- Business Overview
- Target organizations
- Target businesses
- Amount of support and number of cases
- About the application
- Upcoming main schedule
- Selection results
- Implementation Report
- Results Report Meeting
- 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 provide financial support to projects and programs that involve collaboration between universities, students, and the community to develop Kyoto’s urban development and revitalize the region. The project
aims to provide practical learning opportunities through collaboration with local organizations to tackle local issues and to participate in and support the activities of local organizations. This
project began in 2004, and this year marks the 22nd year.
[Application Guidelines for the 2025 “School-City Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community (Standard Category)”]
2. Target organizations
An organization or group (*) made up of students from universities and 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 and 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, an organization or group can only apply for one project. If there are multiple applications, they may be accepted or rejected as a single project. Furthermore, even if applications are from different organizations or groups, if they appear to be the same project, we will make a decision on how to handle them after conducting necessary checks on the purpose of the project and affiliated organizations, etc.
*If you are unsure how to make a decision, please consult us. We will consider your application based on the specific details of your application.
3. Eligible businesses
The program is open to projects that are implemented within Kyoto City during the fiscal year with the aim of resolving local issues and revitalizing the city, and that meet the following requirements.
However, projects with the purpose of political activities, religious activities, activities that spread specific ideologies, violent or destructive activities, or profit-making businesses are excluded.
[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), with students taking the lead in the activities.
*New businesses that are expected to collaborate with the local community in the future are also acceptable.
If you have not yet decided on a specific partner at the time of application, please contact us.
*Projects undertaken through collaboration and cooperation include activities in which we collaborate with local organizations to tackle local issues together, and activities in which we participate in and support the activities of local organizations.
*Government agencies may be included in the list of partners, but collaboration with only government agencies is not permitted.
Examples: Research and studies in various fields such as health and welfare, social education, urban development, academic, cultural, artistic or sports promotion, environmental conservation, and community safety, as well as public lectures and events.
2 ) Those who have not received any grants or subsidies from Kyoto City other than the Gakumachi Collaboration Project.
4. Amount of support and number of cases
Up to 300,000 yen / 10 to 15 cases
*At the results presentation meeting scheduled for March 2026,
one organization will be recognized as the most outstanding project implementer (with a certificate, trophy, and a separate activity incentive of 100,000 yen).
5. Application
(1) Application period
April 1st (Tue) – May 31st (Sat) 2025 13:00
*Only digital documents must be submitted; paper submissions 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 reading the basic plan for the administrative ward where you will be carrying out your activities! Also, listen to the opinions of local residents and relevant government agencies, as much as possible, regarding the background of the project and local needs. If you have any questions about the ward’s basic plan or points to keep in mind when carrying out activities in the community, you can also consult the Community Strength Promotion Office at your ward office or branch office.
Reconfirm and share your objectives and goals, and discuss within your group whether the proposed project is the best way to achieve those objectives. For ongoing projects, thoroughly summarize your efforts to date and organize any areas for improvement or innovation 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 “School-City 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? Clearly state the purpose and the need for it in the local area. If ★Who are you collaborating with (or planning to collaborate with)? What are each party’s roles? Be specific. |
If you have any questions or concerns, such as how to fill out application documents,
or if you want to set up an internet connection, 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 overview
Please register your business details using the form below.
Step 4: Submit your application documents
During the application period, please fill out the ① application form (Microsoft WORD) downloaded in Step 2 on this page and submit it using the form below along with ② reference data (if available).
① Application document data (Microsoft WORD)
② Reference data (up to approximately 10 pages in 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. Main upcoming schedule
First round of judging: After application deadline – mid-June 2025
Second round of judging (public presentation judging): Sunday, June 29, 2025 *Held at Campus Plaza Kyoto
Support project decision and notification of selection results: mid-July 2025
Certification ceremony and networking event: 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 members for the second round of judging (presentation judging)
A presentation review (second round) will be held to decide the projects 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 students’ collaborative efforts with the local community, so we look forward to your participation, especially if you are interested.
FY2025 “School-City Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community (Standard Category)” Presentation Review
| 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 |
★Regarding Participation Applications
Applications are being accepted from Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
If you would like to participate, please apply below. (Clicking “Apply” will open the application form.)
*Registration is now closed.
Selection results
First selection (document review)
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 certified as supported projects.
