Workshop Reflecting on Pediatric Cancer Treatment Held During AYA Week 2026: 'Beads of Courage,' an Art-Based Therapy from the U.S.
Shine On! Kids held a 'Reflection Beads' workshop during AYA Week 2026, utilizing the 'Beads of Courage' art therapy program to help pediatric cancer survivors process their experiences. The event also introduced new 'Learning Beads' and hosted the first seminar for parents focused on the future independence and career development of children who have faced serious illness.
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- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (2h 55m after Published)
Shine On! Kids, a certified NPO that supports children with pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Board Chair: Kimberley Forsyth; https://sokids.org/ja/), held a 'Reflection Beads' workshop on March 8 during 'AYA Week 2026' (*1), an awareness campaign for cancer in the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) generation.
'Beads of Courage' is an art-based therapy where children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and other illnesses collect meaningful beads for each stage of their treatment. By having the opportunity to reflect on their experiences through dialogue with trained 'Bead Ambassadors,' children can better understand their illness and affirm the strength they showed in facing it. 'Reflection Beads' is a specific program designed for pediatric cancer survivors after they have been discharged from the hospital.
This event introduced 'Learning Beads,' developed with a grant from the Benesse Foundation for Children (*2). 'Learning Beads' were initially developed with a 2023 grant from the foundation and were improved following a second grant in fiscal year 2025. In conjunction with the 'Reflection Beads' workshop, a 'Parent Seminar' was held for the first time, focusing on the children's future independence and employment.
◆ 'Learning Beads': Celebrating Emotional Growth Beyond Treatment
There are three new types of 'Learning Beads' that connect to learning and growth in daily life and school. By stringing together beads representing 'I did it' (to acknowledge their own efforts), 'I'm frustrated' (to express the feeling of wanting to do better next time), and 'Thank you' (for the people around them and for their own kind heart), children can tangibly feel their own growth.
[Participant Feedback]
'By stringing the beads, it became proof that I worked this hard!'
'The things I have experienced have taken on a "meaningful" "form," and I can feel the weight of it, which has given me confidence.'
Many participants mentioned that they previously avoided thinking about their experiences because their past hospital stays held many painful memories. However, through the workshop, they were seen re-evaluating their treatment progress and daily lives in a more positive light.
◆ First-Ever Parent Seminar
Under the theme 'Bridging the Gap to "Independence" and "Working" for Children Living with Illness: Perspectives on Career Formation and Parental Support,' the event featured lectures from experts and group discussions.
[Speakers]
Dr. Arisa Yamaguchi, Pediatrician and Child Psychiatrist
Ms. Tomoko Nishi, La Famille (Certified NPO)
[Seminar Participant Feedback]
'I realized I want to be more creative in how I communicate and what I convey. Everything was a learning experience, and I am glad I participated.'
'I heard that while more people are surviving pediatric cancer and reaching adulthood, some are struggling with side effects and aftereffects. I would like to hear stories from those who have gone on to higher education and employment.'
◆ Looking Ahead
This time, a 'Sibling Beads' workshop was also held for the brothers and sisters of children with illnesses, giving them an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences. Moving forward, the organization plans to continue hosting exchange events and providing information from experts for children after discharge, their siblings, and their parents.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Benesse Foundation for Children, Cybozu, Inc. for providing the venue, the Bead Ambassadors who gathered from all over the country, and everyone else who cooperated with this event.
*1) AYA Week 2026
An awareness week to promote understanding and support for cancer in the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) generation. This year's theme is 'Toward a Tomorrow Where Everyone Can Live Easily: Let's Think Together, the AYA Generation and Cancer' (March 7–15, 2026).
https://ayaweek.jp/
*2) Benesse Foundation for Children
Aiming for a society where children with a future can expand their potential in an environment where they can study with peace of mind, the foundation engages in grant programs for child support organizations nationwide and independent projects. Our organization was selected for the 'Grant for Learning Support Activities for Children with Serious Illnesses' in fiscal year 2025, following 2023. Application title: 'Social Reintegration Support for Children Who Have Experienced Long-Term Hospitalization, Centered on Emotional Care.'
https://benesse-kodomokikin.or.jp/
◆ What is Beads of Courage?
An 'art-based therapy' aimed at providing emotional care for children fighting serious illnesses such as pediatric cancer. It is a program developed in the United States, and Shine On! Kids is the only organization certified to implement it in Japan.
https://sokids.org/ja/what-we-do/beads-of-courage/
◆ What is Shine On! Kids?
