[Event Report] Wish Vacation @ Tokyo 2026 "Don't worry, you're not alone."

Hope & Wish for Children with Serious Illnesses and Their Families (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Chikara Osumi) held "Wish Vacation @ Tokyo 2026" in Tokyo for three days from June 20 (Sat) to June 22 (Mon), 2026.

This program, which invites children with serious illnesses and their families to experience stays, activities, and meals free of charge, was held based at the Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel Discovery building, with the cooperation of Ebisuya (Asakusa), Caricature Japan, Asakusa Kagetsudo, and Daikokuya.

The costs were covered by the support of sponsoring companies, grant organizations, and donors.

To the long-awaited Tokyo Disneyland

On June 21 (Sun), two families headed to Tokyo Disneyland by shuttle bus from the morning.

The Otai family is a family of five. Father, mother, older brothers Ryo and Riku, and 2-year-old Moe, who has a serious illness. They looked forward to this day with great anticipation for "One One," "Anpanman," and Disney, their favorites.

The Sasaki family consists of the mother and 6-year-old Hinowa. Hinowa, who successfully entered elementary school in April this year, is a true Disney fan. Today, she finally fulfilled her dream of "riding Pooh's Hunny Hunt." They watched the dream parade, ate the same meal as Hinowa at the restaurant, were noticed by Cinderella at the parade, and Pooh even came to visit – it was an unforgettable day for Ms. Sasaki's mother as well.

Memories unique to Disneyland were also made. Riku lined up for Big Thunder Mountain but decided against it at the last minute, saying, "I'm not doing it!" His mother recalled that Ryo felt the same way. Moe herself said that she cried in surprise when the hippos "ROAR"ed out of the Jungle Cruise. Every time they recounted these episodes, everyone would laugh together, saying "Wahaha."

The two families enjoyed the park at their own pace until the evening, and it was a day of great satisfaction for all.

Asakusa welcomed us warmly

On the final day, June 22 (Mon), they visited Asakusa.

Upon arriving at Kaminarimon Gate, the staff from Ebisuya warmly welcomed them. The families were surprised by the reception but their faces quickly turned into smiles.

They walked slowly along Nakamise-dori towards Senso-ji Temple. In the slightly humid weather, they chose souvenirs at the shops along the approach and tried on yukatas. Hinowa dressed up here and enjoyed the streets of Asakusa in her own way. While savoring the famous melon bread from Asakusa Kagetsudo, everyone took a commemorative photo. At Senso-ji Temple, they drew fortunes and laughed as they showed each other their results.

Moe thoroughly enjoyed Asakusa, walking diligently along Nakamise-dori on her own two feet. The moment she got into the rickshaw, she waved happily to Ryo and Riku, who were seeing them off, showing a brilliant smile. The family sped through the streets of Asakusa in the rickshaw. Laughter echoed as they felt the cool breeze blowing from the Sumida River.

Ms. Sasaki's mother was also visiting Asakusa for the first time. She prayed at Senso-ji Temple and obtained a goshuin (temple seal).

"It was our first time walking through Asakusa as a family, and it was a very meaningful time," said Mr. Otai's father.

The mothers also looked at each other and said, "We were surprised that everyone welcomed us so warmly."

On this day, the left arms of everyone from Ebisuya and others who cooperated in Asakusa were adorned with red Sokoriki badges. They were from different companies and held different positions, but the same badge quietly indicated their connection through their encounters with the families.

"Don't worry, you're not alone" – a single badge seemed to reaffirm this.

Two families burst into laughter at Caricature Japan

The moment the caricatures were finished at Caricature Japan, the two families burst into laughter. They exchanged their finished drawings and the two families became completely at ease with each other.

A natural connection formed by sharing laughter. It was a moment unique to Wish Vacation.

Around one table

At Daikokuya, the closing reception was held. The two families and the staff from Hope & Wish gathered around a single table.

Facing each other as people, at the same table, with the same tempura bowl. This is also a time that Wish Vacation cherishes.

Hinowa participated wearing a jinbei the same color as Rapunzel's. Her father and mother warmly watched Moe eat a second helping of tempura from a small bowl. Everyone shared such moments.

Yo Ito, representing Hope & Wish, delivered a message: "Being able to share a kind time with you all gives us the strength to live tomorrow. With everyone's help, please continue to enjoy your daily lives and move towards your dreams and goals from tomorrow onwards."

A signed message board and message pendants for the children were handed over.

Mr. Otai's father expressed his gratitude, saying, "We had a special experience. We want to continue working together as a 'team'."

Ms. Sasaki's mother said, "Thank you for the wonderful time. There wasn't enough time. I wanted to interact more with everyone, I could have used a whole day with each person. It was a precious and intense time. Even with just two of us, we are a team. We'll do the work of three or four people, or any number of roles!"

Her powerful words filled the entire table with a warm atmosphere.

Representative Director Chikara Osumi's Comment

I am deeply grateful for the heartfelt welcome we received from everyone in Asakusa this time.

They didn't approach it with the mindset of "Let's do something special because they are a special family," but rather with the pure intention of "Let's do our best with what we can do." – that warmth was directly reflected in the families' smiles.

I was deeply moved that people from different companies and positions came together for this day, wearing the same Sokoriki badge.

This Wish Vacation in Tokyo was made possible by the support of those who have been supporting Hope & Wish's activities for many years.

The continuous involvement of each individual creates such opportunities. I express my sincere gratitude.

We will continue to carefully provide opportunities for families with serious illnesses to feel "Don't worry, you're not alone," with the help of many people.

Thank you very much.

Event Overview

Dates: June 20 (Sat) - June 22 (Mon), 2026

Location: Tokyo (Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel Discovery Building / Asakusa)

Invited Families: A total of 2 families, children with serious illnesses and their families

Cooperation

Ebisuya (Asakusa)

Caricature Japan

Asakusa Kagetsudo

Daikokuya

Sponsorship

Nippon Foundation

Federation of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry Workers' Unions (Yakusho Rengo)

Orix Life Insurance Corporation

Corporate Profile

Public Interest Incorporated Association Hope & Wish for Children with Serious Illnesses and Their Families Representative Director: Chikara Osumi

Location: Gojo Building 4A, 2-9-10 Irifune, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Established: 2010 (Certified as a Public Interest Incorporated Association by the Cabinet Office in 2012)

Official Website: https://www.yumewo.org

Inquiries regarding this matter

Public Interest Incorporated Association Hope & Wish for Children with Serious Illnesses and Their Families

Wish Vacation Contact: Yo Ito