List of 13 Approved Projects for the FY2025 Gaku-City 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, we hold a candy event once a month at a children’s park, and through interaction with the children, we listen to their worries and concerns 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 charm of the region and use local ingredients to contribute in some way to the sustainable development of the region, we will promote the charm of the region through food-related events and product sales in the Taiin 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 also hold an event once a month in the Ryoanji shopping district, where children and their parents can easily participate. |
| Community Space GOEN Shokudo | GOENDining Hall [Otani University] Administrative Areas: North Campus, Kamigyo Campus |
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 performance 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 region, the community and students collaborate to develop initiatives and events to consider the future of the region. They interact with local residents through activities such as creating picture-story shows based on local folklore and hosting “Utsu University,” which shares the knowledge of the university. |
| Japan’s Hollywood Again | Sagabikande 23 [Saga University of Arts] Administrative district: Ukyo Ward |
In order to revive the Uzumasa Daiei Dori Shopping Street as a movie town, we will hold regular events related to movies and filming in the shopping street, aiming to create a town in the Uzumasa area that will give birth to young creators. Furthermore, we will aim to improve the appeal of the areas along the Randen line, including the Daiei Dori Shopping Street, and to decentralize tourism. |
| Keihoku Bon Dance Heritage Project | Student group K-Bond [Kyoto University/Kyoto Women’s University] Administrative district: Ukyo Ward |
Aiming to preserve and pass 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 promote cultural exchange with other regions, aiming to revitalize the region in a sustainable way. |
| Operation KINUGASA! Protect this city! | Ritsumeikan FAST Student Disaster Prevention Club [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” at Ichijoji Park, music workshops, and the local iron fan dance. |
| Shiseikanten | Hozoji Temple Exhibition Project [Kyoto City University of Arts, Kyoto University of the Arts, Kyoto College of Economics, Kyoto University] Administrative district: Nakagyo Ward |
The exhibition will be planned and implemented with the cooperation of Hozoji Temple (Nakagyo Ward) as the venue. The aim of this project is to provide a space for mutual dialogue and learning between students, visitors (local residents and tourists), and the temple, and monthly research workshops will be planned and implemented at Hozoji Temple and Kyoto City University of Arts. |
| Kreis Regional Restaurant – Workshops connecting people through local production and consumption | Kinugasa Farm [Ritsumeikan University] Administrative districts: Kita-ku, Ukyo-kuKreis | 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 seniors, will eat curry made with summer vegetables grown at Kinugasa Farm, building community ties through food. The event will also include a workshop where participants can learn about leaf mold initiatives 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 to improve the environment for the 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 within and outside the region, expand the number of participants, eliminate the divide between operators and participants, and achieve 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 themselves realize that they have a safe place outside of school or home, giving them hope and goals for the future and eliminating relational poverty. |
Implementation Report
FY2025 Presentation Review Board (Second Selection)
On Sunday, June 29th, the second selection meeting (presentation review) 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 passionate thoughts on the details 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 with many new projects, it was a very interesting review session.
The judges offered insightful questions and encouraging advice regarding feasibility, sustainability, and building relationships with the local community, which we believe was a great inspiration for the presenting organizations.
Reiwa 7th Year Recognition Ceremony & Exchange Meeting
On Saturday, July 26th, the 2025 Certification Ceremony for the Gaku-City Collaboration Project Connecting Students and the Community was held at Campus Plaza Kyoto. Kyoto Mayor Matsui presented certificates to the 13 organizations selected this year.
The Mayor offered words of encouragement, saying, “Through this project, I hope you will develop a deeper attachment to Kyoto and continue to play an active role in Kyoto.” Representatives of each organization expressed their determination upon receiving their certificates.
After the ceremony, the selection committee shared advice and feedback with each organization, providing valuable advice and hints for future activities.
Finally, a networking event was held, providing a great opportunity for organizations with the same goals to get to know each other’s activities. We hope this will foster 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 please stay tuned!
・https://www.gakumachi.jp/
Results Report Meeting
We will be holding a report session on the results of the 2025 academic year Gaku-City Collaboration Project that connects students and the local community !!
At the report session, the organizations selected this year will look back on their activities to date and present the results of their efforts.
We welcome those who want to use this as reference for their own activities, those who are planning to start activities in the future, as well as those who just want to listen to a discussion on a topic of interest.
Date and time: Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:30-16:45 (scheduled end time)
Venue: Campus Plaza Kyoto, 2nd floor hall
*Advance application required
≫Click here for details
7. Recruitment for trial slots
As a new initiative starting in 2025, we will begin accepting applications for trial slots for students who are about to begin community activities.
For details, please see 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
Tel: 075-353-9130 Fax: 075-353-9101
Email: 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
