Third Installment of "Asobi no Mushi" Toy Set for Children with Intractable Diseases Donated to 120 Facilities Nationwide; Ceremonies to be Held in Three Locations: Tokyo, Okinawa, and Fukuoka

The Certified NPO Art and Play Association (Tokyo Toy Museum, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Chairperson: Chihiro Tada), with the support of The Nippon Foundation (Minato, Tokyo, Chairman: Yohei Sasakawa), will hold the third presentation ceremony for the toy set "Asobi no Mushi" (Playful Insects), designed for children with intractable diseases and disabilities and their families to enjoy together, across three venues nationwide from April to May 2026.

In this third installment for FY2025, 120 facilities nationwide will receive donations, bringing the cumulative total to 360 facilities, including the first installment in FY2020 (90 facilities) and the second installment in FY2023 (150 facilities). The presentation ceremonies are planned to include interaction with facility representatives and families, toy introductions and play demonstrations, and interviews with parents of children with intractable diseases. Coverage and filming are welcome.

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■ Ceremony Overview

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【① Tokyo Venue】

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Place: Tokyo Toy Museum

　　　　4-20 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, within Yotsuya Hiroba

Content: Greetings from recipient facilities and families, introduction of the newly developed toy, play demonstration of donated toys, interviews with parents of children with intractable diseases, etc.

【② Okinawa Venue】

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Place: Yanbaru Forest Toy Museum

　　　　1094-1 Hedo, Kunigami-son, Okinawa 905-1422

Content: Greetings from recipient facilities and families, introduction of the newly developed toy, play demonstration of donated toys, interviews with parents of children with intractable diseases, etc.

【③ Fukuoka Venue】

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Place: Fukuoka Toy Museum

　　　　6-23 Naka, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka 812-0054, Oval Park

Content: Greetings from recipient facilities and families, introduction of the newly developed toy, play demonstration of donated toys, interviews with parents of children with intractable diseases, etc.

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■ About the "Asobi no Mushi" Project

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Children with intractable diseases or severe disabilities often face insufficient opportunities for play due to a focus on medical care and rehabilitation. "Asobi no Mushi" is a toy set developed by the Tokyo Toy Museum and The Nippon Foundation through extensive consultations with university professors, physical therapists, and families of children with intractable diseases. The set carefully selects toys that stimulate the five senses—sound, vivid colors, and texture—making them enjoyable even for children with difficulty moving. This set consists of approximately 40 carefully chosen toys from around the world, delivered in two boxes, and is highly praised by parents for helping them discover favorites, stating, "We don't know what toys would be suitable, but with this much, we're sure to find something they'll love." Beyond just donating toys, the project also includes training sessions by "Toy Consultants" (experts in toys and play) and the establishment of the "Asobi no Mushi Network" connecting medical and welfare facilities nationwide, fostering horizontal connections between facilities. The goal is to enrich the play environment for children with intractable diseases and their families and expand the circle of support nationwide.

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■ Donation Records

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FY2020 (1st Installment): 90 facilities, initial distribution, expanded to hospitals and facilities nationwide.

FY2023 (2nd Installment): 150 facilities, renewed to 70 types with 5 original toys added.

FY2024: Effect verification conducted. (Report from The Nippon Foundation): https://nf-nanbyoujishien.com/archives/3905/

FY2025 (3rd Installment): 120 facilities, approx. 40 toys from around the world, strengthening facility network.

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Total Cumulative: 360 facilities (all 3 installments combined)

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■ About Media Coverage

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Media coverage and filming are welcomed at all three presentation ceremonies. We encourage you to witness the moments of play and smiles that "Asobi no Mushi" brings by attending the exchange between children with intractable diseases, their families, and support staff. Media representatives wishing to cover the event are requested to apply via the form or contact information below. Please consult in advance regarding interviews with speakers/attendees and filming within the facilities.

▶ Media Application Form: https://forms.gle/cJDrrf5aEGTeHAHE8

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■ Organization Details

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【Certified NPO Art and Play Association】

Utilizes excellent toys as communication tools and promotes intergenerational exchange. Operates the "Tokyo Toy Museum" in a former school building in Shinjuku, runs "Omocha no Hiroba" (Toy Square) parenting salons at approximately 200 locations nationwide through Toy Consultants, and dispatches Toy Consultants to pediatric wards and provides online play care for sick children.

Official Website: https://art-play.or.jp/

Asobi no Mushi: https://asobinomushi.net/

【The Nippon Foundation】

Founded in 1962. Promotes a wide range of activities, including those for children, persons with disabilities, disaster relief, maritime affairs, and humanitarian aid, transcending race and borders, funded by grants from boat race revenue. This project is supported by these grants.

Official Website: https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/

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■ Inquiries regarding this matter

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Certified NPO Art and Play Association

Welfare Culture Department, Endo

4-20 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, within Yotsuya Hiroba

TEL: 03-5367-9601 / FAX: 03-5367-9602

E-mail: asobinomushi@art-play.or.jp

Media Application Form: https://forms.gle/cJDrrf5aEGTeHAHE8