A message from the chairman.
Hello, my name is Yasushi Ihara, and I am the Chairman of Friend Megumi Academy.
I assumed the position of Chairman seven years ago following the passing of my predecessor and mother, Megumi Ihara. Until my late twenties, I lived in a world completely unrelated to education and had no intention of succeeding this organization. However, it is thanks to my mother’s persistent encouragement that I am here today. While she never forced me, she continuously conveyed to me how wonderful the work of education is.
Since stepping into the field of education, my journey has been filled with failures and setbacks. About 15 years ago, I was entrusted with the role of principal and served in that capacity for approximately four and a half years. However, under my leadership, the number of children at the school dropped from 120 to just over 30. Feeling that I had failed in my responsibility as a leader, I left the school. After a period of ups and downs, I returned to the school two years later, marking my return nine years ago.
Through those failures and setbacks, my perspectives on children (educational philosophy) and staff (management philosophy) have transformed. Today, I prioritize trusting others and delegating responsibilities in both education and management. Just as my mother said, I have come to appreciate the incredible value of this work, and it brings me immense joy to devote myself to it with passion.
Over the past 20-plus years since I—a complete novice—became involved in education, the conditions surrounding children have deteriorated. The children bear no responsibility for this situation. Yet, the urgency to change society as quickly as possible has become an ever-stronger conviction for me in recent years.
Realizing “a world where every child can enjoy a truly happy childhood” is the dream I want to pursue with everything I have. That is my heartfelt determination.
What are we aiming for?
In the field of education, the focus often revolves around the “skills” children need to acquire. However, in a society plagued by serious issues such as school refusal, youth suicides, and the increasing prevalence of bullying among younger children, we want to focus earnestly on children’s happiness. When children have a sense of happiness, a safe environment where they can be themselves, and a space where they can truly be children, they will naturally acquire the abilities they need. We believe in every child. And we believe that the role of adults is to trust in their innate curiosity and desire to learn and to provide support that nurtures those qualities.
We are confident that spreading the practices of our organization throughout society will contribute to realizing a world where “every child can enjoy a truly happy childhood.” To make this a reality, we seek allies who share our vision and are willing to join us in driving societal change.
We earnestly invite you to become part of our community! Together, we can transform society for the benefit of all children. Let’s make a real difference—thank you for your support!
What are we doing?
Urakawa Friend Forest Kindergarten (Early Childhood Education and Care)
A Certified Center for Early Childhood Education and Care, this facility welcomes children aged 0 to 5. The one-story wooden building, completed in 2022, received both the "Hokkaido Red Brick Architectural Award" and the "Hokkaido Architecture Award" in the same year. In 2024, it was also honored with the "2024 Wood Design Award Grand Prize (Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award)." Featuring a "three-dimensional truss structure" with diagonally arranged beams, the building offers a spacious, open environment without partition walls. The absence of enclosed classrooms and the numerous pillars extending from the floor create a groundbreaking design that not only challenges conventional norms but also fosters children's imagination and aesthetic sensibilities.
After operating as a general kindergarten for over 45 years, the facility embarked on a new chapter in 2022 as "Forest Kindergarten", equipped with its own forest. Driven by the philosophy of providing "nature experiences for all children", the entire staff works together to take on new challenges with passion and dedication.
Friend Forest School (Alternative School)
An alternative school that opened in June 2023, Friend Forest Academy is dedicated to creating new values in education, prioritizing children's well-being while exploring innovative approaches to learning.
The school is housed in a Mongolian ger and a greenhouse located on land adjacent to the kindergarten. Emphasizing hands-on learning, activities include forest exploration, fire-making, and horse care. Initially, the school catered only to elementary students, but it now welcomes middle and high school students as well.
In 2024, the school launched a collaborative research project with the University of Tokyo’s Memu Earth Lab, based in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, under the theme of "New Learning for a New Era." The project focuses on experiential learning grounded in art and the sense of touch, combining practice with research to pioneer innovative educational experiences.
Children's Forest Urakoko (Child Development Support & After-School Day Service Center)
Established in 2021, Children's Forest Urakoko is a Child Development Support and After-School Day Service Center. The name "Urakoko" is a coined term that combines "Ura" from the local town of Urakawa and "Furakoko," a classical Japanese word for "swing." The name reflects a heartfelt wish: "To be a place that loves and is loved by the community" and "To be a space where children can joyfully grow, whether swinging by themselves, with someone else, or with a gentle push from behind, moving back and forth."
With a focus on play involving physical activity, nature experiences, and art, the center is dedicated to supporting children with a philosophy of "evidence-based, attentive child-rearing." It strives to create an environment where every child can thrive and grow.
