DROASobi Program Selected for Environmental Education Video Award for Two Consecutive Years

The DROASobi program, initiated by I-ne Co., Ltd., based in Osaka, Japan, is a unique and engaging experience aimed at immersing children in the wonders of mud and nature. Launched officially in 2024, this program has now gained notable recognition. Recently, the related video content for DROASobi was selected for the Ministry of the Environment's prestigious "Environmental Education and ESD Practical Video 100", marking its second consecutive year winning this accolade. The awarding ceremony is set to take place on December 7, 2025.

Children participating in the DROASobi program get the chance to explore the connection between mud and nature through hands-on experiences. The program is not just limited to physical activities; it seeks to educate and instill an understanding of environmental sustainability among the younger generation. This is aligned with the Ministry's mission to provide excellent case studies in environmental education through a public call and selection process for videos showcasing practical initiatives.

Award Ceremony Highlights

At the upcoming award ceremony on December 7, videos selected for the Environmental Education and ESD Practical Video 100 will be presented. This initiative provides valuable insights for practitioners and learners aiming for a sustainable society. The ministry's showcases are designed to inspire and share best practices in environmental education.

Reviews and Comments from Judges

Judges applauded the program's efforts to create a comprehensive set of materials that make it easier for anyone to organize their own workshops. They expressed hope that future materials would also reflect the educational points of ESD, emphasizing how playing with mud contributes to children's awareness and learning.

About the DROASobi Program

Playing with mud in early childhood has been recognized for its ability to stimulate the senses while enhancing children’s understanding of nature. Through such experiences, the program aims to boost key educational outcomes like self-esteem, autonomy, and communication skills among children. Launched in 2024, DROASobi serves as a foundational step towards promoting children's well-being through natural experiences.

In the upcoming fiscal year 2025, the program aims to reach children across Japan, regardless of weather conditions or location, by providing a free educational kit featuring storybooks, instructions for making mud balls, and guidelines for running workshops available on the DROAS brand site. This kit enables participants to learn engagingly about the role mud plays in our lives while creating mud balls using their senses, promoting a deeper sense of connection to nature and fostering personal development.

Professor Ichiro Matsumoto from Shimane University played a key role in developing this educational kit, emphasizing the importance of natural science literacy from early childhood. His contribution highlights the program's aim to enrich society and create sustainable practices among its participants.

Educational Materials Available for Free Download

- Storybook on mud's significance
- Instruction guide for making mud balls
- Workshop operational manual

Comments from Supervisor Professor Ichiro Matsumoto

"Congratulations on receiving the award! This initiative, focused on nurturing nature science literacy from early childhood, has the potential to enrich society and guide us toward sustainability. I hope this project will continue to inspire better values in everyday consumer behavior."

Professor Matsumoto has been actively engaged in research related to Earth science and environmental education, emphasizing the importance of SDGs/ESD in promoting understanding and practical education methods. This includes initiatives like outdoor learning and disaster prevention education.

About DROASobi

DROAS, an innovative clay beauty brand, has been dedicated to communicating the benefits and values of mud for millennia. With the motto "Cultivating Tomorrow's Beauty through the Gifts of Mud," DROAS focuses on providing beauty care products that not only beautify but also enhance overall well-being.

As part of their mission, I-ne continues to pursue social beauty innovations, aiming to create a chain of happiness through their products and initiatives, including the DROASobi program. This project underlines their commitment to enhancing customers’ lives and well-being through natural experiences, broadening the concept of mud beyond beauty into various aspects of social value.