#None #Japan #early childhood #Kizuna Association #Yoshio Kawana

A New Perspective on Nursery Education

Yoshio Kawana, the chairman of the Kizuna Association, is set to release his debut book titled "Everyone is the Star of the Nursery: Creating Smiles through Community Bonds between Children, Parents, and Educators" in September 2026. This book aims to redefine the concept of 'main characters' in nursery education by including not just children, but also parents, educators, and the community as vital contributors to the educational process.

Background of the Publication

To foster healthy development in children, it is crucial to create an environment where parents can raise their children with confidence, educators can continue learning while working, and the community connects with both schools and families. Unfortunately, in the field of early childhood education, it is all too common for individuals to shoulder responsibility and burdens alone, leading to miscommunication and a lack of understanding based on different roles within education. Through years of experience, Kawana believes it is essential for everyone involved — children, parents, educators, and the community — to work together in a reciprocal relationship of support rather than becoming fixed in roles as either 'supporters' or 'the supported.'

Key Features of the Book

1. Redefining the Main Characters of Nursery
The book emphasizes that creating smiles in nursery settings comes from understanding and recognizing the entire web of relationships among children, parents, educators, and the community, rather than focusing solely on children.

2. Connecting Philosophy to Practice
It organizes insights about daily interactions, staff training, organizational development, and collaboration with the community into practical approaches for implementation in real-world nursery settings.

3. Accessible for All Stakeholders
The content is aimed not just at educators and administrators but also at parents and community members engaged in child-rearing support, allowing readers to relate the material to their own perspectives.

Target Audience

This book is particularly aimed at:

• - Educators and Child Development Professionals: Those wishing to reflect on their relationships with children and families, establishing a clear foundation for their practices.
• - Nursery and Facility Leaders: Individuals who seek to connect their educational philosophies with organizational operations and staff training to enhance the quality of nursery care.
• - Parents and Community Supporters: Anyone wanting to explore the ways in which families, schools, and communities can support one another in the child-rearing process.

Author’s Insight

Kawana asserts that the foundation of a nurseries' success is not solely the children; it encompasses caring parents, supportive educators, and a community that watches over them. Each individual must be valued, and through collective strength, true joy can be created. He hopes this book serves as a catalyst for all involved in childcare and education, prompting them to reconsider the vital relationships at play.

Author Profile

Yoshio Kawana, chairman of the Kizuna Association, operates five nurseries and one child development support center. His work focuses on fostering environments where children, families, staff, and the community can connect. He is dedicated to providing training for educators, engaging over 2,000 participants each year and facilitating opportunities for ongoing learning.

The Current State of Practice

Kizuna Association plays a key role in shaping the next generation, running five nurseries and a child development support center. It offers training programs for educators, with participation exceeding 2,000 annually. This book draws from a wealth of knowledge gained in daily practice and educational settings, offering insights not just in theory but also in practical initiatives to enhance the everyday actions of those involved.

Book Information

• - Title: Everyone is the Star of the Nursery: Creating Smiles through Community Bonds between Children, Parents, and Educators
• - Author: Yoshio Kawana (Chairman, Kizuna Association)
• - Release Date: September 10, 2026
• - Publisher: Koken-Sha
• - Price: E-book, ¥1980 (tax included), Print-on-Demand, ¥2970 (tax included)
• - ISBN: ISBN 978-4-911210-02-4

About Kizuna Association

The Kizuna Association is dedicated to creating environments where children, families, staff, and the community can connect through early childhood education and developmental support services. With a focus on practice and talent development, they aim to establish a social welfare system that respects every individual and fosters shared joy.

Inquiries about the Publication

For media inquiries or questions about the book, please contact:

• - Public Relations Contact: Kizuna Association
• - Phone: 080-5188-5855
• - Email: [email protected]