NPO Nagomi (Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture) will hold the opening ceremony and first class for "Machigaku 2026" at the Nishinomiya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hall on Saturday, July 4, 2026. ■ What is "Machigaku"? "Machigaku" is a "town school" where people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to seniors, learn from each other, with the entire town of Nishinomiya as its campus. Now in its third year, the 2026 academic year will feature approximately 130 courses and 8 months of diverse classes held throughout the city. To date, we have had over 4,000 participants, held more than 214 classes, and collaborated with 66 companies and organizations. This year, we aim to expand further. Companies, universities, community groups, and citizens will collaborate to challenge themselves with hands-on learning that goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition. It is not a "school" or a "cultural center." It is a school where "everyone is a teacher, and everyone is a student." With the advancement of AI, knowledge is now accessible anytime, anywhere. Therefore, isn't what is needed now opportunities to meet people, experience the community, and learn through dialogue? "Machigaku" is not a school for obtaining qualifications or preparing for exams. It is a new learning space where people meet, new friends and places to belong are created, and these experiences lead to connections with the community, starting with each individual's desire to "know" or "try." Participants can not only take classes but also plan their own classes, become instructors, or launch projects. The diversity of ways to get involved and participate is one of its attractions. The biggest feature of "Machigaku" is that all participants can be both "learners" and "creators." Machigaku Website ■ Diverse Classes: Choose from 130 Courses At "Machigaku," you can choose to take classes individually based on your interests, or you can enroll in our "All-You-Can-Learn Plan" for a fixed monthly fee (subscriptio