Soken Group is a social contribution group operating mainly in the Kanto and Kinki regions, promoting three integrated businesses: welfare for the elderly, children's education, and community revitalization. Currently operating in 10 prefectures, with approximately 50,000 people using its services annually, the group promotes community revitalization under the motto of "working together to solve local problems.
Features of the Senior Citizen Day Service "Hiroba
With five facilities in Tokyo, Chiba, and Osaka, Hiroba provides daily life support, health care, and community exchange events. In the "Intergenerational Exchange Program," the company collaborates with a nearby elementary school to provide opportunities for elderly residents to tell stories about the old days to children and teach them traditional games (koma spinning and paper balloons). The satisfaction rate of users is high at 92%, with many saying "I feel less lonely" and "I look forward to it every day." In FY2023, we held an "Exhibition of Joint Creations by Seniors and Children" to expand opportunities for exchange by displaying paintings and handicrafts created jointly by the two generations.
Children's After-School Care "Kodomo no Hiroba" Contents
Provides after-school care for elementary school students by utilizing vacant classrooms and community centers. In addition to academic instruction, workshops on handicrafts taught by local artisans and exchange activities with senior citizens' facilities are held on a regular basis. In the "Nutrition Education Class," food ingredients are purchased directly from local farmers, and children are provided with the experience of preparing their own food, giving them an opportunity to learn about "local food. Currently operating in 20 communities, the program has been highly praised by parents, who say that they can work with peace of mind and that their children have become more attached to their communities.
Results of the "Treasures of the Town" project to rehabilitate vacant houses
In partnership with local governments, vacant local houses are renovated and revitalized as community exchange centers, coworking spaces, and housing for young people. In a town in Tochigi Prefecture, "Machi no Kitchen," a renovated private house from the Meiji era, is very popular, and cooking classes using local ingredients and residents' get-togethers are held on a regular basis. This project has increased the effective utilization rate of vacant houses by 30%, contributing to the revitalization of the community. In addition, the support for entrepreneurs using the coworking space has resulted in the launch of more than 10 businesses, and has had the effect of promoting economic circulation in the community.