Third Outdoor Experience Event Held for Children of Certified NPO Kids Door

Certified NPO Kids Door (President: Yumiko Watanabe, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "Kids Door") announced that it hosted an outdoor experience event at the outdoor resort facility "Izumi Peak Base®" in Izumi-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, on March 21-22 this year. The event was supported by Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (President: Tetsuro Imaeda, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "SMFL") and Japan Land Development Co., Ltd. (President: Isao Hayashi, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "Japan Land Development") as donors and experience program supporters. As a certified NPO, Kids Door conducts multi-faceted and comprehensive support activities, such as learning support for elementary, junior high, and high school students, aiming to realize a society where all children can have dreams and hopes. SMFL proactively supports the next generation by rolling out the "SDGs Lease 'Mirai 2030®' (Donation Type)," which donates a portion of leasing fees to public interest incorporated foundations or certified NPOs that contribute to achieving the SDGs. The "experience gap*" is a crucial social issue that affects children's growth and the development of non-cognitive skills. Empathizing with Kids Door's initiative to nurture children's social skills, cooperativeness, and curiosity through intermingling with different age groups, nature experiences, and cultural experiences, SMFL and Japan Land Development provided donations and support for the experience program again this year. Japan Land Development provided Izumi Peak Base as the venue, donated part of the accommodation and rental costs by offering restaurant and lodging facilities, and its employees provided close support to the students. SMFL donated various costs associated with this event, and its employees planned and operated the event, executing the program in collaboration among the three parties. Furthermore, as a new initiative this time, GU Co., Ltd. Sendai Selva Store (Store Manager: Kazuko Watahiki) held a lecture on the circular economy and an eco-bag making event for the children, and Nitto Best Corporation (President & CEO: Hideo Saga) provided ingredients for breakfast. The circle of endorsement and support for this event, now in its 3rd iteration, is expanding. *Experience gap: A phenomenon where disparities arise in the opportunities and quality of experiential activities children receive outside of school depending on their family and region. Day 1: March 21, 2026 Employees from Japan Land Development gave an explanation about bears, which have become a social issue recently, and elaborated on bear appearances considering climate change and population decline. Afterward, the children challenged themselves to make original eco-bags. For dinner preparation, they experienced cooking "Imoni," a regional dish of the Tohoku area. At the BBQ, they learned how to start a fire and grill ingredients, enjoying the meal while cooperating with each other. It was a time to feel the grandeur of nature through interaction around a bonfire, sky lantern release, stargazing, and bathing in natural hot springs. Day 2: March 22, 2026