- Business overview
- Eligible organizations
- Target businesses
- Support amount and number of cases
- About the application
- Future main schedule
- Selection Results
- Implementation Report
- Recruiting for trial slots
- Contact Us
1. Business overview
Kyoto City and the University Consortium Kyoto (public foundation) are implementing the “Student-City Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community” to support projects and programs that involve collaboration between universities, students, and the community to develop Kyoto’s city and revitalize the community. We hope to learn in a
practical setting through activities that involve working with local organizations to tackle local issues together and participating in the activities of local organizations and supporting their activities. This
project has been implemented since 2004, and this year marks the 22nd year.
[Application Guidelines for the 2025 “Academic Town Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community (Standard Category)”]
2. Target organizations
An organization or group (※) made up of students from universities or junior colleges affiliated with the University Consortium Kyoto, where the majority of the members are students and the representative is a student. If the organization is made up of students from multiple universities, it is acceptable as long as the majority are students from universities or junior colleges affiliated with the University Consortium Kyoto.
*University departments, laboratories, seminars, clubs, student circles (circles made up of students from multiple universities are also acceptable), etc.
<Notes>
In principle, only one project can be applied for from the same organization or group. If there are multiple applications, they may be adopted or rejected as one project. In addition, even if applications are from different organizations or groups, if they appear to be the same project, we will make necessary confirmations of the project’s purpose and affiliated organizations, etc., before deciding how to handle them.
*If you are unsure of how to handle them, please consult us. We will consider your application based on the specific details of your application.
3. Eligible businesses
The program is aimed at solving local issues and revitalizing Kyoto City, and is conducted within the city during the fiscal year in question, and meets the following requirements.
However, this does not include political activities, religious activities, activities that spread specific ideologies, violent or destructive activities, profit-making businesses, etc.
[Requirements]
1) A project in which an organization or group works in collaboration with the local community (resident organizations, civic groups, businesses, etc. that mainly operate in the Kyoto City area) and in which students take the lead in the activities.
*New businesses that are expected to lead to future collaboration with the local community are also acceptable.
Please contact us if a specific partner has not been decided at the time of application.
*Collaboration and collaboration projects are activities in which you collaborate with local organizations to tackle local issues together, or participate in the activities of local organizations and support their activities.
*Government agencies may be included as partners, but collaboration with government agencies alone is not possible.
Examples: research, citizen lectures, events, etc. in various fields such as health and welfare, social education, urban development, academic/cultural/arts or sports promotion, environmental conservation, and
local safety.
② Those who are not receiving any grants or subsidies from Kyoto City other than the Gakumachi Collaboration Project.
4. Amount of support and number of cases
Maximum 300,000 yen / 10 to 15 cases
* At the results presentation meeting to be held in March 2026,
an award will be given to the organization (one organization) that is deemed to be the most outstanding in the program (a certificate, a trophy, and an activity grant of 100,000 yen will be awarded separately).
5. Application
(1) Application period
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to Saturday, May 31, 2025, 13:00
*Only digital documents must be submitted; paper documents are not required.
(2) FY2025 Business Recruitment Information Session *Held online
Date and time: 1) Thursday, April 17th, 2025, from 18:30
2) Friday, May 9th, 2025, from 18:30
We will also be accepting questions regarding how to fill out the application form.
(3) Application method
Step 1 Before you start writing your application
We recommend that you read the basic plan of the administrative ward where you will be carrying out your activities! Also, listen to the opinions of local people and related administrative agencies as much as possible regarding the background of the project and the needs of the community. If you have any questions about the ward basic plan or points to keep in mind when carrying out activities in the community, you can consult with the Community Power Promotion Office of each ward office or branch office.
Reconfirm and share your objectives and goals, and discuss with your group whether the project you are considering is the best way to achieve your objectives. Also, for ongoing projects, take a thorough look at your efforts so far and organize any areas for improvement or novelty so that they can be reflected in your application.
Step 2: Write your application!
<Download application forms etc. from the links below>
● Application guidelines for FY2025
● Application form for FY2025 “Academic and Community Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community (Standard Category)” (Microsoft Word)
● Example of filling out the application form
| Points to remember when filling out the form |
★Check the judging criteria! ★Why are you implementing the project? Be sure to clearly state the purpose and the necessity for the project in the local area. ★Who are you collaborating with (or planning to collaborate with)? What are the roles of each? Be specific. |
If you have any questions about how to fill out application documents, etc.
, or if you have any concerns or questions, such as “I want to set up an internet environment, but can I use the support funds?”, please feel free to contact the University Consortium Kyoto. Consultations are also available by phone, email, and online.
Step 3: Register your business details
Please register your business details using the form below.
Step 4: Submit your application
During the application period, fill out the ① application form (Microsoft WORD) downloaded in step 2 of this page, and submit it along with ② reference data (if available) using the submission form below.
