Diverse Forms of Bonds Project to Host 'Talk & Share Cafe on Foster and Adoptive Parenting'

The 'Diverse Forms of Bonds Project,' initiated by NPO Fine (Fine)—a self-support group supporting patients undergoing infertility treatment and others struggling with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss—will hold the 'Talk & Share Cafe on Foster and Adoptive Parenting' on Sunday, July 5. After personal testimonies from individuals who have welcomed children as foster or adoptive parents, participants will be divided into small groups to freely converse with these parent participants and each other during an interactive exchange session.

[Event Overview]

Event Name: Diverse Forms of Bonds Project – Advancing Understanding of Non-Biological Parenting Options – Fifth Edition: 'Talk & Share Cafe on Foster and Adoptive Parenting'

Date and Time: Sunday, July 5, 2026, 10:00–11:45

Participation Fee: 500 JPY per pair

Capacity: 12 participants (registration closes once full)

Format: Online via Zoom

Program: Personal testimonies from one foster parent and one adoptive parent (both NPO Fine members), followed by participant discussion sessions

Registration

[Background]

In Japan, many children unable to live with their biological parents reside in institutional care, and there is growing social demand to raise these children in family-like environments. However, compared to other countries, non-biological parent-child relationships such as foster care and adoption remain poorly understood, and opportunities to access related information are limited.

In fact, NPO Fine has received numerous testimonials such as, 'By the time I started considering options beyond biological parenting, I was too old and had to give up on adoption,' expressing regret over not learning about alternatives earlier.

In response to these voices, the 'Diverse Forms of Bonds Project' was launched within NPO Fine in 2024. The project aims to deepen public understanding of foster care and adoption through various events, with the goal of enabling more children to grow up in warm, family environments and helping couples who wish to become parents make timely, personally meaningful choices.

To date, the project has hosted four online events, including documentary screenings on special adoption, lecture sessions by foster and adoptive parents, and forums to hear directly from foster and adopted children.

A key feature of this event is the unique insights and sense of reassurance that emerge from direct dialogue—something not achievable through lectures alone. By exchanging words with individuals who have firsthand experience as foster or adoptive parents, as well as with other like-minded participants, attendees can share unprocessed emotions and uncertainties, deepening their understanding of foster care and adoption.

We hope this event will not only provide participants with the information they seek but also serve as an opportunity to reflect honestly on their true feelings—both individually and with their partners. We would be grateful if your media outlet could feature this announcement.

Regarding media coverage on the event day, while you are welcome to attend the testimony sessions, participation in the discussion segments is kindly restricted out of respect for participants’ privacy. Additionally, we are unable to accommodate individual interviews related to this event. We appreciate your understanding.

Diverse Forms of Bonds Project – Advancing Understanding of Non-Biological Parenting Options – Fifth Edition: 'Talk & Share Cafe on Foster and Adoptive Parenting' Program

Time

10:00–10:05

10:05–10:20

Foster Parent Testimony by NPO Fine Member

10:20–10:35

Adoptive Parent Testimony by NPO Fine Member

10:35–10:40

Break

10:40–11:10

11:10–11:13

11:13–11:43

Exchange Session (2)

11:43–11:45

11:45–12:00

* The program is subject to change without prior notice.
* From 11:45 to 12:00, following the closing remarks, we will hold an 'After-School Time'—an optional open forum where participants can freely ask questions or share feedback. Participation is voluntary; those with time are welcome to stay.

* For media representatives: While you may attend the testimony sessions, participation in the exchange sessions is kindly restricted due to privacy considerations.

[Recommended for]

- Individuals interested in foster care or adoption as parenting options
- Those beginning to consider alternatives to biological parenthood
- Couples wishing to attend together and discuss the topic
- People wanting to hear firsthand experiences from foster or adoptive families
- Individuals hoping to share anxieties and uncertainties with others who share similar interests

* Prior registration is required to attend.

Registration