Establishment of NPO "Long-Armed Uncle Project" to Deliver "Experiences and Encounters" to Children and Youth Under Social Care

The "Long-Armed Uncle Project," which has been supporting children and youth growing up under social care, such as in child welfare facilities and foster homes, has become an NPO in February 2026, taking a new step forward as the "NPO Long-Armed Uncle Project" (Chairperson: Kisako Omi). Building on its past activities, the organization will launch five programs, including the six-month continuous course "Classroom to Open Oneself," which fosters the ability to envision the future through diverse experiences and dialogues. In conjunction with this, they have launched their website and begun recruiting "Te-naga Supporters." Long-Armed Uncle Project WEB

Background of Establishment: The Invisible Difficulties Faced in Future Choices and Post-Independence Life

The "Long-Armed Uncle Project" has continued its activities of directly delivering handmade pottery and clothing and conveying messages of support to children and youth living under social care, as well as those preparing to become independent. Through interactions with these children, it became apparent that there is a lack of "opportunities for experiences and encounters" that material support alone cannot provide.

In the field of social care, efforts are made daily to support children's growth and facilitate their independence. However, due to operational constraints in group living and budget limitations, it is difficult to broaden their horizons with diverse values and social encounters, such as through hobbies or travel, based on individual interests. This lack of experiential opportunities can stagnate their ability to envision proactive career choices, work styles, and lifestyles, as well as their motivation to try new things.

Furthermore, many children leave facilities or foster homes around the age of 18, facing choices for independence such as pursuing higher education or employment. In many cases, they enter society without a stable living foundation or adequate support systems, often leading them to bear work-related worries and life difficulties alone.

Recognizing these "invisible difficulties," the "Long-Armed Uncle Project" concluded that it is essential for children from their growth period through young adulthood to have continuous opportunities to encounter diverse adults and ways of life, and to understand themselves. To deliver more continuous and independent support while leveraging its existing foundation and network, the organization has established a new structure as an NPO.

The goal is to create a society where all children and youth can lightly walk their own paths in life. To achieve this, continuous opportunities for encounters and learning will be provided to children and youth in environments requiring support.

Future Initiatives: Five Programs to Foster the Ability to Envision the Future

The "Long-Armed Uncle Project" views the support provided to children and youth under social care, from preparation for daily living, self-discovery experiences, building connections, encountering work and society, to incorporating feedback into support, as a continuous, integrated process.

To this end, the organization will launch the following five programs:

• "Vessels and Clothes Handover Event" (Annual)

An opportunity for youth nearing independence to choose pottery and clothing.

• "Classroom to Open Oneself" (Starting September 2026)

A six-month continuous course for encountering diverse ways of life and envisioning the future.

• "Gathering Tea Party" (Starting April 2026)

A monthly informal gathering for safe social connection.

• "Future Discovery Program" (Scheduled to start in 2027)

A program for exploring suitable work styles through workplace visits.

• "Gaze Lab"

Research activities to consider future support strategies based on the voices of children and youth.

"Classroom to Open Oneself" - Opening September 2026

The "Classroom to Open Oneself," scheduled to commence in September 2026, is a six-month program for junior high and high school students and young people living under social care. Its aim is to foster self-understanding and the ability to envision the future through experiences and dialogues that are difficult to obtain in school education, and by encountering various ways of life. Each month, experts and creators from diverse fields will serve as instructors, leading experiential workshops and discussions themed around art, physical expression, philosophy, nature, and more.

This program is modeled after the concept of "Folkhögskola" (Folk High Schools) prevalent in Nordic countries – educational institutions that value introspection and "becoming yourself" over evaluation and competition.

Applications for trial sessions will begin in May.

"Classroom to Open Oneself" - Outline

Duration｜Six months (September 2026 - February 2027)

＊Trial sessions will be held in advance

Date/Time｜Once a month, Sundays, 10:00 - 16:00

Venue｜Tokyo

Target｜Junior high and high school students living in child welfare facilities or foster homes

Participation Fee｜Free

Classroom to Open Oneself

"Gathering Tea Party" - Held on the 4th Thursday of Each Month, Starting April 23, 2026

This is a small gathering space held once a month over tea and sweets, where participants can casually talk about recent events or minor worries. It's okay to come if you want to talk, or just to spend quiet time. It serves as a safe haven where individuals can drop by even after they have become independent.

"Gathering Tea Party" - Outline

Date/Time｜April 23 (Thursday), 16:00 - 19:00, thereafter held on the 4th Thursday of each month

Target｜Junior high and high school students living in child welfare facilities or foster homes, and young adults with experience in social care

Participation Fee｜Free

Venue｜Keikyu no Ie 1F Salon (4-5-15 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku)

Application｜No reservation required - Free entry and exit

Gathering Tea Party

"Vessels and Clothes Handover Event" - Held on Saturday, May 16, 2026

The "Vessels and Clothes Handover Event" will be held in Ebisu, Tokyo, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This initiative emphasizes "choosing with one's own will" for children and youth preparing for independence, through the support of daily necessities like pottery and clothing. Handmade pottery and clothing contributed by artisans will be displayed. Participants can carefully select items that suit their future lives while handling and feeling the textures.

"Vessels and Clothes Handover Event" - Outline

Date/Time｜Saturday, May 16, 2026, 13:00 - 17:00

Venue｜Keikyu no Ie 1F Salon (4-5-15 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku)

Target｜Children and youth nearing independence from social care

Participation Fee｜Free

Application｜Reservation required (first come, first served, limited capacity)

Contact｜TEL: 03-XXXX-XXXX (Example number, actual number not provided)

うつわとお洋服のお渡し会

"Future Discovery Program" - Scheduled to Start in 2027

This program aims to provide children and youth under social care with opportunities to explore various work styles and discover their own career paths. Participants will visit workplaces to gain firsthand experience and learn about different professions.

"Gaze Lab" - Continuous Research Activities

This initiative involves continuous research to develop future support methods by actively listening to and analyzing the voices and experiences of children and youth under social care.