Grass Family. Inc. (Headquarters: Ebina, Kanagawa; CEO: Takashi Ogino), a regional co-creation company, has officially opened applications for the 2026 'Blue Family Project,' an immersive regional stay program for junior high students aged 12 to 15 across Japan.
In 2025, the program was held in Toyama Prefecture and Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido, achieving 320% of its crowdfunding goal. Participants reported significant positive changes, such as proactively deciding their career paths, choosing to study abroad in regional high schools, and developing a more positive attitude toward school life. For the second year in 2026, the project will expand to three regions, including the newly added Mitake Town in Gifu.
Key Highlights: - A 7-day program where students live and work in a regional community away from home. - Three locations for 2026: Toyama, Mitake (Gifu), and Ashibetsu (Hokkaido). - Introducing 'Co-education,' where students, local adults, and staff learn and grow together.
Program Details: 'Blue Family Project' provides students with four basic experiences: Meeting, Working, Experiencing, and Living. By staying in a regional community for 7 days, participants face real-world challenges alongside local entrepreneurs and peers, helping them find their own words to describe their future and build self-efficacy.
2026 Schedule: 1. Toyama Program: Aug 2 - Aug 8. Features encounters with traditional crafts and advanced agriculture. 2. Gifu Mitake Program (New): Aug 9 - Aug 15. Focuses on discovering personal strengths through local industries in a historic post town. 3. Hokkaido Ashibetsu Program: Aug 16 - Aug 22. Includes rafting, forestry, and presentations on solving regional issues.
Participant Feedback: Previous participants have decided on specific academic paths or developed an interest in entrepreneurship. Parents have noted that the 7-day experience has lasting effects on their children's long-term growth.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event
- Products / services: Blue Family Project