#Japan #Tokyo #Crowdfunding #Ridilover #Snow Country

Bridging Experience Gaps for Children in Japan

In a remarkable effort to ensure that all children, regardless of their backgrounds, have the opportunity to enjoy enriching experiences, Ridilover Inc. has announced a crowdfunding campaign starting from December 25, 2025, to support participation in the 'Hana Maru Snow Country School,' organized by Hana Maru Learning Company. This initiative, which comes under the broader 'Project to Bridge Experience Gaps for Children,' emphasizes the importance of providing unique experiences to children who face various difficulties.

The crowdfunding will continue until February 28, 2026, through the 'Asoview!' platform operated by Asoview Inc. This campaign is pivotal as it aims to address the growing disparity in experience opportunities available to children across Japan.

The Context Behind the Initiative

Over recent years, opportunities for children to engage freely in local activities and nature experiences have been decreasing. Moreover, experiences that are perceived as special or luxurious have become more exclusive. Alarmingly, one in nine children in Japan currently lives in relative poverty, and a record number of approximately 353,970 elementary and junior high school students are expected to be absent from school in the 2024 academic year.

These figures highlight a pressing issue: many children facing economic hardship also suffer from social isolation, lacking exposure to nature and cultural experiences, as well as interactions with peers of different ages. Such experiences play a crucial role in developing non-cognitive skills like self-esteem, motivation, patience, collaboration, and self-control.

In light of the fact that universities and corporations are increasingly prioritizing these non-cognitive abilities in admissions and hiring processes, the ongoing gap in experiences could easily lead to long-term disparities in our society. Despite efforts from numerous local and private organizations, many still have not been able to reach the children who need these opportunities the most.

Ridilover, in collaboration with various partners, seeks to create a society where children can live authentically and pursue their dreams, unencumbered by their circumstances. This crowdfunding seeks to provide extraordinary experiences that will leave lasting memories during long breaks when many children may feel demoralized due to a lack of experiences.

The success of a previous crowdfunding initiative, held between July and August 2025, which raised ¥876,600 from 172 donors, allowed children to gain impactful experiences during a summer school program. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all supporters who contributed.

Voices of Gratitude from Participants

Parents of participating children shared their heartfelt emotions:

• - Connection to Others: “It's hard to find experiences where we can do something together as a parent-child duo, but I am truly grateful for this chance to engage in nature with others.”
• - Building Confidence: “Although my child was anxious before the trip, they gained confidence after their first solo overnight stay. Thank you!”
• - Joy in Active Play: “Experiencing genuine playtime with adults is not something they usually encounter, so it brought them great joy!”

About 'Hana Maru Snow Country School'

The 'Hana Maru Snow Country School'—led by Masanobu Takahama, one of the project's founders—is an outdoor learning program organized annually by Hana Maru Learning Company. Set to take place over two days in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture, this initiative aims to provide experience opportunities for children who are invited via outreach collaboration through the experience gap resolution project. Two sessions are scheduled: one from January 10 to 11, 2026, and the other from April 4 to 5, 2026.

Each session will welcome up to 45 children facing difficulties, allowing them to partake in activities in snowfields—experiences they rarely encounter in urban areas. Through engaging in creating their own play, children will learn to harness their creativity and enhance cooperation with peers.

Crowdfunding Overview for the 'Hana Maru Snow Country School'

The funds gathered through this crowdfunding will be directed toward ensuring that children with limited access to experiences can receive high-quality opportunities during the Hana Maru Snow Country School sessions.

• - Project Name: Delivering 'Life Skills' through Snow Country Experiences: A Gift of Lifelong Memories
• - Fundraising Period: December 25, 2025 - February 28, 2026
• - URL: Asoview Crowdfunding
• - Use of Funds: To cover costs associated with providing experiences for children, including transportation, accommodation, meals, staff expenses, and necessary supplies.

Ridilover Inc. remains committed to breaking social indifference and facilitating a society where children facing difficulties can cultivate the ability to live authentically through diverse experiences.

About Ridilover Inc.

Founded in 2013, Ridilover Inc. operates under the philosophy of combating social indifference. Through educational travel, corporate training, and community engagement, as well as projects targeting social issues, the company has handled over 400 social challenges over its 16-year history.

For media inquiries regarding this project, please contact:
Ridilover Inc. - Project for Bridging Children’s Experience Gaps

• - Inquiries: Taiko Tojo
• - Email: [email protected]