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Fostering Community in Sapporo's Minami Ward! Discover Yaocafe, a Community Marche Created by Students and Locals
The Community Marche "Yaocafe" is held at the Sapporo City University Art Forest Campus. At this market, run primarily by students, a warm space is created where goods, experiences, and people connect through a morning market, play areas, health consultations, and stage performances. The first event of 2025 will be on Sunday, May 18th. Check out the schedule for all six events and their highlights.
What is the Community Marche "Yaocafe"?
"Yaocafe" began as an initiative from a class at Sapporo City University. The project started in 2021, held its first event in 2022, and has continued annually since. The core of the operation is the student circle "Yaocafe Student Executive Committee." Students from the School of Design and School of Nursing, along with faculty, medical and welfare professionals, and local residents, all participate in creating the event together.
The venue is the plaza in front of the Sapporo City University campus in the Art Forest (Geijutsu no Mori) area of Minami Ward, Sapporo. It's an open space where anyone can easily participate or set up a stall, and where local residents and children naturally gather. The venue is decorated with colorful garlands, adding to its charming, handmade atmosphere.
Morning Markets and Play Areas! What to Experience at Yaocafe
So, what exactly happens at "Yaocafe"? Here's an overview of the activities.
Forest Morning Market / Booths by Locals and Students
The "Mori no Asaichi" (Forest Morning Market), which has been active in the Art Forest area for over 10 years, brings together farmers and local shops selling fresh vegetables, seedlings, fish, roasted sweet potatoes, crafts, and processed foods. In addition, students from Sapporo City University's School of Design sell goods they've designed, and children from a free school sell their creations. Anyone, young or old, can set up a shop.
Multigenerational Exchange "Biba"
This is a play and learning space where students propose activities that everyone, from children to adults, can enjoy together. Each time features different activities, such as drawing, teaching each other cat's cradle, or trying out Mölkky and Boccia.
Forest Health Consultation Room
As Sapporo City University has a School of Nursing, this "Forest Health Consultation Room" is a key feature led by its students. Visitors can receive health advice and check-ups from doctors, as well as faculty and students from the School of Nursing. Additionally, those who get their health handbook filled out can exchange it for a voucher to use at Yaocafe. It's a great way to shop and be mindful of your health at the same time.
Stage Performances
There's also a stage where local residents and students showcase their talents through music, dance, and more. Sometimes, there are participatory concerts where everyone can play music or dance together, creating fun experiences and interactions that help connect the community.
A Student-Led Community Marche for Learning and Practice
A major feature of Yaocafe is that the students themselves take the lead in planning and management. Centered around the Student Executive Committee, they form teams for different roles such as public relations, vendor management, stage operation, and health consultations, handling everything from the preparation phase to the day-of operations.
"Memory Closet," selling and upcycling vintage clothing
"Tabi no Shiori," selling book-themed accessories
"Shimaenaga no Shippo," a baked good developed by students
Goods featuring the official mascot, "Yaomaru"
Starting Sunday, May 18th, 2025, Held Once a Month!
An Kitamori from the Yaocafe Student Executive Committee
We received a comment from An Kitamori of the Yaocafe Student Executive Committee regarding this year's event.
"Yaocafe is a marche that values interaction and connection, not just shopping. It's a place where you can encounter different stalls, experiences, and people every time! The first event is on Sunday, May 18th. We look forward to seeing you all there!"
At "Yaocafe," you can buy delicious local products, play to your heart's content, and enjoy interactions and experiences with various people. Starting with the first event on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, a total of six events are scheduled. The venue is the plaza in front of the Sapporo City University Art Forest Campus (held indoors in case of rain). It's a chance to connect with the local community in a relaxed way. Why not wake up a little early and head out to the Art Forest?
Community Marche Yaocafe
■Dates: May 18 (Sun), June 1 (Sun), July 6 (Sun), August 3 (Sun), September 7 (Sun), October 5 (Sun), 2025
■Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Held indoors in case of rain)
■Venue: In front of Sapporo City University Art Forest Campus (1 Geijutsu no Mori, Minami-ku, Sapporo)
■Fee: Free admission
Click here for details and map information for "Community Marche Yaocafe"
