![[Held on Sunday, February 8] Children’s Welfare Equipment FESTIVAL: Expanding What’s Possible—The Future of Welfare 〜 A Welfare Event That Supports Each Child’s “I Want to!” and Connects It to Future Possibilities](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/30201646/ee94742261d2b649ac7f8b4cd0cb4b60.jpg)
The challenges faced by families of children who need medical care or developmental support, and the support they need, vary from one household to another.
An event where visitors can see, learn about, and try welfare equipment and initiatives that support what each individual child “can do” will be held at Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in February 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Children’s Welfare Equipment FESTIVAL: A Future of Welfare Where ‘Can Do’ Expands”?
The event is organized by the Okayama Children’s Welfare Equipment Network.
Experts in pediatric healthcare and welfare equipment work together to improve the quality of life (QOL: Quality of Life) of children who need medical care or developmental support. They share information about welfare equipment and conduct awareness-raising activities.
The venue is set to feature a variety of booths for children and adults, including displays of welfare equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices; para-sports experiences; talks with experts, people with lived experience, and support workers; and performances by a sign-language dance team.
Two years since its first event in 2024.
This will be the first time it has been held in Kurashiki. For people and families who often face barriers to going out or getting around in their daily lives, this is a valuable opportunity to learn about welfare equipment and support close to home.
The event aims to be a place where not only children themselves, but also their families, support workers, and the local community can find inspiration to think about the “future of welfare.”
Admission is free, and advance registration is not required. For the latest event information, check Instagram or the website.
Event Highlights
Here is a brief overview of three of the events taking place.
Boccia Showdown: Moments When Possibilities Expand
10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Boccia is the ultimate battle of wits, where strategy—not strength—decides the winner.
Experience the appeal of a sport that anyone can compete in on equal terms, with no restrictions on how you throw, and that captivates adults and children alike.
One Move Can Save a Life! Hands-On Resuscitation Techniques
1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
If someone collapses in front of you, knowing how to perform chest compressions and use an AED means you can take action. Turn the anxiety of “I want to help, but I don’t know how” into the confidence that “I can do this too,” and learn life-saving skills for emergencies through hands-on experience.
This Is How You Get Your Message Across! A YouTuber Shares Tips and Everyday Life
3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
A 9-year-old girl who has experienced a spinal cord injury is active as a wheelchair YouTuber.
She shares her perspective from a wheelchair and tips for everyday life, turning “limitations” into “a perspective of her own.” By revealing what goes on behind the scenes of making videos, she shows that age and physical condition do not define self-expression, bringing a ray of hope to children.
Toward an Evacuation Plan That Leaves No One Behind
This exhibition will also feature a new section on disaster preparedness.
Following the heavy rains of July 2018, people with lived experience and support workers in Okayama Prefecture have continued efforts to share challenges related to evacuation and consider how to prepare.
Concerns and challenges vary from household to household, including securing power for medical equipment, preparing for floods and power outages, and finding ways to get around if an apartment building’s elevator becomes unusable.
With the goal of creating an “evacuation plan that leaves no one behind,” people with lived experience, support workers, and government agencies are working together to organize individual evacuation plans, consider essential items to take along, and gather information about portable power supplies.
Evacuating at Home as an Option
On the day, an expert in electrical systems is also expected to offer individual consultations on securing power for households that use medical equipment.
If there is no risk of flooding or building collapse, and sufficient power can be secured, evacuating at home may also be an option. Being able to stay in familiar surroundings can provide reassurance for both physical and mental well-being. Visitors can get advice tailored to their specific circumstances, such as how much battery storage they should prepare based on the power consumption of their medical equipment.
The event will introduce these initiatives and provide a place for the whole community to consider the first steps toward evacuating safely.
From the Writer
Chinami Oki, a member of the event’s organizing group, the Okayama Children’s Welfare Equipment Network, and representative of Tonarino Kobo, spoke about the event as follows.
“This time, the event is being held in Kurashiki City, making it easy to attend from the Bingo region as well. The flyer that will be handed out on the day is packed with information, so we hope you’ll look forward to the event and feel free to come by.”
The disaster preparedness section, in particular, is expected to be “a booth that reflects the thoughts and feelings of families of people requiring special consideration.”
Welfare equipment and disaster preparedness are not matters that concern only those who need them.
When everyone in the community knows about them, it can help provide support when it matters. Why not drop by with family or friends?
Children’s Welfare Equipment FESTIVAL: A Future of Welfare Where “Can Do” Expands — Event Information
Please bring indoor slippers (shoes).
| Name | Children’s Welfare Equipment FESTIVAL: A Future of Welfare Where “Can Do” Expands |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, February 8, 2026 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Location | 180 Sasaoki, Kurashiki City — Gymnasium, 4th Floor, Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission; advance registration not required |
| Website | Okayama Children’s Welfare Equipment FESTIVAL |
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