[3rd Anniversary] Bringing Exciting 'Moments' to Children with Illnesses and Disabilities. Certified NPO AYA Holds 3rd Anniversary Event with 117 Participants!

Group photo of participants at the AYA 3rd Anniversary Event.

Certified NPO AYA (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture), which works towards a society free from the 'experience gap' for children with illnesses and disabilities and medically dependent children and their families, celebrated its 3rd anniversary on June 29, 2026 (Monday). We sincerely thank everyone who has supported us.

On June 28 (Sunday), we held a commemorative event inviting children and families who participate in AYA's events, as well as our supporters. In a panel discussion featuring speakers from the film, sports, and local government sectors, we received wonderful feedback such as, 'The children's eyes are shining. Just seeing that is moving.' A total of 117 people, including staff, participated, and we share the joyful scenes from the event.

Exchanging opinions with partners from various fields about AYA's 'Vision'.

The 3rd anniversary event was held at 3x3 Lab Future (Chiyoda City, Tokyo) and online.

In the first part of the panel discussion, the following individuals from the film, sports, and local government sectors, who support AYA, participated:

Mr. Shinzo Kanno (Chairman, National Association of Theater Owners)

Mr. Tetsuya Ueda (Director, Yokohama B-Corsairs Co., Ltd.)

Mr. Go Tanaka (Section Chief, Disability Health and Welfare Division, Department of Disability Welfare, Setagaya City)

The moderator was Yuki Nakagawa, Representative Director of AYA.

Scene from the panel discussion.

Under the theme of 'Vision,' speakers shared their thoughts from their respective standpoints on the significance of supporting AYA, the changes brought about through AYA, and their expectations for AYA's future.

Mr. Shinzo Kanno (Chairman, National Association of Theater Owners)

'At the inclusive film screenings, the audience's eyes are shining. The volunteer staff also provide hospitality with genuine enjoyment. Just seeing that is moving. Movie theaters are places that deliver emotion. AYA is making a physical effort to deliver that emotion to customers who have had difficulty experiencing it until now. The fact that making people happy is our joy is a fundamental principle of the entertainment industry, and we have a lot in common with AYA.'

Mr. Tetsuya Ueda (Director, Yokohama B-Corsairs Co., Ltd.)

'I was particularly impressed when children participated through AYA in the opening event before a game. We were able to see many smiles from the children.'

'We have many ideas for future collaborations, such as volunteer activities and cleanup efforts. We want to spread AYA to other professional sports organizations.'

Mr. Go Tanaka (Section Chief, Disability Health and Welfare Division, Department of Disability Welfare, Setagaya City)

'A distinguishing feature of AYA's film screenings is that they rent out movie theaters, rather than using public facilities, to provide a 'real' experience.'

'Furthermore, we expect AYA's outreach capabilities, as the current situation for medically dependent children and their families is still not widely known. By raising awareness of their various challenges, we hope to involve more general members of the public in our support network.'

Yuki Nakagawa (Representative Director, Certified NPO AYA)

'Cooperation from local governments is crucial for the target audience to learn about AYA's inclusive film screenings. I believe it is important to create a cycle involving the film, sports, and local government sectors to overcome the challenges we set. And the voices of everyone who attends our events are also important.'

Thank you to all the speakers for your valuable insights.

AYA's 'Experience' Children and families share their experiences.

In the second part of the 3rd anniversary event, children with illnesses and disabilities who have participated in AYA's events, along with their parents and siblings, shared their impressions of the events.

Parents commented, 'Through AYA's events, my children have come to enjoy challenging various things.' A child who uses a wheelchair and participated in AYA's overseas travel program shared, 'I didn't have any goals before, but after watching the NBA in America, I developed a dream of studying basketball abroad.' We heard many such wonderful stories.

Parents of children with illnesses and disabilities shared their experiences in an interview format.

We asked children who participated in the NBA viewing program in America about the changes they experienced after their trip.

A message from the Representative Director on the 3rd anniversary.

Certified NPO AYA has reached its 3rd anniversary. We express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supports our activities.

Since our establishment in 2023, we have been driven by the desire to deliver 'exciting moments' to children with illnesses and disabilities and their families. To date, we have held 229 events with a total of 32,552 participants. Leveraging our strength of having medical professionals accompany all events, we have been able to provide a safe environment for both participants and hosts, allowing families to share experiences together, thanks to your support.

In February 2026, we became a certified NPO, marking a new phase in our activities. And in May 2027, AYA aims to establish the 'Inclusive Film Day.' Towards a future where people's hearts connect and possibilities expand—we humbly ask for your continued support in the coming year.

Yuki Nakagawa, Representative Director

AYA's 3-year journey as a Certified NPO.

AYA was established as a general incorporated association in January 2022. Following its incorporation in 2023, it was certified as an NPO in February 2026.

AYA's mission is to 'provide opportunities for medically dependent children, children with disabilities, and their families to broaden their worldview through sports, arts, and culture.' We engage in activities to deliver various 'experiences' that children and their families might have had to give up due to illness or disability, in a safe and secure manner.

A representative initiative is the 'Inclusive Film Screening.' Medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, accompany all events, creating an environment where 'it's okay for children to make noise or not sit still,' and 'it's okay to use medical equipment such as IV drips, nutritional support, or ventilators.' In February 2026, we achieved screenings in all 47 prefectures.

In addition, we have delivered a wide range of 'experiences,' including sports viewing, overseas travel, fine dining, and music appreciation. AYA has organized 229 events, with a total of 32,552 participants including staff (as of July 3, 2026).

AYA's next goal is the establishment of 'Inclusive Film Day' in May 2027. This is a major challenge to simultaneously hold AYA inclusive film screenings in all 47 prefectures and share the value of 'experience' with children and families nationwide. We kindly ask for your continued warm support for AYA.

Contact Information for Certified NPO AYA.

Organization Name: Certified NPO AYA

Representative Director: Yuki Nakagawa Official Website: https://aya-npo.org/ Official SNS:

Instagram: @npo_aya X(old twitter): @npo_aya Facebook: NPO AYA