[Iwate, Miyako] Overcoming 'Experience Gap' in Regional Areas! Kids' Experiential Program 'Miyakko Asobitai' Launches on June 7th (Sun)!

NPO Miyakko Base (Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture; President: Teru Hayakawa) is launching a new experiential program called 'Miyakko Asobitai' for children aged 4 to 8 in Miyako City and the surrounding areas. Ahead of this, an initial trial event, 'Parent-Child Mud Play Day,' will be held on June 7, 2026 (Sun), at Miyako Izumi Kindergarten.

'Miyakko Asobitai' will leverage Miyako's rich forests, rivers, and sea to provide diverse nature experiences and seasonal leisure activities that are difficult for individual families to organize, at a pace of once a month. This will create an environment where children can nurture curiosity and a sense of challenge while enjoying themselves right here in Miyako.

Background and Purpose of 'Miyakko Asobitai'

In recent years, the cultivation of 'non-cognitive skills' from early childhood has gained attention, and there are many parents in Miyako City who wish to provide diverse experiences for their children. However, there is a lack of opportunities and information for various experiences and lessons for preschool children in Miyako City, and many families travel far, for instance to Morioka, which takes over an hour by car, or spend weekends outside the city.

This project aims to expand the possibilities for children in Miyako by providing diverse experiences that families cannot complete alone through 'Miyakko Asobitai.' Additionally, by holding programs on weekends, it aims to eliminate the 'experience gap' caused by parents' work schedules and create rich opportunities for all children in Miyako.

Improvement of Non-Cognitive Skills: We will create a space where children can naturally enhance their 'thinking ability,' 'cooperation,' and 'self-esteem' while enjoying nature-based play and group activities that have no correct answer.

Sparking 'Likes': By providing a wide range of choices from nature experiences to indoor play, we will sow many seeds of curiosity for children to say 'I want to try!' or 'I like this!'

Developing a Local Environment: By establishing a system where high-quality experiences can be had locally in Miyako without needing to go to other cities, we aim to reduce the burden on parents and create opportunities for parents and children to rediscover the value of the region.

From July, the program will transition to a 'membership system' (membership fee: 1,000 yen, participation fee per session: 500-1,500 yen) and will be held regularly about 10 times a year.

Overview of the June Launch Event: 'Parent-Child Mud Play Day'

In cooperation with Iwate Prefectural University's circle 'Doronko-tai★' and local certified kindergartens, this is a one-time, membership-registration-free event where children can use all their five senses to fully enjoy touching the soil.

Date & Time: June 7, 2026 (Sun), 10:30-12:00 Location: Certified Kindergarten Miyako Izumi Kindergarten (6-6 Kamihana 2-chome, Miyako City) Target: Children aged 4-8 (preschool to 2nd grade) and their parents Capacity: 15 parent-child pairs Participation Fee: 500 yen per child (includes insurance and expenses, includes juice and sweets gifts) Cooperation: Certified Kindergarten Miyako Izumi Kindergarten, Iwate Prefectural University circle 'Doronko-tai★'

Organizer: About NPO Miyakko Base

Established in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, which was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Aiming for 'all children and youth to create their desired future themselves,' the organization provides experiential and challenging opportunities for children to learn and grow within the entire community, and creates places where they can spend time safely.