A Step Toward a New In-Hospital Interaction Model: Connecting Long-Term Hospitalized Children with Society via Digital Tech

NPO Origami (Narashino, Chiba; Chairman: Norihiko Tsuzuki) conducted an IT-enabled in-hospital interaction project for children during long-term hospitalization on March 20, 2026. This initiative was supported by Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals, Cisco Systems G.K., and Lenovo Japan G.K. Utilizing digital technologies such as tablet terminals, smart glasses, and online meeting systems, the project created a space where children could connect with society from within the hospital, serving as a successful demonstration of collaboration between medical professionals, students, and corporations.

Children facing long-term hospitalization for cancer or other serious illnesses often deal with severe restrictions on outings and face-to-face interactions due to infection risks. Consequently, they are frequently isolated from school and peer groups. NPO Origami believes that maintaining social connections during treatment is vital for improving Quality of Life (QOL) and ensuring smoother reintegration into society. To address this, they leveraged digital technology to facilitate 'live interactions.'

On the day of the event, student volunteers and corporate employees connected with the children online to deliver extraordinary experiences. This project, named 'Kibou no Tane' (Seed of Hope), is not a one-off event but a continuous effort to seek new forms of interaction. Looking ahead, the project aims to utilize online technology to build a nationwide framework where hospitalized children across various regions can connect, moving toward a society where no long-term patient feels isolated.