It was about 25 years ago that I established my first preschool after I had worked for a kindergarten and a preschool. I keep challenging myself to make an ideal preschool for parents based on my experience as a working mother. Keeping safety first, we always provide discipline and try to provide circumstances where children can have new experiences.

A few years ago, we started focusing on English communication at each preschool, while maintaining Japanese language and culture. We started this because young learners have an amazing ability to absorb natural English pronuciation and rhythm. Children enjoy singing and dancing to English songs and thier English can improve naturally by interacting with English speaking staff members. English is not just one of the subjects that was troublesome for us, but rather it is a fun way for children to communicate. We hope in the future that children can jump into international society with their English skills while maintaining their Japanese identity.

I also started running a senior services facility 15 years ago.

The reason was because of one small instance. One day, I took students on a walk to the park when an elderly woman talked to one of the children. He started crying because he was not used to talking to elderly people and was surprised by how many wrinkles the lady had. It is heartbreaking to think about both the elderly woman's and the child's feelings. As the number of nuclear families in Japan is increasing, I find it neccassary to give children and the elderly opportunities to communicate with each other.

Our students regularly visit our affiliate senior service facility, and now, none of those students cry. By offering time for preschool children to meet the elderly, the elderly have a chance to acquire youthful energy from the children, and we also aim to educate the children to be more conscientious. Now students and the elderly look forward to seeing each other.

Circumstances around children keep changing. We have to meet thier current needs. With good communication with parents, we can follow their growth together.

There is always room for improvement, so let's strive to move forward together.