Waku Waku Plaza starts a "split system" at eight schools including Furukawa Elementary (Saiwai Ward): using libraries and gyms to ease crowding
Published
Translated from Japanese. If anything differs, the Japanese version is correct.
Key points 30-second read
- From Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026, Kawasaki City has been trying a "split system" at eight schools for "Waku Waku Plaza," the after-school place at elementary schools, dividing where children spend their time. In Saiwai Ward, Furukawa Elementary School is included.
- Besides the plaza room, children also use free rooms and spaces at the school, easing crowding. The aim is also to make it easier for older students to use.
- It is reported that the trial will run until fiscal 2027, with the goal of expanding it to all schools by fiscal 2029.
A "split system" trial to ease crowding
"Waku Waku Plaza" is a place on the grounds of every Kawasaki municipal elementary school where students in grades 1 to 6 can spend time after school.
As more children use it, plaza rooms have become crowded at some schools, and older students did not use it much. From Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026, Kawasaki City has been trying a "split system" at eight schools, spreading children across several places instead of only the plaza room.
The city says it wants children to be able to choose activities freely according to what they want to do, making Waku Waku Plaza a more attractive place.
Town News reports that children are grouped by grade and other factors to reduce trouble between them, and that each school uses whatever spaces are free, such as the library, gym or schoolyard.
In Saiwai Ward, at Furukawa Elementary School
| Ward | School |
|---|---|
| Kawasaki | Sakura Elementary School |
| Saiwai | Furukawa Elementary School |
| Nakahara | Miyauchi Elementary School |
| Takatsu | Sakado Elementary School |
| Miyamae | Inukura and Tsuchihashi Elementary Schools |
| Tama | Higashi-Ikuta Elementary School |
| Asao | Kurikidai Elementary School |
The Waku Waku Plaza at Furukawa Elementary School in Saiwai Ward is run by the Kawasaki Citizens' Activity Center (a public interest foundation). Inukura Elementary School in Miyamae Ward started the split system a little earlier.
Opening hours stay the same
The hours are the same under the split system.
- Monday–Friday: after school to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- School holidays other than Saturdays: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Closed: Sundays, national holidays, year-end and New Year
For questions, contact the Youth Support Office, Kawasaki City Children and Future Bureau (044-200-2667).
Sources
- 報道発表資料（PDF）（川崎市 こども未来局）
- わくわくプラザ 区分制で過密化解消へ さくら、古川など８校で試行（2026年10月30日）（タウンニュース 川崎区・幸区版）
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