Bunkyo Gakuin University and Fujimino City Council Collaborate on "Assembly Report and Opinion Exchange Meeting" Based on 2021 Partnership Agreement

Bunkyo Gakuin University (President: Tsutomu Fukui) will hold an Assembly Report and Opinion Exchange Meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as an exchange project with the Fujimino City Council (Citizen and Urban Standing Committee).

Our university and the Fujimino City Council signed a comprehensive partnership agreement in May 2021 with the objectives of personnel exchange and development, mutual use of the university library and the council library, and collaboration on the city council's policy formation. Since then, we have continuously engaged in practical exchanges that leverage the resources and knowledge of both parties, such as lectures by university faculty on regional welfare and the utilization of our university library by the city council.

This year, as a further development of public-private-university collaboration, we have set "vacant store countermeasures" as the theme and will hold this event at the Fujimino City Council Chamber, the venue for actual council activities.

Background and Objectives of the Event: Approaching the Regional Issue of "Vacant Store Countermeasures"

The issue of vacant stores in shopping districts is a serious regional challenge that is difficult to resolve, stemming from nationwide issues such as a lack of successors, poor business performance, and aging store facilities. Maintaining the multifaceted functions of shopping districts, such as "creating regional vibrancy" and "crime prevention," is extremely important for the affluent lives of citizens.

Leveraging past collaboration achievements and accumulated dialogue, students from our university who are actually involved in activities for revitalizing shopping districts and addressing vacant store issues (such as participating in "Kashiya Bunbun") will participate this time. In the realistic setting of the council chamber, the aim is to deepen students' understanding of social issues and politics, while also sharing the practical perspectives and opinions of the younger generation with the council (Citizen and Urban Standing Committee) and connecting them to future policy implementation.

Comments from the Fujimino City Council (Citizen and Urban Standing Committee)

【Previous Achievements and Reason for Selecting the Current Theme】

Last time, we were able to hear candid opinions from students with volunteer experience in after-school classes, which helped us identify issues from their respective viewpoints and led to activities reflecting their opinions in city administration. The "vacant store countermeasures" selected this time is an important theme for maintaining the role of shopping districts amidst advancing declining birthrate and aging population. We look forward to a lively exchange of opinions with students who are actively involved in vacant store countermeasure activities.

【Positioning of this Project and Expectations for Students】

Interacting with students who will lead the future is a valuable opportunity for both sides. We expect that through interaction with council members, their understanding of social issues, politics, and the local assembly will broaden. As a committee, we will listen carefully to the aspirations for administration conveyed from the students' perspectives and strive to reflect them in our policies.

Event Overview

Date and Time: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, starting at 14:00

Venue: Fujimino City Council Chamber (1-1-1 Fukuoka, Fujimino City, Saitama Prefecture, 4th and 5th Floors of Fujimino City Hall Main Building)

Participants: ◇Bunkyo Gakuin University, Faculty of Human Studies: 6 students, 2 graduates (students involved in "Kashiya Bunbun")

◇Fujimino City Council, Citizen and Urban Standing Committee: 7 members

Kentoh Kobayashi, Chairman / Atsushi Itakura, Vice Chairman / Takako Furuya, Member / Hideo Kawashima, Member / Yoshinori Kondo, Member /

Yuichi Harada, Member / Yoichi Tsukakoshi, Member

Content: ① Overview of the assembly explained by the Fujimino City Council's Citizen and Urban Standing Committee

② Student presentations on regional issues (e.g., vacant store countermeasures)

③ Opinion exchange and discussion with council members

④ Tour of the assembly hall, etc.

*Media coverage is also welcome on the day. If you wish to cover the event, please contact the inquiry contact below.