#Japan #Tokyo #Child Welfare #Shichi-Go-San #Cambodia Healthcare

Shichi-Go-San in Japan: A Celebration of Children's Growth

The season of Shichi-Go-San, a traditional Japanese ceremony meant to celebrate the healthy growth of children, is upon us. While families across Japan prepare to honor this occasion, we must remember that not all children around the world are so fortunate. In particular, countless children in Cambodia face severe health challenges, often lacking access to adequate medical care.

The Disparity in Healthcare in Cambodia

In tandem with economic development, the gap between urban and rural areas in Cambodia has widened. In the countryside, access to crucial medical knowledge is limited, leaving residents with little support or understanding of medical processes. Consequently, many families cling to traditional treatments informed by misunderstandings and superstitions, which can lead to dire health outcomes, including permanent disabilities in children due to missed opportunities for care. Furthermore, local clinics frequently struggle with insufficient facilities and expertise to address the medical needs of their communities.

The Role of FIDR in Supporting Pediatric Care

Recognizing these challenges, the Foundation for International Development and Relief (FIDR) has been working in Cambodia since 1993, focusing on pediatric surgical care. Most recently, since 2017, they have intensified their efforts in Cambodia's northeastern Kratie Province, aiming to enhance the quality of pediatric healthcare available to local children. Through training programs aimed at increasing awareness about injuries and illnesses, FIDR is empowering residents with knowledge that can save lives. In Kratie, community members participate in quizzes about medical knowledge, further illustrating their commitment to improving healthcare standards.

Invitation to a Special Discussion

In an effort to bring these critical issues to the forefront, Japanese expatriates working on the ground alongside Cambodian staff will be visiting Japan to share insights about local healthcare matters, as well as discussing the successes and challenges faced in their initiatives. This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from those directly involved in enhancing healthcare systems in Cambodia, and all are encouraged to partake in this enlightening conversation.

Event Details:

• - Date: November 14, 2025 (Friday) 19:00 - 20:30 (Doors open at 18:45)
• - Venue: Ochanomizu Christian Center, Room 416, 4th Floor, Tokyo
• - Address: 2-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
• - Access: Find Directions Here
• - Admission: Free
• - Capacity: 45 participants (first come, first served)
• - Registration: Please sign up using the following Registration Form (Deadline: November 13, 10:00 AM)

For inquiries, please contact the FIDR office:

• - Phone: 03-5282-5211
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Website: FIDR Website

Join us for this important event that supports growth, understanding, and ultimately, the health of children in Cambodia as we celebrate Shichi-Go-San with a broader perspective on child welfare around the globe.