An organization that supports children with pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses and their families through emotional care programs. It operates the Hospital Facility Dog® Program (animal-assisted therapy), Beads of Courage (art-based therapy), Shine On! Community (supporting social contribution activities and career support for pediatric cancer survivors), and Shine On! Connections (providing online learning support activities). Established in 2006, as of March 2026, it is active in 35 hospitals/facilities nationwide.
http://sokids.org/ja/
'Beads of Courage' is an art-based therapy where children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and other illnesses collect meaningful beads for each stage of their treatment. By having the opportunity to reflect on their experiences through dialogue with trained 'Bead Ambassadors,' children can better understand their illness and affirm the strength they showed in facing it. 'Reflection Beads' is a specific program designed for pediatric cancer survivors after they have been discharged from the hospital.
This event introduced 'Learning Beads,' developed with a grant from the Benesse Foundation for Children (*2). 'Learning Beads' were initially developed with a 2023 grant from the foundation and were improved following a second grant in fiscal year 2025. In conjunction with the 'Reflection Beads' workshop, a 'Parent Seminar' was held for the first time, focusing on the children's future independence and employment.
◆ 'Learning Beads': Celebrating Emotional Growth Beyond Treatment
There are three new types of 'Learning Beads' that connect to learning and growth in daily life and school. By stringing together beads representing 'I did it' (to acknowledge their own efforts), 'I'm frustrated' (to express the feeling of wanting to do better next time), and 'Thank you' (for the people around them and for their own kind heart), children can tangibly feel their own growth.
[Participant Feedback]
'By stringing the beads, it became proof that I worked this hard!'
'The things I have experienced have taken on a "meaningful" "form," and I can feel the weight of it, which has given me confidence.'
Many participants mentioned that they previously avoided thinking about their experiences because their past hospital stays held many painful memories. However, through the workshop, they were seen re-evaluating their treatment progress and daily lives in a more positive light.
◆ First-Ever Parent Seminar
Under the theme 'Bridging the Gap to "Independence" and "Working" for Children Living with Illness: Perspectives on Career Formation and Parental Support,' the event featured lectures from experts and group discussions.
[Speakers]
Dr. Arisa Yamaguchi, Pediatrician and Child Psychiatrist
Ms. Tomoko Nishi, La Famille (Certified NPO)
[Seminar Participant Feedback]
'I realized I want to be more creative in how I communicate and what I convey. Everything was a learning experience, and I am glad I participated.'
'I heard that while more people are surviving pediatric cancer and reaching adulthood, some are struggling with side effects and aftereffects. I would like to hear stories from those who have gone on to higher education and employment.'
◆ Looking Ahead
This time, a 'Sibling Beads' workshop was also held for the brothers and sisters of children with illnesses, giving them an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences. Moving forward, the organization plans to continue hosting exchange events and providing information from experts for children after discharge, their siblings, and their parents.
Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Benesse Foundation for Children, Cybozu, Inc. for providing the venue, the Bead Ambassadors who gathered from all over the country, and everyone else who cooperated with this event.
*1) AYA Week 2026
An awareness week to promote understanding and support for cancer in the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) generation. This year's theme is 'Toward a Tomorrow Where Everyone Can Live Easily: Let's Think Together, the AYA Generation and Cancer' (March 7–15, 2026).
https://ayaweek.jp/
*2) Benesse Foundation for Children
Aiming for a society where children with a future can expand their potential in an environment where they can study with peace of mind, the foundation engages in grant programs for child support organizations nationwide and independent projects. Our organization was selected for the 'Grant for Learning Support Activities for Children with Serious Illnesses' in fiscal year 2025, following 2023. Application title: 'Social Reintegration Support for Children Who Have Experienced Long-Term Hospitalization, Centered on Emotional Care.'
https://benesse-kodomokikin.or.jp/
◆ What is Beads of Courage?
An 'art-based therapy' aimed at providing emotional care for children fighting serious illnesses such as pediatric cancer. It is a program developed in the United States, and Shine On! Kids is the only organization certified to implement it in Japan.
https://sokids.org/ja/what-we-do/beads-of-courage/
◆ What is Shine On! Kids?
An organization that supports children with pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses and their families through emotional care programs. It operates the Hospital Facility Dog® Program (animal-assisted therapy), Beads of Courage (art-based therapy), Shine On! Community (supporting social contribution activities and career support for pediatric cancer survivors), and Shine On! Connections (providing online learning support activities). Established in 2006, as of March 2026, it is active in 35 hospitals/facilities nationwide.
http://sokids.org/ja/