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3rd Sora Bear Sonairu Project: Win Portable Power and Solar Panel

The Sora Bear Foundation, located in Minato, Tokyo, is proud to announce the opening of applications for its 3rd Sora Bear Sonairu Project. This initiative, which closes on September 4, 2026, aims to enhance environmental education and disaster preparedness among young children in kindergartens and childcare facilities across seven prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto. The project will award two selected institutions with a portable power supply and solar panel, elevating their capacity to educate children about the importance of renewable energy and disaster readiness.

Project Overview

The Sora Bear Sonairu Project is being executed in partnership with G&ECO Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based company championing renewable energy. Their initiative, "1.5 for the future," commits to donating around 1.5% of sales from their portable generators to nonprofit organizations. This project, now in its third iteration, emphasizes the essential nature of disaster preparedness in an era of increasing climate-related events.

Background of the Initiative

Since 2008, the Sora Bear Foundation has installed solar power systems in educational facilities to promote green energy among the youth. However, not all institutions can accommodate large solar installations, particularly those located within urban structures. This dilemma inspired the foundation to introduce a compact and lightweight solution: the combination of portable power supplies and solar panels. Since 2024, the new project has been providing these sets to kindergartens and childcare facilities, along with a hands-on workshop led by both the Sora Bear Foundation and trained disaster prevention specialists from G&ECO.

The workshop teaches participants how to use both the solar panels and portable power supplies while discussing essential disaster preparedness strategies. To make the concept relatable, this educational session features the touching story of the Sora Bear characters—polar bear siblings that embody the worries of climate change, making for an engaging learning experience.

The Growing Need for Disaster Preparedness

Japan is increasingly witnessing the repercussions of climate change, including rising incidences of natural disasters such as typhoons and severe flooding, causing power outages and property damage across the country. The Sora Bear Sonairu Project not only aims to mitigate CO₂ emissions by fostering renewable energy involvement but also highlights the significance of being prepared for unforeseen disasters.

Many applicants express their need for the portable power supplies, citing specific motivations, such as:

• - Proactive Safety: "We felt the urgent need for portable power in case of an emergency."
• - Practical Training: "We want our students to gain hands-on experience during monthly drill practices."

Who Should Apply?

We encourage applications from nurseries, kindergartens, and childcare facilities aiming to enhance environmental and disaster education. This project particularly targets institutions without suitable rooftops for traditional solar installations. A total of two recipients will be drawn from eligible applicants situated in specified regions across Greater Tokyo and Kansai, providing a practical, training-oriented engagement with renewable energy.

Application Details

• - Eligibility: Open to any organization caring for children aged 3-5 with more than ten enrollees. Institutions based in designated disaster-affected areas are especially encouraged.
• - Submission Process: Interested parties can submit their application through the designated Google form, with the deadline set for September 4, 2026, at 18:00 JST. The winners will be announced in early October 2026, with products scheduled for delivery in November, followed by workshops that will also feature the beloved Sora Bear mascots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sora Bear Sonairu Project represents a golden opportunity for childcare facilities in Japan to integrate renewable energy into their educational paradigms while preparing children for future challenges. Join us in empowering young minds to embrace sustainability and disaster readiness. Apply before the deadline!

For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to the Sora Bear Foundation or follow G&ECO on their social media platforms for latest updates. Let's prepare for a safer, greener future together!