Sesame Street Launches 'Community'-Themed Initiatives to Commemorate World Autism Awareness Day

To commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Sesame Street Japan is implementing initiatives to deepen understanding of autism through the release of new digital content connecting children, families, and local communities, appearances on NHK E-Tele, and participation in the 'Light It Up Blue' event at Tokyo Tower.

The theme for this year's World Autism Awareness Day Japan Executive Committee is 'Differences are Strength, Connections are the Future.'

Based on this theme, Sesame Street Japan's initiatives aim to convey that understanding, fostering creativity, and sharing experiences are forces that build a more inclusive society for everyone.

Comment from Manabu Nagaoka, Vice President of Sesame Workshop and Representative of Sesame Street Japan

'For us, World Autism Awareness Day is a day for the community to come together. When we listen to each other and respect the different ways we see and feel the world, we can create places where all children feel they belong. Through initiatives like digital content, television broadcasts, and iconic events like the lighting of Tokyo Tower, we want to convey to families across Japan that differences are a strength and that connections build a future filled with compassion.'

Key Activities

New Autism-Related Content Released on Official Website

Sesame Street creates and provides free resources for children with autism, their families, friends, and others. We have released the following new Japanese content:

New Content Details:

• 17 downloadable worksheets for children
• 2 picture books (Titles: 'My Treasure', 'Sunny Party')
• 9 articles for adults (Topics include: Understanding autism, fostering safe 'connections' for children, mental care for parents, how to talk to siblings, etc.)

Available at: Japan Official Website (SesameStreetJapan.org) under the 'Learn with Julia' page.

These resources are designed to promote dialogue and learning in homes, classrooms, and community activities. Featuring beloved characters like Elmo and his friend Julia—who has autism and shows us the world from a different perspective—the content teaches that every child has unique strengths and that learning together makes our communities stronger and more connected.

Elmo and Julia to Appear on NHK E-Tele's 'The Wakey Show'

On April 2, World Autism Awareness Day, Elmo and Julia are scheduled to appear in the 'Wakey no Tobira' segment of NHK E-Tele's 'The Wakey Show,' airing at 7:00 AM.