Seiko Group launches Toki-iku (Time Education) program

October 10, 2024
Seiko Group Corporation

Seiko Group Corporation (Chairman & Group CEO, CCO: Shinji Hattori; head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, hereinafter referred to as “Seiko”) has been actively engaged in projects to support the development of young people in Japan, including the Seiko Exciting School and the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp. With the total number of participants already surpassing 10,000, and with plans to both expand the geographical reach of these events and enhance their content, we are pleased to announce a new collective name for these activities: Toki-iku (Time Education).

What is Toki-iku (Time Education)?

In alignment with Seiko's group purpose of "creating a future full of smiles ," this initiative seeks to teach young people—some of whom may become leaders of the next generation—about the importance of Time, while also fostering their ability to think independently. Centered around the concept of "learning about Time and creating the future," we offer experiential programs across diverse fields, including Time and timepieces, sports, music, and the environment.

Seiko is proud to support the development of children’s character and individuality by providing exciting experiences that connect them with the world around them through the lens of Time.

Past Achievements and Future Plans

To date, we have conducted Toki-iku activities in 17 locations, both in Japan and internationally, reaching a total of over 10,000 participants. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our events to new regions within Japan and beyond, while further enhancing the programs we offer.
The Exciting Sports School previously included track & field, swimming, trampolining, and judo. Going forward, we will broaden the range of sports, with a tennis clinic introduced for the first time in October, 2024. And on October 31, 2024, we will hold a track and field school at an elementary school in Kyoto, featuring special instructor Chisato Fukushima, Seiko Smile Ambassador and Japanese record holder for the women's 100m and 200m events. On November 10 we will hold the Exciting Time & Timepieces School in collaboration with Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, focusing on the theme of sundials.

A Diverse Range of Toki-iku (Time Education) Programs

A Program for learning from time and timepieces

● Seiko Exciting Time & Timepieces School

“Time” is an invisible common language that connects people and societies around the world. Seiko continues these educational activities in the hope that children will enjoy discovering the wisdom of our ancestors, who created methods to tell time.
We also want children to discover a personal fascination with Time and timepieces by experiencing the technology, practical functions, and craftsmanship involved in timepieces. Hopefully, children will understand the importance of telling time accurately and will work together with others to create and enjoy a richer future.

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● Release of Educational Materials on METI’s STEAM Library Website
A video program featuring the theme "Learning about Technological Innovation in Timepieces and Exploring a Future of Abundant Time" is now available on the METI (the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) "Classroom of the Future" STEAM Library Website.

URL(Japanese only)

A Program for learning from sports

● Seiko Exciting Sports School
We provide opportunities for children to experience the joy of physical activity by learning skills from world-class athletes. We also let them handle real, competition-grade timing devices used in international sporting events. Young participants can witness record-setting moments with authentic timing devices, inspiring them to reflect on both sports and the importance of Time as they engage with both athletes and cutting-edge technology.

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A Program for learning from music

● Seiko Exciting Music School
To help children enjoy music more deeply, we give them a chance to interact with professional musicians. This program goes beyond just having fun—it also conveys the dedication and discipline that professionals bring to music, and so highlights the importance of hard work. Of course, music is an art inextricably connected with Time. In a world where music surrounds us daily, this program offers children a chance to experience the joy of connecting with others through the music we create.

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● Seiko Summer Jazz Camp
This five-day program invites top jazz musicians from around the world to mentor aspiring young jazz artists in Japan. Lectures and workshops cover jazz performance techniques, music theory, jazz appreciation, and various approaches to music. Participants are selected through a rigorous audition process.

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A Program for learning from the environment

● Seiko Exciting Environment School
This program explores the significance of biological diversity and reveals, through hands-on experience, how we can foster rich, sustainable forests. In Shizukuishi Town in Iwate Prefecture—a town renowned for outstanding watch production—we will reflect on the concept of Time from the perspective of living organisms, exploring this theme through a workshop where participants make insect hotels to be placed in the surrounding forests.

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Sponsorship Programs

As an official sponsor of KidZania Tokyo and KidZania Koshien—interactive facilities where children can explore various professions and social roles—we have established the Town Clock pavilion. Here, children can engage in the role of performers while learning about the significance and value of Time. In addition to these two sponsored facilities, we serve as an official supplier for KidZania Fukuoka.

New Website

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Website dedicated to showcasing the activities of Toki-iku (Time Education). Moving forward, we will regularly update the site with the latest details on our various programs. At this time, the Website is only in Japanese, but please feel free to visit it if you like.

URL (Japanese only)

Press Contact:

Public Relations Department

prdeptj@seiko.co.jp

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