NEWS

On March 21 and 22, 2026, the “Beppu Kids Job Challenge 2026 in APU” was held at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

This event was held with the aim of providing children with hands-on learning opportunities to experience how jobs and society function while interacting with local businesses and industries. On the day, many children and their parents participated, not only from Beppu City but also from other areas within and outside Oita prefecture.

At the event, a variety of hands-on job experience booths were set up by local businesses. Participating children took on programs modeled after real work. Through exposure to a wide range of fields, including the service industry, tourism, and manufacturing, they deepened their understanding of the significance of work and its connection to society.

In addition, children who completed the job experiences were rewarded with “mock currency (Onsen-ken),” which they could use for shopping experiences at APU Coop and the cafeteria.

This initiative served not only as a valuable learning opportunity for children but also as a platform for local businesses to showcase their activities and appeal.

Participants shared positive feedback such as, “It was fun to experience real jobs,” “It made me think about my future,” and “I was happy to wear real a uniform and work,” creating a campus filled with smiles on both days.