WE ENRICH CHILDREN’S FORMATIVE EXPERIENCES THROUGH PLAY AND COMMUNITY.
Machinoko Dan bridges play, education, and community design to address social challenges in Japan’s local towns.
Our work connects children’s curiosity with civic creativity — turning play into a force for social change.
“Every person is a precious child of the town.”
This phrase was left by a kind old man from a small downtown neighborhood —
a man who loved his community, its festivals, and the people who gathered with sake in hand.
People don’t grow up only at home, or only at school or work.
We are nurtured by the town itself — by the connections, experiences, and memories we build within it.
Machinoko Dan is a community organization dedicated to enriching the formative experiences of children who grow up in towns and cities through hands-on projects, play, and collaboration.
Our Three Core Projects
1.Community Playbus – Mobile Playgrounds
We bring play to where children are.
Our mobile “Playbus” travels across cities, parks, and community spaces to create pop-up playgrounds filled with curiosity and joy.
Children explore, build, and challenge themselves — discovering the world through direct experiences.
We collaborate with local governments, companies, and communities to make play accessible to all.
2.Machinoko Base – Community Hub
A small red-roofed house in Hitachinaka City serves as our community hub,
where children can spend after-school time freely, repaint walls, garden, create, and play.
Here, “freedom and responsibility” guide every activity.
High school and university volunteers support the space,
making it a shared “third place” for children and the community alike.
3.Community Co-creation Projects
Beyond play spaces, we co-create community projects that connect generations and inspire civic engagement.
From local festivals and educational programs to urban revitalization and disaster-prevention initiatives,
we work hand-in-hand with municipalities, businesses, and citizens.
bringing together municipalities, businesses, and citizens under the idea that
“Creating play spaces is creating the community.”
Our Impact at a Glance
10,000+ children and families reached annually
100+ play and community events each year
Collaborations with over 20 municipalities and companies in Japan
Award-winning initiatives recognized by national programs
About MachinokoDan
Machinoko Dan bridges play, education, and community design to address social challenges in Japan’s local towns.
Our work connects children’s curiosity with civic creativity — turning play into a force for social change.
Mission
To enrich children’s formative experiences through Play and Community.
Vision
A society where every child can grow as a part of their community —where play, creativity, and curiosity are woven into everyday life.
Values
Freedom and Responsibility – Children take initiative in shaping their experiences.
Co-creation – Communities grow when people work and learn together.
Sustainability – Building systems and relationships that last beyond one generation.
Overview
Organization Name: General Incorporated Association Machinoko Dan
Founded: 2020
Headquarters: Hitachi City, Ibaraki, Japan
Main Activities: Mobile playground operations, community-based learning hubs, and civic project management.
Collaborations: Local governments, educational institutions, companies, and volunteers nationwide.
History
| 2020 | Founded and launched the first Community Playbus. |
| 2022 | Registered as a General Incorporated Association (Nonprofit legal entity). |
| 2023 | Received both the Excellence Award and Special Jury Award at the Kenpoku Business Challenge Program (BCP) in Ibaraki Prefecture. |
| 2024 | Received both the Regional Award and Children’s Participation Award at the 2nd Japan After-school Award 2024. |
| 2025 | Successfully completed crowdfunding on forGood to fund the 2nd Playbus. |
Representative
Yamato Masuda
A community designer and playworker dedicated to enriching children’s formative experiences through play.
After studying International Political Philosophy at Senshu University (Tokyo) and English communication at the University of Alberta (Canada),
he has worked across education, disaster prevention, and social innovation — exploring how play can strengthen community resilience.
Titles / Qualifications:
✓ Playworker (specialist in children’s play and development)
✓ Disaster Prevention Specialist (Bousaishi)
✓ Community Coordinator (regional partnership and civic engagement)
✓ Childminder (certified childcare provider) & Child Counselor (counseling and child psychology)
✓ Instructor of Child-focused Disaster Preparedness
✓ Welfare and Housing Environment Coordinator (universal design & accessibility)
✓ Volunteer Director (community volunteering management)