PinS Project Approach to Learning
We believe that learning happens when it occurs unexpectedly. PinS' transfer students are encouraged to provide minimal professional guidance to their peers. By avoiding excessive knowledge transfer and unilateral teaching, we create opportunities for children to actively discover their powers of observation, insight, and inherent creativity. Additionally, we foster a multigenerational education environment where everyone acts as a mediator for learning. We prioritize understanding the growth and interests of each child, focusing on what we can do for each individual rather than what resonates universally. Through this approach, we aim to cultivate an environment where both children and adults learn, grow, and adapt. As part of this initiative, transfer students annually conceptualize and create artwork inspired by their school experiences, with all pieces being collected by the Tomioka Board of Education upon completion.

Background and Partnership
The town of Tomioka (Tomioka-machi) witnessed significant developments post-disaster. In April 2017, the evacuation order was partially lifted, with further relaxations planned for the future. I played a key role in the 2017 Tomioka-machi Education Promotion Plan Review Committee (a.k.a. Tomioka-machi Manabi-o Kangaeru Kai), contributing to the creation of an action plan for school reopening in 2018. This plan aimed to redefine education as a multi-generational endeavor, aligning with Tomioka-machi's long-standing educational policies. Subsequently, a comprehensive partnership agreement was signed with Tomioka-machi in August of the same year, leading to the launch of the PinS Project.

This initiative involves professionals from various fields setting up workplaces in Tomioka-machi-run elementary and junior high schools, enriching the educational experience for students. Presently, we are focused on implementing the PinS Project's vision of "education without teaching= an environment where chance is generated" in both the educational field and the local community, aiming to create a vibrant community where creative activities foster continuous growth and dynamism.

Tomioka-machi In April 2017, the evacuation order was lifted except for the "difficult-to-return zone," and on March 10, 2020, the evacuation order for a part of the "difficult-to-return zone" was newly lifted, and by 2023, the evacuation order for the rest of the "difficult-to-return zone" will be lifted. Currently, about 2,000 people live in the town.