Shine On Kids Holds "Looking Back Beads" Workshop During AYA Week 2026, Featuring American Art Therapy "Beads of Courage"
Shine On Kids held a "Looking Back Beads" workshop during AYA Week 2026. This art therapy program, "Beads of Courage," originating from the US, allows children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses to reflect on their experiences by stringing beads that represent each stage of their treatment.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:00
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Shine On Kids, a certified non-profit organization supporting children with pediatric cancer and serious illnesses (Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Kimberly Forsyth https://sokids.org/ja/), held a "Looking Back Beads" workshop on March 8th during "AYA Week 2026 (*1)", an awareness campaign for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer.
"Beads of Courage" is an art-interim therapy where children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and other illnesses connect beads that hold meaning for each treatment. By having the opportunity to reflect on their experiences through dialogue with trained Bead Ambassadors, children can come to understand their illness and affirm themselves for facing it. The "Looking Back Beads" program is specifically for pediatric cancer survivors after their discharge.
This event introduced "Manabi Beads" (Learning Beads), developed with the support of the Benesse Children's Fund (*2). "Manabi Beads" were developed with a grant from the fund in fiscal year 2023 and improved with a second grant in fiscal year 2025. In conjunction with the "Looking Back Beads" workshop, a "Parent Seminar" was also held for the first time, focusing on the future independence and employment of the children.
◆ "Manabi Beads" Celebrate Emotional Growth Beyond Treatment
Three new "Manabi Beads" connect to learning and growth in daily life and school. By stringing beads such as "Dekine" (I did it!) to acknowledge their efforts, "Kuyashine" (I'm frustrated!) to express the desire to try again, and "Arigato" (Thank you) for others and for their own kind feelings, children can realize their own growth.
FAQ
What is "Beads of Courage"?
"Beads of Courage" is an art-interim therapy program where children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses string beads that represent each stage of their treatment. This process helps them understand their illness and affirm their strength in facing it.
What is the "Looking Back Beads" program?
The "Looking Back Beads" program is a specific initiative within the "Beads of Courage" framework, designed for pediatric cancer survivors after their discharge from the hospital. It allows them to reflect on their treatment journey.
What are "Manabi Beads"?
"Manabi Beads" (Learning Beads) are a new set of beads developed with support from the Benesse Children's Fund. They are designed to help children acknowledge their achievements ("I did it!"), express their determination for the future ("I'm frustrated!"), and show gratitude ("Thank you"), fostering a sense of growth.
What was the purpose of the "Parent Seminar"?
The "Parent Seminar" was held for the first time in conjunction with the "Looking Back Beads" workshop. Its aim was to support parents by focusing on the future independence and employment prospects of children who have undergone cancer treatment.
When and where was the workshop held?
The workshop was held on March 8th during "AYA Week 2026".