[Let Adults Play Too] UN-Designated 'International Day of Play' Gathers on June 11: Free Online Event Featuring 12 Domestic and International Speakers on the Theme of 'The Power to Find Things Interesting'

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"It's not that life is boring; it's because you find things interesting that life becomes enjoyable." Asobirudo Co., Ltd. (Location: Tokyo, Representative Director: Takeshi Umemura) will hold a free online event, the 'International Day of Play', on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in conjunction with the UN-designated 'International Day of Play' on June 11. The theme is [To protect a world where children can play, let adults play too], and will feature 12 practitioners from Japan and abroad.

Please join the free LINE Open Chat to participate.

▼ Join the Open Chat here
https://x.gd/TC5AND

We live in an era of rapid and unpredictable change. We live with various daily tensions, including work, relationships, and anxiety about the future. On the other hand, opportunities to exercise the 'power to find things interesting' that everyone had as children are decreasing.

It's not that you find things interesting because life is fun.

It's because you find things interesting that life becomes fun.

The 'power to find things interesting' we envision is not just about rejoicing in desired events. It is the ability to savor experiences themselves, whether things go as planned or unexpected events occur, and turn them into insights and discoveries. Under the belief that 'the world becomes interesting because there are people who find things interesting,' 11 active speakers from Japan and abroad will gather. They will discuss the potential that a playful spirit brings to life and society from their respective fields, including play, education, development, business, and community building.

Life isn't just about happy things. That's what makes it interesting. Joy, sadness, encounters – all are part of life's story.

■ What is the UN-designated 'International Day of Play'?

In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 11 as the 'International Day of Play'.

The purpose is to globally reaffirm the importance of play as essential for children's healthy growth, learning, social connections, and physical and mental health.

While various events and initiatives take place around the world, Asobirudo Co., Ltd. will participate in this global movement from Japan under the theme 'To create a world where children can play, let adults play too,' and will communicate the value of play.

■ Why play now?

As children, we laughed for no particular reason.

We were absorbed in what was in front of us, unafraid of failure, and acted on our curiosity.

But as we become adults,

・Not failing
・Choosing the right answer
・Meeting the expectations of those around us

These things take priority.

As a result, many people live at a distance from their 'true selves'.

Play is not an escape from reality.

Play is time to reconnect with your own potential.

It is because we have a playful spirit that new ideas are born, connections with people are made, and life gains color.

That is why adults need play now.

Play is not mere entertainment or distraction. It is precious time to remember your natural self, your true nature, regain pure feelings, connect with others, and foster new creativity. Through the International Day of Play, we hope to help many people remember their playful spirit and share the feeling that 'life can be more interesting' with people around the world.

The theme is 'finding things interesting'

The theme of this International Day of Play is 'finding things interesting'.

It's not that life or the world is boring.

It's because you find things interesting that life becomes enjoyable.

Difficult events and unexpected occurrences can turn into future possibilities depending on how you perceive them.

◼️ 12 Domestic and International Speakers Discuss the Value of 'Play'

The event will feature 12 practitioners active in Japan and abroad.

Guests active in various fields such as education, developmental support, business, community building, coaching, and well-being will engage in dialogue on the theme 'What is play?' The definitions of 'play' offered by speakers with different life experiences and values will provide new insights for each participant.

※ Speaker Introductions

・Pirotaka Nakajima / Producer, Japan Dajare Utilization Association

・Aya Nakagawa / Representative, always be ALOHA / Developer of the 'Future Prediction Sugoroku'

・Sachiko Nakano / Drama Therapist, residing in the UK

・Mike Kato / Advertising-Free Customer Acquisition Producer for Solo Business Owners

・Shiro Yoshihara / Co-founder, Natural Organizations Lab Inc. / Teal Organization Promoter

・Yuko Miyake / Co-founder, Natural Organizations Lab Inc. / Former Shoemaker

・Hiroyuki Egami / Representative Director, URUU Inc. / Professor, GLOBIS University Graduate School of Management / Organizational Development Consultant

・Sumiko Suzuki / Chairperson, ICA International (35 countries) Cultural Exchange Association (UN ECOSOC Accredited NGO) / Founding Director, Santa Gift Malta International Charity Foundation, Republic of Malta

・Hirokatsu 'Macho' Sato / Co-representative, HENSHIN Project

・Yuki Oda / Representative, Game Development Company Sparkle / Toy Instructor / Co-representative, HENSHIN Project

・Seiji Iwamura / Representative Director, Japan Empathy Association

・Takeshi Umemura / Representative Director, Asobirudo Co., Ltd. / Achievas Japan Co., Ltd.

■ Schedule

On the day, using the streaming system StreamYard, dialogues will be held on various media including Facebook, covering topics such as 'A Life with Play', 'Play and Healing', 'Play and Business', 'Play and Organizational Theory', 'Masters of Play', 'Play Day in NY', and 'Play and Development'.

The facilitator will be Umemura from Asobirudo.

The climax will be a dialogue with all performers on the theme 'What is play?'

This is a rare online event in Japan that explores 'play' from the perspectives of healing, education, development, business, organizational building, and well-being over the course of a day.

■ Connect with 'Friends Who Find Things Interesting' on Open Chat

Join the Open Chat

The International Day of Play doesn't end on the event day.

We operate an Open Chat before and after the event where you can connect with friends nationwide and share a playful spirit and learning.

"I want to do something more interesting"
"I want to meet friends through play"
"I want to challenge new possibilities"

If this sounds like you, please join us.

The world becomes interesting because there are people who find things interesting.

The next adventure starts here.

▼ Join the Open Chat here
https://x.gd/TC5AND

Event Participation Benefits

Participants will receive the following benefits:

・Invitation to a participants-only Open Chat
・Opportunities to interact with other participants
・Access to a community that continues after the event
・New encounters with playmates

A system that allows you to continue connecting with 'friends who find things interesting' even after the event day.