#Japan #Youth Empowerment #Social Care #Shibuya #Unlock Yourself

Unlock Yourself Workshop: A Pathway to Self-discovery

NPO Ten no Nagai Ojisan Project, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is changing the recruitment process for its innovative program called the "Unlock Yourself Workshop". Set to launch in September 2026, the workshop invites young individuals who have lived in social care to explore various life themes and enhance their self-awareness.

Initially structured as a six-session program over six months, the workshop has now adapted to allow participants to attend on a per-session basis. This new format is designed to alleviate concerns about long-term commitment, making it easier for young people to engage with sessions that resonate with them. We're excited to expand the target demographic to include not only high school students currently in care but also university and vocational students who have transitioned from care settings.

Why Change?

As many young individuals navigate their transitions from care facilities to independent living, they often face new uncertainties and challenges. The adjustment can be daunting—many still grapple with issues related to education, career paths, and personal development. The reform aims to create a nurturing environment where these young people feel supported and empowered to explore their interests and futures.

"We want to make it easy for young people to say, 'I want to participate,'" shared a program coordinator. From addressing doubts about long-term participation to allowing attendance at single sessions, this initiative is focused on fostering interest and participation.

Who Should Join?

The workshop is ideal for any young person who:

• - Is uncertain about their future or career path.
• - Wishes to connect with adults outside of their usual environment.
• - Desires to embark on new adventures or challenges.
• - Wants to discover their passions and strengths.
• - Prefers to dabble in topics of interest without the pressure of committing to an entire series.

The welcoming atmosphere of the Unlock Yourself Workshop encourages individuals to engage based on their interests. Participants may join because they feel a spark of curiosity about certain themes or simply want to meet particular instructors. Inclusivity is a core value, and staff from care facilities or foster homes are also encouraged to refer potential attendees.

About the Workshop

The Unlock Yourself Workshop draws inspiration from the Nordic concept of Folk High Schools—a place not bound by conventional education rules aimed only at honing skills or seeking correct answers. Instead, it emphasizes experiential learning, exposing participants to diverse perspectives and lifestyles through interactions with various instructors, such as calligraphers, researchers, dancers, and writers.

Activities will include movement, expression, cooking, and dialogue among participants, fostering a space for reflection on feelings and thoughts. This initiative aspires to help individuals gradually contemplate their likes, strengths, and future aspirations in a supportive context.

Sessions will be held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with interactions among participants during lunch and other informal gatherings encouraged to deepen connections and learning—creating a safe space for first-time guests.

Workshop Schedule

• - September 20, 2026: Yukari Kato (Model & Walking Instructor) - "Let’s Think About Our Bodies"
• - October 25, 2026: Yugo Yasuda (Calligrapher) - "The Joy of Calligraphy"
• - November 22, 2026: Natsumi Wada (Researcher & Designer) - "Creating and Enjoying the 'Something' Inside You"
• - December 19, 2026: Chieko Ito (Dancer & Choreographer) - "Time to Feel the Body"
• - January 24, 2027: Rei Nagai (Writer) - "Philosophical Dialogue"
• - February 28, 2027: Yayoi Arimoto (Photographer) - "Capturing and Creating the Future"

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Lunch Provided)
Venue: Kageoka no Ie, Ebisu, Shibuya, Tokyo
Eligibility: Youngsters currently housed in or those who have experienced care in child welfare facilities or foster homes, including middle and high school students as well as university and vocational students.

Capacity: 15 participants
Participation Fee: Free

Registration: Enrollment is required via an online form, and participants are encouraged to choose specific sessions that interest them. Single-session attendance is welcomed.

• - Registration Form

Application Period: Ongoing until sessions reach capacity. Apply until one week before the specific date, if space is available. Notifications regarding participation will be communicated within a week of application.

Orientation Video: Interested individuals can watch an archived video of the pre-application briefing here.

About the NPO Ten no Nagai Ojisan Project

Our mission is to support children and youth raised in social care systems, helping them live their lives authentically and confidently. We prioritize building connections so that no one has to feel alone during times of difficulty, offering experiences and learnings that align with each individual’s interests and sensitivities. Our programs include discussions, artistic programs, hands-on job training, and community building, all centered around art and culture.

For more information about our projects and support opportunities, please visit our website: Ten no Nagai Ojisan Project or follow us on Instagram.