Empowering the Future: A Seminar for High School Students in Foster Care

On March 26, 2026, the Shiseido Children's Foundation held its inaugural seminar, "Future Design Program," specifically designed for high school students living under social care in Hiroshima. This impactful event was in collaboration with Shiseido Japan and Recruit, aiming to provide a supportive environment for students from children's welfare institutions in the region. In total, 26 students participated in this transformative experience.

Background and Objectives of the Program

The program was initiated to address the challenges high school students face when making significant decisions about their futures, such as choosing between academic tracks. By introducing students to professional environments and helping them cultivate their career aspirations, the seminar served as a foundation for future independence.

Through workshops and interactive sessions, the participants were encouraged to think positively about their career prospects. This unique experience not only provided insights into various occupations but also aimed to shape their perspectives on self-reliance.

Key Highlights from the Event

The seminar featured a series of workshops designed to engage students and encourage serious thought about their future paths. Here are three noteworthy sessions:

1. Discovering Potential Program

Led by instructors from Recruit, this session focused on self-discovery. Participants explored their interests by conceptualizing a donut shop for a school festival. Through group discussions, they analyzed their vocational aptitudes and identified valuable insights useful for future career choices.

2. Beauty and Sales Experience

Students had the opportunity to try out the latest cosmetic products, discovering their unique features. They practiced developing pitches to communicate the products' appeal and even created videos for social media, gaining firsthand experience in the cosmetics sales industry.

3. Conversations with Working Adults

The event culminated in group discussions with Shiseido employees from various professions. Participants engaged in enriching dialogues where professionals shared their life stories, career paths, motivations, and experiences with failures, providing inspiration and insights into their own futures.

Feedback from Participants

The students shared their reflections through surveys, revealing the positive impact of the seminar:

- "This gave me a reason to think more deeply about my future."
- "I realized that failure isn't necessarily a bad thing."
- "It was fun to work together and engage in the activities."
- "Life has ups and downs, but I believe I can overcome them."
- "I found clues for discovering a career path that suits me."

Event Overview

- Event Name: Future Design Program
- Date and Time: March 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Venue: Shiseido Japan Hiroshima Office, 10th Floor, Start Tram Hiroshima, 16-11 Hatchobori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City
- Target Audience: High school students living under social care in the Chugoku region, specifically first and second-year students in high school, as well as third-year middle school students transitioning to high school.
- Organizers: Shiseido Children's Foundation
- Cooperation: Shiseido Japan and Recruit

About Shiseido Children's Foundation

Founded in April 1972 as part of Shiseido's 100th-anniversary celebrations, the Shiseido Children's Foundation aims to give back to society. Its vision is to create a world where all children can smile and shine, supported by a mission dedicated to connecting with partners who help empower children's lives. To achieve these goals, the foundation focuses on three key initiatives:

1. Support for Children: Empowering children in social care to pursue their futures through self-reliance programs and support for higher education.
2. Support for Caregivers: Offering professional development and funding opportunities for individuals involved in child welfare, such as facility staff and foster parents.
3. Public Awareness: Providing support for community programs that assist parenting families and promote child abuse prevention initiatives.

Foundation Information:
Organization: Shiseido Children's Foundation
Founded: April 8, 1972
Chairperson: Yoshihiro Shiojima
Location: 7-5-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061