#Japan #ACE #Uruma #Umantyu #URUFULL

Engaging Youth Voices in Okinawa: The 'Umantyu Shaberi-Ba' Workshop

On October 25, 2025, a significant event titled 'Umantyu Shaberi-Ba: Updating Our Community with Our Voices' will take place in Uruma City, Okinawa. This interactive workshop aims to foster dialogue between children, youths, and adults, empowering young individuals to voice their opinions and influence local policies.

Background

This initiative is being co-hosted by the certified NPO, ACE, led by Yuka Iwatsuki from Taito, Tokyo, and the general incorporated association, URUFULL, represented by Yuta Hirabayashi in Uruma City. The workshop is rooted in the principles established by Japan's groundbreaking 'Children’s Basic Law', which mandates municipalities to consider children's opinions in decision-making processes.

However, many institutions still grapple with how to genuinely engage and listen to the voices of children. The 'Umantyu Shaberi-Ba' workshop addresses this gap by creating a safe and respectful environment where participants can freely exchange ideas.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Umantyu Shaberi-Ba 2025 # Updating Our Community with Our Voices
• - Date: October 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• - Venue: Ichui Gushikawa Jinbunkan (Kawasaki 468, Uruma City, Okinawa)

The workshop will include various activities:

• - Opening remarks by organizers
• - Ice-breaking sessions
• - Quizzes, youth-led initiatives, and dialogue workshops
• - Group presentations followed by a photo session
• - Networking opportunities

Approximately 30 participants including 15 children/youths and 15 adults (representatives from educational committees, administration, child support organizations, and local councils) are anticipated to participate, engaging in discussions across 6 to 7 groups.

Media Participation

For the first time, media representatives will be allowed to cover parts of the workshop such as group dialogues and presentations. Given the importance of safeguarding children’s rights, ACE will be implementing 'child and youth safeguarding' principles during the event.

When covering this event, media personnel are kindly requested to ensure the privacy and safety of the children involved. Specific guidelines regarding filming areas and interviews will be provided prior to the event, and any participant wishing not to be filmed will be honored.

Participants from last year expressed their satisfaction, with children noting how much fun they had and how educational the experience was. Young attendees appreciated the chance to interact with different generations and share their views, while adults found value in the perspectives offered by younger participants. This collective dialogue highlights a growing recognition of the necessity for platforms where different age groups can engage in meaningful conversations about community improvements.

Additional Information

The Okinawa Umantyu Children’s Rights Promotion Project aims to enhance the well-being of children and youths in the Okinawa region. It involves collaboration among various organizations including the NPO Okinawa Youth Self-Reliance Support Center Churayui and ACE.

ACE has been committed to protecting children's rights both domestically and internationally since its establishment in 1997, and it has become a key player in advocating for children's rights in Japan.

For more information about the workshop or inquiries related to media participation, please contact:

• - Email: press%acejapan.org (replace % with @)
• - Phone: 03-3835-7555
• - Website: ACE Japan