From 'Safe Childcare' to 'Cultivating Self-Growth': Education Leader KEC Group Partners with Soccer-Based Therapeutic Program 'Doremifasolize' via Franchise Agreement

Background

Currently, there are over 20,000 after-school daycare services across Japan, leading to increasingly fierce competition. However, most of these services focus primarily on 'safe childcare,' and parents continue to express deep concerns: 'Will my child be able to live independently in the future?'

Moreover, youth mental health deterioration has become increasingly evident across society, with rising rates of school refusal, suicide, and psychological distress—challenges facing younger generations are growing more severe.

KEC Group believes the root of these issues lies in the lack of opportunities from early childhood to develop social skills, self-management, and the ability to overcome difficulties. In response, KEC Group (operated by KEC Glows Co., Ltd.), which has long advocated 'human-centered education' in Nara for nearly half a century, has entered into a franchise agreement with ON Franchise Co., Ltd.'s 'Doremifasolize,' renowned for its soccer-based therapeutic programs.

This initiative will launch an education-focused after-school daycare service specifically designed not just as a welfare facility, but to nurture children who can stand on their own two feet.

Key Features of the Initiative

Utilizing Soccer as a 'Language for Developing Social Skills'

The goal is not merely physical activity. Through soccer, the program cultivates essential life skills for children with developmental disorders, such as 'instruction comprehension,' 'perspective-taking,' and 'emotional regulation'—critical competencies for thriving in society.

Introduction of the KEC 'Discipline, Autonomy, and Resilience' Method

Rather than only allowing children to do what they can already do, the program establishes 'discipline'—such as greetings and punctuality—as a foundation, encouraging daily 'autonomy' by letting children set their own goals. Furthermore, within a secure environment, the program thoughtfully designs experiences where things don't go as planned and trial-and-error is encouraged, thereby cultivating the ability to bounce back—resilience.

Kazushi Okamoto, Director and President, KEC Glows Co., Ltd.

President Okamoto's Vision

'Childcare and education are different.'

After many years in education with the KEC Group, I am firmly convinced that children—regardless of disability—grow profoundly based on their environment.

At the same time, today's support systems often lack opportunities for children to challenge themselves and experience trial-and-error. We believe it is essential to provide children with safe yet meaningful experiences where they face small obstacles and overcome them through their own efforts.

From the region of Yamato-Yagi, where a culture of learning is deeply rooted, we aim to propose a new model for after-school daycare services, leveraging our educational expertise.

New Facility Overview

Facility Name: KEC Group After-School Daycare Service Doremifasolize KEC Yagi School Opening Date: August 2026 (application in progress) Location: 2nd Floor, Forest Hills Yagi Ekimae, 1-1-46 Uden-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture (approx. 132 sqm) Target Children: Elementary school students (Grades 1–6) with disabilities or requiring support (eligible for recipient certificates) (planned) Capacity: 10 children (planned) Operator: KEC Glows Co., Ltd. (KEC Group) Business Category: Entry into the field of after-school support services for children with disabilities as a new venture

*Opening date and service details are subject to change based on procedures with relevant authorities.

Links

Inquiry Form for Free Trial Sessions and Facility Tours

Doremifasolize KEC Yagi School Inquiry Form

Doremifasolize Official Website

Upcoming Schedule

July 2026: Parent Information and Trial Sessions (planned) August 2026: Facility Opening (planned)