#Japan #Tokyo #Self-Esteem #Project Shine

Introduction to Project Shine

Project Shine is a transformative initiative designed to restore hope and light in the hearts of children and young people. With the vision of enhancing self-esteem among 1.5 million youths, Project Shine aims to create a societal shift that empowers the next generation.

The term "Shine" signifies brilliance and illumination, embodying the project's goal to instill confidence in young individuals.

Understanding Self-Esteem

Self-esteem refers to the belief in one’s own worth, expressed through thoughts such as "I am valuable" and "I am okay just as I am." It serves as a foundational mindset that allows children to pursue challenges without the fear of failure. This inner assurance enables them to chase their dreams and achieve their goals.

Context: The Crisis of School Absenteeism and Low Self-Esteem in Japan

In Japan, there are over 290,000 elementary and junior high school students struggling with school absenteeism, a figure that has reached a record high according to the Ministry of Education and Science’s 2023 survey. Many children feel that they hold no value, while parents often express confusion on how to properly engage with their children during such challenging times.

Moreover, only 45.8% of young people in Japan feel satisfied with their lives, the lowest percentage among developed nations. This statistic exemplifies the pervasive feelings of loneliness and anxiety affecting today's youth.

The Vision of Project Shine

When children begin to believe in their worth, they can cultivate the courage to take on challenges. An increase in courageous youths will foster changes in schools, families, and communities, ultimately transforming the societal landscape.

Project Shine aims to catalyze this transformation.

Specific Initiatives

1. Providing Self-Esteem Programs to 4,000 Schools: The initiative plans to deliver ongoing psychological education to children at school levels.
2. Building a “Mental Infrastructure” through Crowdfunding: Project Shine encourages community support by raising funds collaboratively with like-minded individuals.
3. Spreading the “Adult Psychology School”: This program offers learning spaces for adults in homes, schools, and communities, enhancing their own self-esteem to better support children's autonomy.

Expert Collaboration and Initiatives

Prominent scholars and professionals across various fields have supported Project Shine, sharing their insights at events like the Self-Esteem Symposium 2024, which focuses on illuminating the future of our children.

Notable Speakers

• - Jun Tamura: Discussed self-esteem in organizational management as the CEO at 100-Year Planning Co. and ex-Vice President of Kirin Brewery.
• - Keiko Kono: A freelance announcer and essayist, explored self-esteem and women's social advancement.
• - Ryo Saito Okuno: As the CEO of SAMURAI and a certified JFA S-class soccer coach, he noted the connection between self-esteem and athletic development.

Special Guests

The event was further graced by Heidori Sakurai, a leading figure in the publishing world and CEO of multiple influential companies, bridging education, psychology, and business into this meaningful project.

A Message to Parents

If you often worry about your child’s future or feel lost on how to support them in facing their struggles with school absenteeism, Project Shine is an initiative that encourages personal involvement at all levels.

It emphasizes that social change begins with individual steps. With your support, we can restore light in the hearts of our children together.

Meet Teru Nakashima

As a leading expert on self-esteem and the author of several bestselling books, Teru Nakashima, who has facilitated transformation for over 15,000 mentees, spearheads this initiative. He creates and promotes programs designed to enhance mental wellness, showcasing the significance of self-esteem in guiding youth towards confident futures.

Organization Overview

Name: General Incorporated Foundation for Self-Esteem
Location: 1-8-2 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021
Chairperson: Teru Nakashima
Mission: Development and provision of educational programs aimed at raising self-esteem alongside advocacy for social change.
Website: Project Shine Official Site
Contact: Inquiry Form