① Application document data (Microsoft WORD)
② Reference data (up to 10 pages converted to A4 size. Please submit in PDF format.) *Only if available
* Paper submission of ① and ② is not required.
*Applications for this year have now closed.
6. Future main schedule
First screening: After application deadline – mid-June 2025
Second screening (public presentation screening): Sunday, June 29, 2025 *Held at Campus Plaza Kyoto
Support projects decided, notification of selection results: mid-July 2025
Certification ceremony and social gathering: mid- to late July 2025 *Certificates will be issued for certified projects
Interim report: mid- to late October 2025 *Document submission
Final report: March 2026 *Document submission
Reporting meeting: mid- to late March 2026
Recruiting general audience for the second round of screening (presentation screening)
A presentation review (second round) will be held to decide the projects that will be selected for this year’s School-City Collaboration Project.
At the review meeting, organizations that pass the first round of selection will each give an elaborate presentation to highlight the effectiveness and characteristics of their project, as well as their enthusiasm for the initiative, in order to be selected.
This is an opportunity to see the university and its students working in collaboration with the local community, so we look forward to your participation, including from those who are interested.
Presentation Review for the FY2025 “School-City Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community (Standard Category)”
| Date and Time | Sunday, June 29th, 2025 10:00-16:25 (scheduled end time) *The time may vary slightly depending on the progress of the event. |
| venue | Campus Plaza Kyoto 5th floor Lecture Room 1 |
| Flow of the day | Second selection meeting (presentation review meeting) schedule |
| Participation fee | free |
★About application for participation
Applications for participation will be accepted from Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 to Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
If you would like to participate, please apply below. (Clicking on “Apply” will open the application form.)
*Registration is now closed.
Selection Results
First selection (document screening)
24 projects passed the first selection round (1 organization withdrew)
Second selection (presentation review)
The second selection meeting (presentation review meeting) was held on June 29, 2025, and the following 13 projects were selected as support projects.
＜List of 13 projects approved for the FY2025 Gakumachi Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community＞ (in order of application)
| Business name | Name of organization [Name of affiliated university] Administrative district of activity |
Business overview |
|---|---|---|
| Smile↑↑↑ | Smile↑↑↑ [Ryukoku University] Administrative district: Fushimi Ward |
In order to provide support to elementary school students and create a place for them to go, they hold a candy event once a month at a children’s park, and through interaction with the children, they listen to any worries that they cannot talk about with their parents or teachers at school. |
| A project to promote the appeal of the mountainous areas of Ukyo Ward through food | Kyoto Pasta Specialty Store [Kyoto University, Kyoto Women’s University, Doshisha University, Kyoto Seika University] Administrative district: Ukyo WardYuPPenJoBs | In order to experience the charms of the region and contribute even a little to the sustainable development of the region by using local ingredients, we will promote the attractions of the region through food-related events and product sales in the Tain and Mizuo areas, aiming to increase the related population and disperse tourists who are concentrated in urban areas. |
| Project to support children’s places in shopping districts | Ritsumeikan University Student Group FamiRy [Ritsumeikan University] Administrative district: Ukyo Ward |
In cooperation with the local community, we watch over and provide a place for children, mainly elementary school students, to feel at home. We hold an event once a month in the Ryoanji shopping arcade where children and their parents can easily participate. |
| Community Space GOEN Shokudo | GOENCafeteria [Otani University] Activity area: Kita Ward, Kamigyo Ward |
Aimed at adults who feel lonely within a 1km radius of Otani University and local children, a community cafeteria will be set up where everyone can eat curry together and a different stage presentation will be held each time. |
| Keihoku Utsu Interaction and Learning | Keihoku Utsu Treasure Hunting Association [Kyoto Seika University, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies] Administrative district: Ukyo Ward |
Aiming to revitalize the Utsu area, the community and students work together to develop initiatives and events to consider the future of the area. They interact with local residents through activities such as creating picture-story shows based on local folklore and holding “Utsu University,” which shares the knowledge of the university with the local community. |
| Japan’s Hollywood Returns | Sagabikande 23 [Saga University of Arts] Administrative district: Ukyo Ward |
In order to revive the Uzumasa Daiei Street Shopping District as a movie town, we will hold regular events related to movies and filming in the shopping district, aiming to create a town in the Uzumasa area where young creators can be born. Furthermore, we will aim to improve the appeal of the areas along the Randen line, including the Daiei Street Shopping District, and to decentralize tourism. |
| Keihoku Bon Odori Preservation Project | Student group K-Bond [Kyoto University/Kyoto Women’s University] Administrative district: Ukyo Ward |
With the aim of preserving and passing on the Bon Odori culture (Tamba Ondo, Yuge Ondo, etc.) handed down in the Keihoku region, we work with local residents to hold Bon Odori experience events with the participation of young people, participate in local events, and develop digital archives. We also work with local elementary schools and develop cultural exchanges with other regions, aiming for sustainable revitalization of the region. |
