A Public-Private Partnership between Shinjuku City, Takinogawa Gakuen, and KADOKAWA CRAFT: Opening of “Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery” | NEWS RELEASEKADOKAWA GROUP GLOBAL PORTAL SITE

A Hub for Sustainable Co-creation: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities and Connecting Diverse Talent with the Local Community through Professional Engagement

KADOKAWA CORPORATION (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chief Executive Officer: Takeshi Natsuno; hereafter “KADOKAWA”) and its special subsidiary KADOKAWA CRAFT INC. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoshi Kawada; hereafter “KADOKAWA CRAFT”), which promotes professional development and stable employment for people with disabilities, are pleased to announce the opening of Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery on January 31, 2026. This community co-creation hub is launched in collaboration with Shinjuku City (Mayor: Kenichi Yoshizumi) and the social welfare corporation Takinogawa Gakuen (President: Masayuki Tani).
Through this partnership with the local government and welfare facilities, KADOKAWA and KADOKAWA CRAFT aim to further integrate their established support systems into the community. By sustainably expanding these initiatives, they will empower people with disabilities to work vibrantly as skilled professionals within the local ecosystem.

Background and Objectives

The KADOKAWA Group views the creation of an environment where diverse talent can thrive and reach their full potential as a key management priority.
While the statutory employment rate for people with disabilities continues to rise*, society still faces a shortage of opportunities where individuals can truly demonstrate their professional capabilities. There is a growing demand for spaces that foster genuine interaction between the local community and people with disabilities—moving beyond traditional welfare frameworks toward an independent business model that balances profitability with social value.
This project integrates three core strengths: Shinjuku City’s commitment to inclusive employment, Takinogawa Gakuen’s century-long expertise as Japan’s pioneer in intellectual disability welfare, and KADOKAWA CRAFT’s business operational excellence. Together, they will launch Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery in Ochiai, Shinjuku. This partnership aims to transcend temporary initiatives, establishing a sustainable social program where welfare and business coexist harmoniously.

*The statutory employment rate for private enterprises is currently 2.5% and is set to rise to 2.7% in July 2026.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/001064502.pdf

About Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery

Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery (1-7-26 Nakaochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) is a community hub co-located with Takinogawa Gakuen Tomoiro, a group home established in January 2026. The facility leverages KADOKAWA CRAFT’s expertise in professional training, coffee roasting, and Monozukuri (craftsmanship). It will be primarily staffed by individuals with disabilities who take pride in their roles as skilled professionals—including roasters, baristas, and hospitality experts.

1F Cafe: Featuring specialty green coffee beans, meticulously sorted and roasted on-site. The cafe will also serve as the first East Japan production and sales base for “merry bagel”, the Hiroshima-based brand renowned for its innovative, home-cultured yeast bagels.

B1F Gallery & Multi-purpose Space: A creative hub dedicated to introducing next-generation talent to society. The gallery will feature Art Brut, where visitors can view a variety of creative works.

Future Outlook

Through this facility, KADOKAWA and KADOKAWA CRAFT will empower diverse individuals to showcase their talents while giving back to the local community through the insights gained from this model.
The name “Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery” (meaning “World Tree”) reflects the creative culture of the KADOKAWA Group, a provider of diverse stories and content. It embodies the desire to create a space that, like a great tree, embraces all people regardless of gender, age, or disability.
Deeply rooted in the Ochiai community, Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery aims to be a sanctuary where people gather, find healing, and gain energy. Through a single cup of coffee or a work of art, the three partners are committed to developing a sustainable model for the next generation—a place where everyone can work and live on their own terms.

Messages from the Representatives

[Kenichi Yoshizumi, Mayor of Shinjuku City]

I understand that Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery will be primarily staffed by individuals with disabilities. It is my hope that natural, everyday interactions with people with disabilities become a standard part of our community life. I look forward to this space becoming a vibrant hub where local residents can gather and connect.

[Masayuki Tani, President of Takinogawa Gakuen (Social Welfare Corporation)]

We aim to leverage the expertise we have cultivated over our 135-year history as a pioneer in intellectual disability welfare to create a new, community-based landmark. I hope the gallery will showcase the exceptional talents of individuals with disabilities—whether in drawing, calligraphy, or other creative fields. Through our partnership with KADOKAWA, we aspire to build a new model that enhances community branding and social value.

[Satoshi Kawada, President of KADOKAWA CRAFT INC.]

Sekaiju Cafe & Gallery will be a place where the local community can enjoy the specialty coffee we have meticulously developed. Inheriting the creative DNA of the KADOKAWA Group, KADOKAWA CRAFT approaches every cup with the spirit of Monozukuri (craftsmanship). Here, our staff with disabilities hone their skills and sensibilities every day, working with professional pride. This project is our challenge to achieve true craftsmanship that transcends traditional welfare frameworks. We invite you to experience 'Chapter One' of the story beginning here.

About Takinogawa Gakuen (Social Welfare Corporation)

Established in 1891, Takinogawa Gakuen is Japan’s first social welfare facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. For over 130 years, it has served as a pioneer in the field, guided by the Christian values of its founders, Ryoichi and Fudeko Ishii. Today, from its nature-rich campus in Kunitachi, Tokyo, the organization provides comprehensive welfare services for all ages—from infants to senior citizens—including residential support, nursing care, group homes, and community living assistance. Takinogawa Gakuen is also dedicated to preserving Japan’s welfare history for future generations by conserving and utilizing the historic buildings and cultural properties on its premises.
https://www.takinogawagakuen.jp/

About KADOKAWA CRAFT INC.

KADOKAWA CRAFT INC. is a special subsidiary of KADOKAWA CORPORATION, established on June 3, 2019, and certified as a special subsidiary on September 10 of the same year. The company promotes the KADOKAWA Group’s signature flexible workstyles and supports staff in acquiring professional qualifications to ensure a comfortable and rewarding work environment. KADOKAWA CRAFT plays a vital role in providing behind-the-scenes support for the authors, editors, and artists who create the Group’s content. By fostering an environment where employees can take pride in their professional contributions, the company aims to serve society, the local community, and the KADOKAWA Group while respecting the motivation and initiative of every staff member.
https://www.kadokawa-craft.jp/

About KADOKAWA CORPORATION

KADOKAWA Group, a comprehensive entertainment company, develops a wide range of businesses such as Publication, Animation, Film, Gaming, Web services, and Education/EdTech. We discover talent globally, create diverse IP (Intellectual Property), and deliver it through various media. We maximize the value of IP under our strategy “Global Media Mix with Technology“ which refers to global rollouts of created IP by utilizing technology.
https://group.kadokawa.co.jp/global/

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Notice:
This document is a translation of the original Japanese document and is only for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy between this translated document and the original Japanese document, the latter shall prevail.

For Inquiries and Media Requests
Public Relations Division, KADOKAWA CORPORATION
E-mail: pr-dept@kadokawa.jp

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