[3rd Meeting] Exploring Yawata City Hall!

Our First Meeting at City Hall

On August 4, we had a Kids’ Meeting. This time it wasn’t at the usual “Furusato Learning Hall” but at Yawata City Hall! Everyone felt a little nervous in this new place, but also very excited to meet the city staff and ask them questions.

Starting with Prof. Mitsu’s Words

At the beginning, Professor Mitsu taught us some important rules for doing interviews:

• Say hello politely.
• Put your thoughts into words.
• Listen carefully to what the other person says.
• Don’t forget to ask questions and say thank you.

They may sound simple, but they are very important. All the kids nodded seriously.

Interviews at City Hall 

Elementary A Team – New Ideas from Bamboo

Elementary A team was first thinking about “Disaster-prevention food made from bamboo.” But after talking with the staff, they realized bamboo could also show the fun side of Yawata City! So their idea grew bigger: not only for disaster safety, but also for sharing the city’s good points. Their eyes sparkled with excitement.

Elementary B Team – Special Products, Parks, and Trash Problems

Elementary B team interviewed about local products, parks, and trash. They learned: Special products are a source of pride. Parks need to feel safe. The most important thing about trash is to stop littering. After the talk, they already had new ideas: “Let’s check out anti-litter signs!” and “Let’s study safe playgrounds for kids!”

Elementary C Team– School Lunch and Yawata’s Charm

Elementary C Team focused on school lunch. They learned it could connect with local farmers and the mascot “Taken-chan.” They were surprised by how much care goes into nutrition and cost. The idea of bringing back the “Bamboo Charcoal Croquette” made everyone cheer! Now they want to visit farms and think about school lunches that show Yawata’s charm.

Junior High Team – From Bamboo Tents to Partitions

The junior high team first planned “bamboo disaster tents,” but they found out it’s too hard to make strong ones. The staff suggested, “How about simple partitions for shelters?” This gave them a new direction. Next time, they’ll try making bamboo partitions and see if it works in real life.

High School Team – From Events to Videos

The high school team wanted to plan an inter-generational event. But they realized it was too difficult to manage. So they changed their plan: “Let’s make a disaster-prevention video!” They’ll show things like survival food, earthquake experience, and evacuation drills with maps. They’re even planning to interview the fire department!

Fun Lunch Break – Senbon-tsuri Game

At lunch, the university students prepared a “Senbon-tsuri” game. Kids pulled colorful strings with sweets hanging on them. Everyone laughed and shouted—it felt like a festival!

Special Visit to the City Council Hall

After the interviews, we had a special tour of the City Council Hall. In January, the kids will give their proposals here to the Mayor! The hall looked so big and serious, but the kids’ eyes shone with excitement. Finally, we took a group photo—one to remember forever.