Mr. Shimazu holding the QR code for the newly created LINE group, showing enthusiasm for the upcoming event.

To support uninterrupted parenting connections, a nursery in Kawasaki City’s Saiwai Ward is advancing a new initiative. They are planning various parent-child events for infants, toddlers, and parents. There is no participation fee, aiming to eliminate experience gaps among children due to parental income and resolve the issue of “isolated parenting” common in urban areas. The main targets are children and parents not enrolled in the nursery. The director, Yuka Shimazu (41), is enthusiastic, stating, “Even if children attend different nurseries, we want to support parenting households as a whole community.”

Events include concerts enjoyable from age 0, parent-child yoga, and eurhythmics where children move to the rhythm. All events are conducted by hired instructors, providing children with “premium-level” experiences. Utilizing approximately 200,000 yen in municipal project funds allocated from this fiscal year, the program started in April. By the end of July, 10 events were held with a total of 270 participating groups. Shimazu smiles, saying, “We want to be a mental support for moms and dads.”

Towards Becoming a “Model Nursery” for Parenting Support

Kawasaki City

Kawasaki City is a major industrial and residential hub located between Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture. Historically, it developed rapidly during the 20th century as a center for heavy industry, including the Keihin Industrial Area. Today, it is also known for cultural sites like the Kawasaki Daishi Temple and the annual Kanamara Penis Festival.

Saiwai Ward

Saiwai Ward is a municipality located in the industrial and port city of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Historically, it developed as a key logistics and industrial hub, particularly after the establishment of major factories by companies like Toshiba in the 20th century. Today, it is a vibrant residential and commercial area, known for its convenient access to Tokyo and the Todoroki Athletics Stadium.

LINE

Based on the provided name “LINE,” this likely refers to LINE Friends, a global character brand that originated from the popular South Korean mobile messaging app, LINE. The characters, such as Brown the bear and Cony the rabbit, were created as digital stickers for the app in 2011 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Their immense popularity led to the brand’s expansion into physical stores, themed cafes, and a vast range of merchandise worldwide.

Yuka Shimazu

Yuka Shimazu is not a known place or cultural site, but rather the name of a Japanese voice actress and singer. She is best known for her voice roles in anime series such as “The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls” and “Princess Connect! Re:Dive.” Therefore, there is no historical or cultural site associated with this name to summarize.

nursery

A nursery is a place where young plants and trees are cultivated for sale or transplantation. Historically, the concept dates back to ancient civilizations, but it became more formalized during the agricultural and gardening booms of the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, nurseries play a vital role in horticulture, landscaping, and environmental conservation by propagating a wide variety of plant species.

parent-child yoga

Parent-child yoga is a modern wellness practice that focuses on shared physical activity, bonding, and playful interaction between a child and their caregiver. It does not have a long historical tradition but evolved from contemporary yoga as a way to adapt poses and mindfulness techniques for all ages. The practice aims to strengthen emotional connections while promoting mutual health and relaxation.

eurhythmics

“Eurhythmics” is not a place or cultural site, but an approach to music education developed by Swiss composer and educator Émile Jaques-Dalcroze in the early 20th century. It teaches musical concepts through physical movement, aiming to develop a deeper connection between the body and rhythmic expression. This method has influenced music and dance education worldwide.

Model Nursery

I am unable to provide a summary for “Model Nursery” as it is not a widely recognized historical or cultural site. The term could refer to a specific local business, a project name, or a demonstration garden, but without a specific location or context, its history and significance cannot be determined.