Regarding 'Hospital Planetarium' First Free Slots for 2026

To the Press General Incorporated Association Hoshitsumugi no Mura April 1, 2026

General Incorporated Association Hoshitsumugi no Mura (Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture; Representative Directors: Koichi Atobe / Mariko Takahashi; hereinafter 'Hoshitsumugi no Mura'), whose mission is 'to connect people through stars and create happiness together' and which operates planetariums, stargazing events, and workshops on stars and space, announced that it will establish 80 'first free slots' in fiscal year 2026 for its 'Hospital Planetarium' program. This program delivers starry skies to children with serious illnesses or disabilities who find it difficult to see real stars, and to their families.

**<Hospital Planetarium>** 'Hospital Planetarium' is an activity that brings starry skies to children undergoing long-term hospitalization, children with rare diseases or disabilities, and their siblings and families, using a mobile planetarium. Since 2014, it has delivered starry skies to approximately 1130 locations. In lives with many restrictions, it provides a time for them to find hope in the vast universe and beautiful starry sky, and to feel that they are not alone.

**<First Free Slots>** The 'Hospital Planetarium' targets hospitals, support schools, after-school day services, child development support facilities, and organizations for families of sick or disabled children. Hoshitsumugi no Mura offers 'first free slots' for facilities and organizations that have not yet experienced their planetarium, which are covered by grants and donations. For fiscal year 2026, they plan to implement 80 free slots and have started accepting new applications.