co., Ltd. (https://www.p-messe.com/)

・Headquarters: 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

・Business Activities: Creation of next-generation integrated place facilities, entertainment business

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership
  • Organizations: e.f.t. College of Arts