| Operation KINUGASA! Protect this city! | Student Disaster Prevention Club Ritsumeikan FAST [Ritsumeikan University] Administrative district: Kita Ward |
Taking advantage of the characteristics of the Kinugasa region of Kyoto, we will hold a disaster prevention workshop centered on experiential understanding of the terrain and disaster risk. We aim to create a place where participants from diverse backgrounds, such as local residents, university students, and international students, can learn and interact together, and to create a multicultural disaster prevention community. |
| Ichijoji, Sound Inheritance Project | “City, People and Music” Seminar [Kyoto Seika University] Administrative district: Sakyo Ward |
Through planning and running local revitalization events in Ichijoji, Sakyo Ward, we promote the charm of Ichijoji to both local residents and visitors. We have held events such as the “Ichijoji Autumn Festival” held at Ichijoji Park, as well as music workshops and the local iron fan dance. |
| Chemical | Hozoji Temple Exhibition Project [Kyoto City University of Arts, Kyoto University of Arts, Kyoto College of Economics, Kyoto University] Administrative district: Nakagyo Ward |
The exhibition will be planned and held with the cooperation of Hozoji Temple (Nakagyo Ward) as the venue. The purpose of this project is to provide a place for mutual dialogue and learning between students, visitors (local residents and tourists), and the temple, and research work meetings will be planned and held once a month at Hozoji Temple and Kyoto City University of Arts. |
| Kreis Regional Restaurant – Workshops that connect people through local production and consumption | Kinugasa Farm [Ritsumeikan University] Administrative districts: Kita-ku, Ukyo-kuKreis | In order to promote intergenerational exchange and provide a place for children to hang out during the summer holidays, a “community restaurant” will be held, where people of all ages, including local children and the elderly, will eat curry made with summer vegetables grown at Kinugasa Farm, building community ties through food. Workshops will also be held at the event to learn about efforts to make leaf mold and the connection between food and agriculture. |
| Fujibakama connects the local community | Randen Line Fujibakama Project Student Team [Ritsumeikan University] Administrative districts: Kita-ku, Ukyo-ku |
The university students will work on improving the environment for Fujibakama and aim to grow as operators through learning, experiments, and facility maintenance. Through this project, we will deepen ties with organizations, companies, and schools both in and outside the region, expand the number of participants, eliminate the divide between operators and participants, and realize sustainable community development and revitalization. |
| Children’s Place Program | Learning support group [Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Osaka Gakuin University, Kinki University] Administrative district: Nakagyo WardApolon | We aim to provide a safe place in the local community for junior and senior high school students, and by having them interact with university students and with other children, the children will realize that they have a safe place outside of school and home, giving them hope and goals for the future and eliminating relational poverty among children. |
Implementation Report
FY2025 Presentation Review Board (Second Selection Board)
On Sunday, June 29th, the second selection meeting (presentation review meeting) for the 2025 School-City Collaboration Project was held at Campus Plaza Kyoto.
The 23 organizations that passed the first round of selection shared their passion for the content of their projects and how they plan to collaborate with the local community.
This year saw the largest number of applications in recent years, and there were many new projects, making it a very interesting review meeting.
The judges offered sharp questions and encouraging advice regarding feasibility, continuity, and building relationships with the local community, which we believe was a great inspiration for the presenting organizations.
Reiwa 7 Certification Ceremony/Exchange Meeting
On Saturday, July 26th, the certification ceremony for the 2025 Gaku-City Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community was held at Campus Plaza Kyoto, where certificates were presented to the 13 organizations selected this year by Kyoto City Mayor Matsui.
The Mayor offered words of encouragement, saying, “I hope that through this project, you will develop an even stronger attachment to Kyoto and continue to make Kyoto your stage for success in the future.” Representatives of each organization then expressed their determination upon receiving their certificates.
After the ceremony, the selection committee shared advice and feedback with each organization, which we’re sure provided the organizations with valuable advice and hints for their future activities!
Finally, a networking event was held, which we believe provided a great opportunity for organizations with similar goals to get to know each other’s activities. We hope this will lead to expanded horizontal connections.
Now, each organization’s activities will begin in earnest!
We will also be posting updates on the University Consortium Kyoto website and the university-community collaboration portal site “GAKUMACHI STATION,” so stay tuned!
・https://www.gakumachi.jp/
7. Recruitment for trial slots
As a new initiative from the 2025 academic year, we will begin recruiting for a trial slot for students who are about to start community activities.
For details, please check the trial slots website below.
Trial slot homepage: https://www.consortium.or.jp/project/chiiki/gakumachi-trial
Contact Us
University Consortium Kyoto, a public interest incorporated foundation, Gakumachi Collaboration Project Contact:
TEL: 075-353-9130 FAX: 075-353-9101
MAIL: gakumachi-admin-ml■consortium.or.jp
(Please change ■ to @ before sending)
Campus Plaza Kyoto, Nishinotoin-dori Shiokoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216
*Reception hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9:00-17:00
