Shine On Kids Holds "Looking Back Beads" Workshop During AYA Week 2026, Featuring American Art Therapy "Beads of Courage"

Shine On Kids, a certified non-profit organization supporting children with pediatric cancer and serious illnesses (Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Kimberly Forsyth https://sokids.org/ja/), held a "Looking Back Beads" workshop on March 8th during "AYA Week 2026 (*1)", an awareness campaign for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer.

"Beads of Courage" is an art-interim therapy where children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and other illnesses connect beads that hold meaning for each treatment. By having the opportunity to reflect on their experiences through dialogue with trained Bead Ambassadors, children can come to understand their illness and affirm themselves for facing it. The "Looking Back Beads" program is specifically for pediatric cancer survivors after their discharge.

The connected beads are memories of treatment and proof of the courage shown.

This event introduced "Manabi Beads" (Learning Beads), developed with the support of the Benesse Children's Fund (*2). "Manabi Beads" were developed with a grant from the fund in fiscal year 2023 and improved with a second grant in fiscal year 2025. In conjunction with the "Looking Back Beads" workshop, a "Parent Seminar" was also held for the first time, focusing on the future independence and employment of the children.

◆ "Manabi Beads" Celebrate Emotional Growth Beyond Treatment

Three new "Manabi Beads" connect to learning and growth in daily life and school. By stringing beads such as "Dekine" (I did it!) to acknowledge their efforts, "Kuyashine" (I'm frustrated!) to express the desire to try again, and "Arigato" (Thank you) for others and for their own kind feelings, children can realize their own growth.

Children can connect beads that represent their treatment journey and feelings.