Isetan Mitsukoshi's children's learning project, "Cocoiku," will begin offering trial classes ahead of its April 6th opening. Starting March 4th, three weeks of classes will introduce three themes: "Media," "Physical," and "Art," one week at a time.
At Isetan Shinjuku, a workshop was held on the 6th floor baby and children's floor of the main building to stimulate children's sensibilities through play. Cocoiku was born as a stepping stone to foster children's creativity. Rather than educational professionals, the instructors are creators active in a variety of fields, allowing children to experience true creativity. The program is supervised by Daiya Aida, an educator and specially appointed assistant professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School.
Eight classes are available for the trial classes. In "Crafts and Electronics," taught by Kasumi Yajima, leader of the Otome Electronics Club, participants combine seemingly opposing elements—crafts and electronics—to easily create objects that light up and move. In "Game Programming for Beginners," taught by Ryohei Fushimi, a game programmer who is also active as an engineer, students begin by playing simple games using their hands and bodies, then learn how games work and how to create them. "Empty Architecture," taught by Sora Ariyama, an architect active in Europe, begins with the basic components considered when designing a building, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, and then uses their bodies to grasp the scale of the body and space. "Parent-Child Performance," taught by the Tokyo-based creative group and theater team Faifai, uses communication methods derived from theater and dance to develop workshops that parents and preschoolers aged 0 to 2 can enjoy together, using physical movement and voice. Other instructors participating in the trial program include interior designer Ryoko Ando, artist Yuta Nakajima, painter Naoko Hiromoto and Takuo Hara of Kishuhara Farm, and the unit "Dui," consisting of Atsuko Ono and Gaku Todoroki. The main course, which begins in April, features a diverse lineup of 46 instructors.
The Cocoiku program consists of four three-month terms, consisting of 10 sessions each: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Before the trial enrollment, students must register as either a Cocoiku member (free) or a Cocoiku class member (500 yen). Membership entitles students to benefits such as access to Center Park games, a student ID card, birthday stickers, and congratulatory words from sales staff. Also, in March, a two-hour course (3,000 yen per session) will be offered at Cocoiku on the 5th floor of Isetan Kaikan, where students can experience all the elements of a Cocoiku class. Eight specialized staff members, who act as Cocoiku's "homeroom teachers," will guide students through the course.
