Scene from DaDaDaDance9 1

Scene from DaDaDaDance9 2 Scene from DaDaDaDance9 3

The Kishiwada City Council of Social Welfare (Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture), a social welfare corporation, has decided to provide grants of up to 100,000 JPY each to two disabled dance teams operating within the city, as part of the fiscal year 2026 'Grant Program for Projects Promoting Social Participation of Persons with Disabilities (Children) through Sports, Cultural, and Artistic Activities.' The funding source for these grants is donations from citizens through the 'Community Chest' campaign. The joy of self-expression through dance and the expanding connections with the local community continue to grow.

Creating a Space Where Everyone Can Go: Inside the Disabled Dance Event

One of the two grant recipients, the volunteer group 'DAIJOB GOODJOB (Daijob Gujjobu),' hosted the mixed-event 'DaDaDaDance9' on Saturday, July 11, with the other grantee, 'Workshop ♥ Flowers,' also performing at the event. Our staff visited the site to report on the activities.

Mitoku Shiayama, the group's representative, explained the significance of the event: 'DaDaDaDance is an abbreviation for “Dare demo (Anyone), Daijoubu (It’s OK), Daisuki (Love it), Dance.” This is our 9th time hosting an event that offers dance performances by people with disabilities, dancing together with attendees, enjoying live music, and providing accessible art exhibitions and art experiences for all. People with disabilities still have limited places they can visit. DAIJOB GOODJOB evolved into this kind of mixed event through various activities centered on people with disabilities and those who feel socially marginalized.'

To Our Donors: The Impact of Grants and Voices of Gratitude

A total of 169 attendees participated in the event across morning and afternoon sessions, making it a great success. The grant funded by citizens’ 'Community Chest' donations directly contributed to enriching the event and bringing smiles to participants.

Message from Mitoku Shiayama, Representative of Volunteer Group DAIJOB GOODJOB

Thanks to receiving the grant, we are now able to invite professional artists to perform music. In the past two events, over 200 people participated. More artists with disabilities are joining the art exhibition each time, and we will continue our outreach efforts to discover and introduce new artists.

Regarding dance performances by groups with disabilities, we’ve already received inquiries from new groups wishing to participate in the next event, and we expect another large turnout. We hope to keep introducing new dancers and creating joyful moments together with everyone.

Thank you very much to all who attended despite the summer heat.

We will continue to create spaces where everyone, including those with disabilities, can enjoy life with energy, courage, and a spirit of challenge. We look forward to your continued support.

Why 'Dance'? The Significance of Community Chest Funding in Supporting These Activities

For people with disabilities, sports and cultural/artistic activities are far more than leisure—they are crucial opportunities directly linked to 'expressing individuality and abilities' and 'social participation through interaction with local residents.'

However, many organizations struggle to secure operational funds for equipment costs, venue rentals, and other expenses. To address this, our organization uses 'Community Chest' donations—citizens’ goodwill—as funding to support pioneering groups that contribute to local welfare.

Toward a City Where Everyone Can Shine as Themselves: Join Us as a Supporter of the Community Chest

Just as seen in this dance initiative, the Community Chest donations you provide are being carefully used within Kishiwada City to create smiles and a sense of purpose for others. We will continue to promote the creation of a resident-led community where 'everyone can live with peace of mind.'

If you resonate with our activities and local support for people with disabilities, we kindly ask for your support through the Community Chest.

▼ For more information about Community Chest (donations):

https://hanett.akaihane.or.jp/donate/entry/100/ (Central Community Chest of Japan)

https://www.syakyo.or.jp/akaihane.html (Kishiwada Regional Fundraising Association)

Inquiries regarding this matter:

Kishiwada City Council of Social Welfare (Kishiwada Regional Fundraising Association Office)

1-5-5 Nodacho, Kishiwada City, Osaka 596-0076

TEL: 072-437-8854

Email: [email protected]

Contact: Okawa

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event