Chitose Koyu Kai Social Welfare Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Tetsushi Yamaguchi) has been pursuing child-centered early childhood education for over 50 years since its establishment in 1970.

Currently, we operate over 70 licensed childcare centers, children's centers, and developmental support facilities nationwide, systematically implementing education based on constructivism.

We will release our book, "Saikou na Kosodate ~Thinking About Making Them Think: Chitose's Early Childhood Education~" (Bungei Shunju), which systematizes these practices and theories, on July 31, 2026 (Fri).

This book is a compilation of the practices accumulated by Director Yayoi Yamaguchi over 30 years in the field and the theories based on constructivism (Piaget/Dr. Kamii), presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

It includes interviews with childcare workers and parents, as well as contributions from experts, offering content that allows readers to learn concretely about "early childhood education for autonomy" from 0 years old.

Background and Purpose of Publication

Amidst the declining birthrate, interest in the quality of childcare and child development continues to grow.

With the advancement of AI and societal changes, children are increasingly required to have the "ability to think, choose, and act independently." Meanwhile, childcare providers and parents often express concerns such as "How can we foster autonomy?" and "How can we change our daily interactions?"

Chitose Koyu Kai has pursued the operation of childcare facilities needed by the community for 50 years since opening its first facility in 1970.

We currently operate over 70 facilities nationwide, systematizing daily life, play, environmental design, and communication from 0 years old while incorporating education based on constructivism, and sharing this across the entire organization.

This book is the first to bring together these practices and theories into a single volume.

The purpose of this book is to provide practical guidelines so that childcare providers and parents can support children's development without hesitation.

We aim to present in an understandable and practical way how to create an environment where children can learn on their own and grow while collaborating with peers, thereby realizing the best interests of children for society as a whole.

Furthermore, a key objective of publishing this book is to widely share the philosophy and educational approach that Chitose Koyu Kai has valued, and to contribute to the dissemination of early childhood education that fosters the "ability to be autonomous" in children who will live in the future.

(*Constructivism is a theory of early childhood education that posits children construct their own learning through interaction with their environment, and it forms the foundation of Chitose Koyu Kai's educational approach.)

About the Book

Book Title

Saikou na Kosodate ~Thinking About Making Them Think: Chitose's Early Childhood Education~

Publisher

Bungei Shunju

Price

1,300 yen + tax

Release Date

July 31, 2026 (scheduled)

Comment from Author (Yayoi Yamaguchi)

While raising my four children, I have pursued "child-centered early childhood education" with my colleagues in the field for 30 years.

There were many situations in childcare settings where children were not fully able to utilize their inherent abilities, and the desire to change that situation was my driving force.

At Chitose Koyu Kai, we have incorporated education based on constructivism and have been working organization-wide to create an environment where children can think, choose, and act for themselves.

This book brings together the accumulated practices and the philosophy we have valued to support children's growth, presented as clearly as possible.

Child-rearing is something everyone navigates with uncertainty and challenges.

That is precisely why we wanted to create a "point of reference" for childcare providers and parents to believe in children's development and interact with them with peace of mind.

I hope this book will help adults who support children's futures to make their daily childcare and parenting a little lighter, and contribute to fostering children's "ability to be autonomous."

Comment from Chairperson Tetsushi Yamaguchi

For over 50 years since our founding, Chitose Koyu Kai has been committed to improving the quality of childcare, always prioritizing the best interests of children.

Even now, as we have expanded to over 70 facilities nationwide, the underlying principle remains our unwavering wish: "to create a society where children can live true to themselves."

This book is the first official publication by Chitose Koyu Kai, systematizing the practices accumulated over many years in the field and the theories based on constructivism.

We hope that by widely sharing the philosophy and educational approach we have cherished with childcare providers and parents, the circle of support for children's development will further expand.

At a time when society is undergoing significant change, the ability for children to learn independently and forge their own futures through collaboration with peers is increasingly demanded.

We would be overjoyed if this book could contribute to the dissemination of early childhood education that fosters this ability and to the creation of a society where each child can grow up happily.

Inquiries regarding this matter

Chitose Koyu Kai Social Welfare Corporation Public Relations

TEL: 03-3222-3250

Email: honbu@chitosek.or.jp

About Chitose Koyu Kai Social Welfare Corporation

Chitose Koyu Kai Social Welfare Corporation operates child and childcare support services, including licensed childcare centers, certified children's centers, and developmental support facilities, in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as Okayama.

【Corporate Overview】

Corporate Name: Chitose Koyu Kai Social Welfare Corporation

Location: 2-7-5 Nibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Chairperson: Tetsushi Yamaguchi

Business Activities: Operation of licensed childcare centers and other early childhood facilities

Established: 1970

HP: https://www.chitosek.or.jp/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 出版