Educational Assistance for
the Next Generation

In fiscal 2021, we launched the Gundam Educational Program, an educational program to provide children an opportunity to think about the joy of monozukuri (manufacturing) and the global environment based on the themes of moving Gundam at Gundam Factory Yokohama and Gundam plastic models.

Since November 2021, with the aim of sparking interest in monozukuri, we have been hosting a program to learn about and experience the workings of a life-size moving Gundam as a form of educational support for elementary and junior high school students in Yokohama City. Thus far, 5,911 students from 82 schools have participated (as of October 31, 2023).

In addition, in Gunpla Academia held since October 2021, participants experience assembling Gundam plastic models and watch a video about the facilities, production processes, and jobs at Bandai Hobby Center. Through this curriculum, students learn about the joy of monozukuri and initiatives to address social and environmental issues. The curriculum is also intended to spark their interest in cutting-edge technologies and sustainable manufacturing. As of March 31, 2023, around 240,000 elementary school students from roughly 3,800 schools have participated.

To learn more, click the link below.
Gunpla Academia, a plastic model lesson package
(in Japanese only)

Bandai Namco Group companies host visits for children in the local community.

Bandai Namco Filmworks and Bandai Namco Pictures provide elementary, junior high, and high school students with social education opportunities. These include practical, hands-on training using our own IP, providing the chance to learn about animation, IP creation, and production. Since 2020, approximately 500 students from 25 schools have participated.

At Bandai Namco Filmworks, which has produced a number of science fiction animation set in space, we serve as a sponsor of the Space Development Forum, an event organized by student groups. This is because we support the concept behind this forum of looking at space development today from the perspective of students and discussing it beyond the context of the arts and sciences.

In fiscal 2022, we provided pictorial images used by the forum and assisted with participant brainstorming sessions. A total of 190 students took part in the event.

Shimane Susanoo Magic, a professional basketball team partly managed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, hosts the Dream Class, where its basketball players visit kindergartens, nursery schools, and elementary schools in Shimane Prefecture to talk with the children about their dreams for the future.

In addition, with the aim of contributing to Matsue City, we actively engage in PR activities for various measures, such as promoting reflective materials, eradicating violence, and activities for the Central Community Chest of Japan.

Bandai Namco Amusement actively provides a variety of hands-on learning opportunities for children who will lead the future by utilizing games and facilities.

As one example, we are working to convey knowledge about fish and marine issues to children in an easy-to-understand manner by linking this with the fishing game called Fishing Spirits. In August 2023, with the cooperation of the people of Nishiizu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, we held a “fish handling experience” where children handled fresh fish sent directly from the local fishing port and ate it on their own. The aim was to learn about the interesting nature of fish and fisheries, the appeal of the region, and environmental and social issues related to them, as well as to feel a sense of gratitude for the ocean, nature, and the people involved.

In addition to this, we engage in various activities as a member of the community, such as offering work experiences in cooperation with schools in the vicinity of amusement facilities.

Charaken holds the Jackie Caravan in which a music troop featuring the main character Jackie and the bears from the picture book series The Bears’ School visit kindergartens and nursery schools across Japan to deliver happiness to children. In fiscal 2022, the music troop visited five facilities and had a good time with more than 350 children.

In addition, we offered a video version of Jackie Caravan from the perspective of preventing the spread of COVID-19. During the period from July to September 2022, more than 4,300 children from 65 facilities participated.

In March 2023, Bandai Namco Holdings China launched the Future Dream Creation Project in China. This project aims to connect with children with disabilities and children living in poverty through dreams, fun, and inspiration together with various partners. As the first initiative of the project, we donated 2,000 sets of toys to special needs schools in Jiangsu Province, China from March 2 to 13, 2023.

In addition, Bandai Namco Asia (headquarters in Hong Kong), which procures, sells, and imports and exports toys in Asia, donated 7,083 toys to Gracious Shepherd Christian Church, a local organization providing support to children, in April 2023 to promote a society where children who will lead a bright future can be raised in good health and have dreams and hopes. The toys were delivered to less fortunate families with children at a free event held by Gracious Shepherd Christian Church on April 16, 2023.

Under our Purpose of "Fun for All into the Future," the Bandai Namco Group will deliver fun and inspiration to people around the world and pursue smiles and happiness into the future.

At Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, in 1995, we established the Bandai Foundation, a non-profit organization that implements philanthropy programs in the United States. Since then, through the foundation, we have provided assistance in various forms, including charity donations focused on children’s health and welfare.

In fiscal 2021, the foundation partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment America to establish the PAC-MAN Takes a Bite out of Hunger campaign. Following the establishment of a new Bandai Namco Group office in Irvine, California, the foundation provided a donation to the local food bank and provided funding to set up a sustainable farm to ease food shortages in southern California.

Going forward, we will continue providing assistance so that children and their families can live better lives.

The Bandai Namco Group serves as a partner sponsoring Junior Eco-Club^*, which promotes voluntary environmental actions and environmental learning among children. We utilize the environmental learning classes organized by Junior Eco-Club for the environmental learning of Group employees and their families.

A support program for children’s environmental activities run by Japan Environment Association. With the sponsorship of the Ministry of the Environment and support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Junior Eco-Club is held with the collaboration of local governments, companies, and organizations. As of March 2022, there were around 1,700 clubs and about 90,000 members nationwide.