Kodomo Challenge baby to Provide Educational Materials for Research on Developmental Support Program for Premature Infants at University of Toyama Hospital

Benesse Corporation (Headquarters: Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, President: Daisuke Iwase) will provide educational materials (at a discounted price) in support of the research for a developmental support program targeting premature infants, which the Center for Perinatal Medicine and Childbirth (Center Director: Takatoshi Yoshida) at the University of Toyama Hospital will commence in March 2026. The program is provided by Kodomo Challenge, Benesse Corporation's educational and growth support brand for young children.

This research will be conducted at the University of Toyama, targeting high-risk premature infants born before 32 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1,500 grams at birth. The objective is to verify how group work between parents and children using toys and educational materials for children affects the development of premature infants. It will also simultaneously examine the impact on parents' childcare stress and their feelings towards their children. The program verification period is scheduled for three years.

Specifically, the study will compare the effects on development based on the timing of toy and educational material utilization to consider the appropriate timing for developmental intervention. Participants will be divided into two groups: the early group, who will use the materials monthly from the 1 year and 1 month issue to the 1 year and 6 month issue, and the late group, who will use them monthly from the 1 year and 7 month issue to the 1 year and 11 month issue. Developmental assessments will be conducted at 1 year and 6 months of age and at 3 years of age.

In this research, Kodomo Challenge baby will be used as the toy and educational material that can be obtained and utilized anywhere in Japan.

[Scenes from the Program]

In recent years, advances in medical care have improved the survival rate of premature infants. However, a new challenge is that, although there are individual differences, delays in language and social development may be observed. In particular, further accumulation of knowledge is required regarding the impact of the living and learning environment after the age of one on development. Benesse supports this research by providing educational materials (at a discounted price) as part of its support efforts.

[Comment from Takatoshi Yoshida, Center Director, Center for Perinatal Medicine and Childbirth, University of Toyama Hospital]

-- Background leading to the start of the research

My experience of hearing many parents express surprise, saying "I didn't know there were ways to play like this" during developmental tests at 1 year and 6 months of age, made me realize that many families have anxieties and questions about how to play with and interact with their children.

-- Reason for adopting Kodomo Challenge baby for the research

In this program, we conduct group work between parents and children once a month. Since we utilize toys appropriate for the age of infants and toddlers, we asked Benesse Corporation, which creates toys tailored to developmental stages by month, to cooperate.

-- Future outlook

We hope that the knowledge gained from this research will lead to support for children with developmental risks, such as premature infants and children with congenital heart disease.

[Comment from Kanade Kogure, Child Psychologist, Center for Perinatal Medicine and Childbirth, University of Toyama Hospital]

-- Reason for adopting Kodomo Challenge baby for the research

When my own child was using Kodomo Challenge, I felt that it was very good that Kodomo Challenge was made according to the developmental stage of the month and that the materials arrived regularly each month. I thought that the continuous stimulation along with infant development matched the objectives of this research.

-- Future outlook

I hope to help families spend enjoyable time interacting with their children, even amidst their busy lives, while cherishing each child's individuality and each family's uniqueness.

[Comment from Shinichiro Nakamura, Kodomo Challenge Business Manager]

-- Background leading to cooperation in the research

Under its corporate philosophy of "Living Well," Benesse continues to develop Kodomo Challenge educational materials that support the growth of each child. This time, we agreed with the purpose of this research and decided to participate in a supporting role, however small. We hope that the daily interactions will lead to a sense of relief and positive affirmation for premature infants and their families, and that the knowledge gained through this research will contribute to creating a better growth environment for infants and toddlers nationwide and in the region.

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About Kodomo Challenge https://shimajiro.benesse.ne.jp/

Launched in 1988, Kodomo Challenge has continuously provided products and services that support parents and broaden children's potential through play and learning suited to their development. In addition to educational materials for ages 0-6 that foster the ability to shape the future through rich experiences with the brand character "Shimajiro," the company offers products and services that support growth, such as English learning materials, TV programs, and concerts. 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the "Shimajiro Puppet," and it was recognized by Guinness World RecordsTM for the "Largest online photo album of people holding a hand puppet."