Inaugural "Tsunagaru-sibu Marche" Held in Gotanda, Drawing Approx. 200 Attendees and Aiming to Become a New Community Hotspot

TapTap, a soup shop in Gotanda supported by the social business community Waccel (Location: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Organizer: Yoshihiro Shimamura; General Producer: Tomohiro Sumitani), held the inaugural "Tsunagaru-sibu Marche" on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Gotanda Fureai Mizuhiroba plaza in Tokyo.

With cooperation from Osaki Area Management and support from Shinagawa Ward, the event brought together approximately 200 local residents and nearby workers for a day filled with smiles and energy.

What is "Tsunagaru-sibu"?

"Tsunagaru-sibu" is a portmanteau of the Japanese word "tsunagaru" (to connect) and "inclusive." It is a universal event aiming for a barrier-free society where everyone can participate and interact, regardless of disability, age, or gender. It has previously been held in large-scale formats in Tokyo and Osaka, gathering widespread empathy and support.

This time, it adopted a "marche" (market) format as a spin-off in collaboration with the Gotanda eatery TapTap. A new series has begun with the concept of creating a community-focused hub rooted in the Gotanda and Osaki area, with regular events planned for the future.

Marche & Experience Booths: All-Day Fun for All Ages

At the venue, market booths run by Waccel collaborators offered food and goods, creating a warm atmosphere where exhibitors and attendees naturally struck up conversations while shopping. People who had just met were seen chatting together throughout the event.

In the experience area, two sports activities generated significant excitement:

- **Deaf Rugby Experience** Under the guidance of Deaf Rugby Japan national team player Takayuki Otsuka, participants from children to adults tried authentic rugby moves, with many exclaiming, "I never knew it was this much fun!"

- **Blind Soccer Experience** Shinagawa CC (Culture Club) collaborated with Tokyo Paralympics participant Hajime Teranishi. The experience of playing blindfolded, relying only on the sound of the ball, strongly impressed upon participants the depth and potential of disability sports.

By directly experiencing parasports that are not usually accessible, the event fostered a natural understanding and empathy for disabilities among participants.

Next Event Information

The "Tsunagaru-sibu Marche" is scheduled to be held regularly. The next event is planned for Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the same location, Gotanda Fureai Mizuhiroba. Details will be announced once finalized.

Event Overview - Event Name: Tsunagaru-sibu Marche - Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026 - Venue: Gotanda Fureai Mizuhiroba (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) - Attendees: Approx. 200 - Organizer: TapTap - Co-organizer: Waccel Inc. - Cooperation: Osaki Area Management - Support: Shinagawa Ward - Next Event: Planned for Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the same venue.