National Center for Child Health and Development to Introduce Second Hospital Facility Dog

Shine On! Kids (Headquartered in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Kimberley Forsythe, Board Chair) and the National Center for Child Health and Development (Headquartered in Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Takashi Igarashi, Board Chair) have announced the introduction of a second Hospital Facility Dog team to the center.

*Hospital Facility Dog® is a registered trademark of Shine On! Kids.

A facility dog is specifically trained to work in a hospital setting. Alongside a 'handler'—a nurse with clinical experience who has received training in handling dogs—they assist with the treatment and daily life of hospitalized children. For example, they provide comfort during frightening situations such as blood draws, medication administration, or being moved to the operating room, and accompany children during rehabilitation training.

Selected for the second team at the center is 'Mana', a female Golden Retriever. She is known for her laid-back, outgoing, and adorable personality, and is adept at building connections and providing genuine affection to those she spends time with.

Mana is scheduled to officially start her role as a facility dog following on-site training at the center. Together with 'Masa', who is currently active at the center, it is hoped that she will provide support for the daily lives of many hospitalized children.

*The operations of facility dogs at the center are fully funded by donations.

[Second Facility Dog] Name: 'Mana' Breed: Golden Retriever (Female) Date of Birth: March 8, 2024 (Currently 2 years and 2 months old) Origin: Australia Personality: Friendly; able to make friends immediately even with strangers.

◆ Shine On! Kids Hospital Facility Dog®

These dogs are professionally trained to work full-time in hospitals as members of medical teams. They work with their handlers (nurses with clinical experience) to engage in more than just interaction; they are involved in the treatment of pediatric cancer and other severe illnesses. In Japan, this program operates in four hospitals: Shizuoka Children's Hospital, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, and the National Center for Child Health and Development. As of April 2026, second teams were introduced (currently in a trial period) at Hyogo Prefectural Children's Hospital and the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center.

A major feature is that they work at the same hospital every day and engage in activities tailored to individual needs. They accompany patients for painful tests, transport to surgery, and assist with rehabilitation. They do not rotate through various hospitals or facilities. Rather than brief, intermittent visits, the presence of the same dog over significant, recurring time provides deep emotional encouragement for children undergoing hospital treatment.