Abeno–Tennoji as a “Campus.” A city where children and adults can enjoy learning

“Abeno Tennoji Summer Campus” is an event held since 2014 to create vibrancy in the Abeno–Tennoji area and to attract customers and boost sales for local businesses.

Both on-site and online, the program offers hands-on experiences that people of all ages can enjoy. Visitors who dine or shop at participating stores can join a “prize lottery,” and a “stamp rally” that tours commercial facilities within the area is also held.

In cooperation with the Machi‑to‑Expo initiative, programs aligned with the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai theme are also offered to showcase the attractions around Tennoji Station to local residents and to domestic and international visitors coming for the Expo, using the Expo as an opportunity to revitalize the area.

Project Inauguration

There was a time when the area around Tennoji Station was not thought of as a bright place where children gathered. In response to local shopping streets’ desire to “make this a city where children can enjoy themselves,” this project was launched.

Through hands‑on work experiences and crafts that draw on each shop’s specialties, and demonstrations of professional techniques, the project operates events designed to help elementary school students with summer vacation independent study projects and create lasting memories.

Project Activities

In the Abeno–Tennoji area, a wide variety of hands‑on programs are offered, including robot programming classes, pharmacy and bank job‑experience activities, and children’s soba‑making workshops. Special projects have also been held, such as a 2018 Osaka Metro route map recreated with toy trains, a 2019 stamp rally tracing ancient burial mounds, and the 2024 “Mini Light Mölkky No.1” contest. These events take place over two weekend days at the end of summer vacation and attract about 10,000 visitors each time.

Future Prospects for the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Aiming to become a bright, livable city rich in history, culture, and shopping, the project will continue promoting the attractions of Abeno–Tennoji to local residents as well as visitors from Japan and abroad. Using the Expo as an opportunity, the initiative seeks to further revitalize the area.