Creating valuable experiences for children
We are committed to social contributions that utilize our business resources.
Sharing the joy of manufacturing and the importance of environmental awareness with childrenGunpla Academia, Plastic Model Classes
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In our Gunpla Academia initiative, we develop educational materials centered around Gunpla (Gundam model kits) to spark interest in sustainable manufacturing and incorporate these concepts into career education. We distribute this program as a complimentary educational package to elementary schools nationwide.
Through hands-on building experiences where students actually handle and assemble Gunpla models, and videos that explain the manufacturing process, the roles of people involved, and recycling initiatives, we teach the fun and intricacies of manufacturing, as well as about efforts to address global environmental issues, leading to exploratory learning.
Launched in October 2021, the program has been implemented in about 7,100 elementary schools nationwide, reaching approximately 520,000 students by March 2024.
(Bandai Spirits)
Note: Applications are limited to elementary schools designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
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Sharing the excitement of manufacturing and the importance of environmental awareness with childrenExhibition at KidZania Tokyo
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In March 2023, we opened a pavilion, "Toys & Hobby Factory" in KidZania Tokyo, a place where children can have fun while learning about how society operates.
At our pavilion, children enjoy creating Gashapon toys, an experience designed to teach them about the excitement of manufacturing and the importance of creating environmentally-friendly products. (Bandai)
Bringing smiles and peace of mind through playBandai's children's support initiative during times of disaster
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Recognizing a lack of support to alleviate anxiety and stress among children at disaster sites, we partnered with the nonprofit organization Save the Children Japan to design and produce original toys aimed at emotional care.
Moving forward, we will actively support children in affected areas by coordinating with organizations and local governments that assist disaster-stricken communities in order to deliver help to those who need it.
The support toys we developed are designed to be companions for children, providing comfort when hugged or squeezed. We created air vinyl dolls and squeeze dolls that offer a sense of security to children.
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▲Squeeze dolls
These are palm-sized, soft dolls that don't take up much space and can help relieve stress when squeezed. -
▲Air vinyl dolls
These dolls inflate with air. They can be easily deflated, making them ideal for life in cramped evacuation shelters. Their cushioning also makes them safe and enjoyable for children to play with.
Save the Children Japan
Comments from the Representative
Save the Children Japan Comments from the Representative
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Miyuki Akasaka, Emergency and Disaster Prevention Team, Domestic Division, Save the Children Japan
Miyuki Akasaka joined Save the Children Japan in 2011, when she became involved in emergency response and recovery efforts for the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. She currently serves as the manager of the Emergency and Disaster Prevention Team in the Domestic Division, overseeing emergency support and disaster preparedness activities for children and caregivers during disasters.
Earthquakes, tsunamis, heavy rains, and floods can drastically alter children's lives overnight. Their right to a safe and secure living environment, healthy physical and mental development, play, learning, and time with family and friends are all at risk, and children experience mental distress just as adults do.
However, many children possess the resilience to overcome these challenges. In addition to providing emergency support for basic needs, Save the Children establishes and manages "children's play spaces," where children can safely play and spend time. For children affected by disasters, play is crucial to regaining normalcy, supporting healthy physical and mental development, stabilizing their emotional well-being, and enhancing their potential. We believe in the long-term significance of these activities.
Ensuring aid reaches children in need during disasters
By December 2023, we had carried out donations targeting five locations, including municipal offices and disaster preparedness road stations.
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▲April 2023 presentation ceremony in Suita-shi, Osaka
From right to left: Mayor Keiji Goto of Suita-shi, Osaka, and Noriko Fujita (Sustainability Director of Bandai) -
▲December 2023 presentation ceremony in Taito-ku, Tokyo
From right to left: Taito-kun (Taito's tourism PR character), Mayor Yukuo Hattori, Noriko Fujita (Sustainability Director of Bandai), and Mametchi (from Tamagotchi)
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We remain committed to actively supporting initiatives that help children regain smiles amid unforeseen challenges and hardships.
Planning and Developing Accessible Design Toysto Deliver Fun Toy Experiences to More Children
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"Accessible design toys" are toys that have been thoughtfully designed in order to allow all children to play together, regardless of whether or not they have visual or hearing difficulties. The Japan Toy Association is a general incorporated association that is working to promote the development and popularization of these toys.
Toys that have been certified as accessible design toys are marked with a Guide Dog Mark or Rabbit Mark on the package. The Guide Dog Mark is displayed on toys designed with consideration for children with visual difficulties, while the Rabbit Mark is displayed on toys designed with consideration for children with hearing difficulties.
Bandai Co., Ltd. endorses this concept and will continue efforts to develop and popularize accessible design toys.
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Example of a Toy Certified with the Guide Dog Mark
Baby Labo Anpanman: Pop Open!Each of the five switches is operated with a different movement — twisting, lowering, pushing, tipping, and rotating—making playtime fun for the fingertips!
The shapes of the switches are easy to recognize through touch, sparking curiosity! On each lid, the expressions on the Anpanman faces correspond to the character that pops out, giving kids a captivating experience!
Each switch has a different shape, so children with visual impairments can distinguish the switches by feeling them, and the characters that pop out are three-dimensional, allowing their differences to be appreciated through touch. -
A museum that creates opportunities to foster moments of joyShowcasing a global toy collection
The Omocha-no-Machi Bandai Museum in Tochigi Prefecture was created to foster moments of joy.
It exhibits a curated collection that captivates both adults and children, showcasing about 35,000 items, ranging from beloved Japanese toys to historically significant toys from around the world, open for public enjoyment.
Inspiring new ideas and creativityExperience Edison's inventions up close
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Motivated by the desire to bring Thomas Edison's inventions closer to children and cultivate their creativity and imagination, we've transferred a selection of Edison's inventions from the Omocha-no-Machi Bandai Museum for display at the Thomas Edison Special Exhibition at Bandai's headquarters.
A collaborative project focused on the future of children involving governments, corporations, and educational organizationsJoining the "Kodomo Smile Movement"
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We are participants in the Kodomo Smile Movement, an initiative to foster a society that puts children first through collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders including Tokyo's metropolitan government, local municipalities, private companies, universities, and NPOs.
As a committed partner, we support actions designed to bring smiles to children's faces, both now and in the future, in coordination with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. (Bandai)
The educational objectives of “Gunpla Academia”
■Using plastic models as subjects, students learn about factory production processes and the development of the latest advanced technologies.
■Students learn about the efforts of people involved in the production of plastic models and their work ethic.
■Students are given the opportunity to develop their own ideas about problems and solutions around sustaining high-quality manufacturing technology in the future.