[Supporting Parents and Children of School Non-Attendance] Experiential Event "Kazemachi Camp 2026" to Supercharge Children's Self-Esteem to be Held in Oki Islands, Shimane in July 2026!

The general incorporated association Another Stage (Location: Oki-gun, Shimane; Representative Director: Masatsugu Watanabe) will hold an experiential event, "Kazemachi Camp 2026," for children who do not attend school and their parents for three days from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Okinoshima-cho, Shimane Prefecture. We are also recruiting 10 participating families. Kazemachi Camp 2026: https://www.anotherstage.net/kazemachi-camp2026 ● What is "Kazemachi"? "Kazemachi" (wind-waiting) originates from the Kitamae-bune ships that once stopped at the Oki Islands, waiting in port for the optimal wind for a safe voyage. We view the period when children do not go to school not as "stagnation" but as a "preparation period to wait for the best wind and set sail." Without rushing or hurrying, in the overwhelmingly energetic place of the Oki Islands, by spending time 'being themselves' to their heart's content, we support the feeling that naturally wells up from within the children: "It's okay to be me." The "Kazemachi Camp" has been held for the fourth time since its first event in 2023. Scenes from Kazemachi Camp 2025 We've had episodes like these: ・A child who said "I don't want to swim" was splashing joyfully in the sea in their clothes an hour later. ・A child who said "I didn't want to come" shouted from the farewell ferry, "Thank you, I'll be back!" ・A mother said, "This is the first time I've seen my child smile so happily since nursery school." ・A boy returned to school saying, "I have the Oki Islands with me now, so I'll be fine." This is the kind of camp where such miracles happen. Kazemachi Camp 2025: Participant group photo ● "Kazemachi Camp 2026" Guests Ms. Yasuko Kimura Former Principal of Osaka Municipal Oozora Elementary School The first principal of Osaka Municipal Oozora Elementary School, established with the cooperation of faculty and local people under the philosophy of "guaranteeing the right to learn for all children." She retired in the spring of 2015 with 45 years of teaching experience. She currently gives lectures throughout Japan. Her books include "Words to Support Mothers." She has been involved with the Kazemachi Camp since its second iteration, and participating parents can speak with her directly and receive advice. Mr. TOKI SHIMIZU Homeschool Musician Born in 1993. From Hiroshima Prefecture. Grew up in a "homeschooling" environment of family education without attending school. His talk live series "Forms of Education You Can Choose" shares his real experiences of not knowing school, presenting diverse options and their richness, and is held throughout Japan. He has been involved with the Kazemachi Camp from the first time and released the song "Waiting for the Wind," which is about this camp. ● Three Features of "Kazemachi Camp" 1. The freedom to "do what you want to do" Rather than following a fixed schedule, we prioritize the children's feeling of "I want to do this." If you want to swim, swim; if you don't, you don't have to. If you want to sleep, sleep; if you don't, you don't have to. Such "as-is acceptance" restores a child's self-esteem. 2. The magnificent nature and warm people of the Oki Islands The magnificent nature of the Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and the islanders who welcome visitors warmly like family. The mysterious power of this land, which could be called the "island's DNA," shakes the participants' souls and provides deep healing. 3. Mental care for parents We provide a place not only for children but also for parents who share their worries to feel that "they are not alone." We have a program where parents' own hearts become lighter through dialogue with Ms. Yasuko Kimura, expert staff, and peers in similar situations. ● "Kazemachi Camp 2026" Event Overview Event Name: Kazemachi Camp 2026 Dates: Friday, July 3 - Sunday, July 5, 2026 Venue: Tsuma, Okinoshima-cho, Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture Target Audience: Children from 5th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high who do not attend school, and their parents Capacity: 10 families ※Applications are first-come, first-served, and will close when capacity is reached. Participation Fee: 50,000 JPY/person (tax incl.) 　　　　 40,000 JPY/person (tax incl.) 　　　　　※Participation fee includes all accommodation, food and drink expenses. Organizer: General Incorporated Association Another Stage Supporters: Shimane Prefectural Board of Education, Okinoshima Town Details & Application: https://www.anotherstage.net/kazemachi-camp2026 [3-Day Program] 8:40 Meet at Shichirui Port Ferry Terminal in Matsue, board ferry 11:25 Arrive at Saigo Port in Okinoshima Town