Our bodies are sustained by receiving the Inochi of others, and all beings in this world exist by transferring Inochi from one to another. In other words, Inochi continues to move through transformation. This is the essence of circulation— it is the natural form of Inochi. In today’s world, however, we have disrupted these cycles, and as a result, people are increasingly living lives detached from Inochi. We are witnessing the destruction of peace, nature, the environment, and even our daily lives.

The temple lodgings of Mount Hiko, revived by the efforts of many people

Creating spaces where children and adults grow together

In response, Kaguya Co., Ltd. has been promoting the concept of “Kurashi-Fullness,”*1 which advocates for a way of life that faces Inochi head-on and cherishes it.

１．Support for Early Childhood Education: “Creating Environments that Nurture Inochi”

To create environments where every child can fully express their own Inochi, they have provided a software solution called “Mimamoring™” for preschools and kindergartens. This has been implemented in approximately 525 institutions nationwide, supporting the growth of 165,835 children. Rather than “assessing” children’s development, the software fosters a culture of “celebrating together and believing in growth.” To support institutions practicing “Inochi–centered childcare” (child-led approaches), they have hosted 121 seminars and workshops attended by a total of 13,064 participants. Across Japan, including online programs, 704 facilities have engaged in these learning opportunities. Through a combination of ICT and dialogue, they aim to foster environments where both children and adults grow together.

２．Creating Living Spaces: “Living the Nostalgic Future”
They believe it is the mission of educators to embody lifestyles that cherish Inochi—so that children may one day say, “I can’t wait to grow up.” They named our efforts to revive traditional Japanese lifestyles that coexist with nature “Kurashi-Fullness.” In Fukuoka, we have restored seven traditional folk houses, cultivated rice fields and gardens, fermented foods like pickles and miso, celebrated seasonal festivals, and engaged in traditional play. These environments are closely connected with early childhood education, providing children with opportunities to experience the cycles of nature and Inochi firsthand. When adults earnestly “live the nostalgic future,” they can pass on richer values to future generations.

３．Dialogue and Human Development: “Ichien-Dialogue that Connects Hearts”

Their Ichien-Dialogue has continued for over 15 years since its launch in 2009. It is a space for open conversation not only for their staff but also for preschool teachers and local residents. Sitting in a circle, they listen to each other’s Inochi for one hour, sharing in empathy and gratitude without denial or criticism. This practice fosters safe spaces where everyone can simply “be themselves,” helping people reconnect with each other on a deeper level. It has become an irreplaceable time for many and is spreading into schools and workplace cultures, nurturing relationships rooted in trust and respect. Dialogue is the power to make Inochi resonate—and to change the world.

As the action plan for 20250, they will continue supporting preschools and kindergartens that respect the growth of each child’s Inochi and expand their implementation nationwide, starting from Tokyo. At the same time, they will further promote the revival of traditional folk houses as hubs for “Kurashi-Fullness”. These spaces will be used to transmit vital cultural knowledge and ancestral wisdom to future generations, sustaining practices that will be necessary for the future.

The Inochi Forum will work together with diverse organizations such as Kaguya Co., Ltd. to revitalize traditional lifestyles in harmony with nature in local communities.

Through these efforts, we aim to pass on to children the ways of living that embody natural cycles and ensure that every Inochi unleashes its radiant light.

[Notes]

*1 Kurashi is a Japanese term that captures the richness of everyday life—how one lives, finds comfort, connects with others, and relates to the environment.

[References]

・Kaguya Co., Ltd.
https://www.caguya.co.jp/

[Action Platform]
Education and Children

[SDGs]