In Kurashiki City, there are nearly 20 group homes where individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues live, and over 100 facilities involved in continuous employment support and employment transition support.
However, within Kurashiki City, there are not many opportunities for people involved in disability welfare to share practical examples across organizational and support boundaries.
Therefore, in an effort to enable individuals with disabilities to lead rich lives within the community, Kurashiki Support LABO has planned the "Kurashiki Support LABO Serious Research Meeting" as a venue for sharing each other's activities.
Approximately 100 participants gathered, including those from outside Okayama Prefecture, to engage in heated discussions divided into eight subcommittees under the theme of "Towards the Realization of 'Richness' for Individuals with Disabilities Living in the Community."
What is "Kurashiki Support LABO"
While it is possible to live a minimum standard of life through public social welfare systems, simply relying on existing systems is insufficient to increase the options for individuals with disabilities to engage with the community.
To change this situation, Kurashiki Support LABO holds various events such as matchmaking seminars, music events at café bars, and floral decoration (flower arrangement performance) events, allowing participation regardless of disability.
What is the Kurashiki Support LABO Serious Research Meeting
The Kurashiki Support LABO Serious Research Meeting was held on November 9, 2025, at Kurashiki Civic Hall.
On that day, about 100 participants, including staff and presenters, gathered and engaged in discussions divided into eight subcommittees.
For detailed information, please check the images below.
![[Held on 11/9 (Sun)] Kurashiki Support LABO Research Meeting - A Research Meeting to Thoroughly Discuss the 'Now' and 'Future' of Disability Welfare](https://media.kuratoco.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/20130019/DSCF6571-485x323.jpg)
The Day's Events
The weather on November 9 (Sunday) was drizzly, but there were people walking with suitcases at the venue. Many supporters I spoke with had come all the way to Kurashiki from Kyushu, Kinki, and Tokai regions specifically for this event, indicating its high level of attention.
During the opening, two individuals who have been involved in the operation since the establishment of Kurashiki Support LABO took the stage.
- Masakazu Sato
Individual with a disability support - Kiyoko Ando
Parent of a child with a disability
Towards the Realization of 'Richness' for Individuals with Disabilities Living in the Community was the theme, and they spoke about the objectives and content of Kurashiki Support LABO's activities, as well as how it is operated.
Additionally, while Kurashiki Support LABO initially started as a grant project, it is now operated by their own efforts. A donation box was prepared at the venue, and they called for cooperation in donating to activities they support.
Kurashiki Support LABO is characterized by changing operational members for each project. The presence of many donation boxes reflects the idea that "it feels good to donate to events that I genuinely want to support."
Learning, Discussion, and Exchange... Eight Subcommittees Tailored to Each Purpose
After the opening, participants divided into eight themes of interest (combined for morning and afternoon).
Since participants could freely enter and exit the subcommittees, I peeked into all of them a little bit.
The Future of Employment Support
The morning session of Subcommittee 1 had the theme "The Future of Employment Support - Connecting Systems, Field, and Society", with the following two speakers:
- Masakazu Sato
NPO Ai (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) - Takayuki Miyamoto
Dweild LLC (Aichi Prefecture)
From the perspective of supporters, the discussion raised the question of whether for individuals with disabilities, simply receiving wages is sufficient, and emphasized the need for support that considers the sense of fulfillment of individuals with disabilities.
The first voice raised during the discussion came from a parent of a child with a disability. The real voices of the individuals added intensity to the discussion, confirming the necessity for various facilities in Kurashiki City to come together and consider the necessary employment support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Reproducibility of the Support LABO Community
The afternoon session of Subcommittee 1 had the theme "Reproducibility of the Support LABO Community - Exploring the Reproducibility of 'Cross-Border Communities' that Drive Community Welfare", with the following speaker:
- Masakazu Sato
NPO Ai (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)
Since its establishment in 2021, Kurashiki Support LABO has operated various projects believing that individuals with disabilities should be able to participate in events and engage in romantic relationships, thereby broadening their life choices.
Reflecting on that history, it became a meaningful time for supporters, individuals with disabilities, and even administrative staff to share the initial thought of wanting to support areas that are not sufficiently covered by national support systems through Kurashiki Support LABO.
AI and Welfare
The morning theme of Subcommittee 2 was "AI and Welfare - Utilizing Technology to Enrich Support". The speakers were:
- Toshiki Ogawa
Jin Co., Ltd. (Osaka Prefecture) with practical examples of deepening communication between support staff and users using AI assistants - Kyohei Takami
Chayamachi Community Living Support Center (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)
Having previously worked as a teacher at a special support school, I initially thought that emotional labor involving people seemed distant from AI. Many participants appeared to share similar feelings.
Therefore, in this subcommittee, there was a clear and beginner-friendly lecture on how AI tools are used in actual situations, along with practical examples.
One phrase that particularly stuck with me was from Takami, who said, "Humans are the bosses of AI." Emotional labor involving people is one of the identities that can only be performed by "real human beings, not AI." Therefore, the perspective that by delegating administrative tasks to AI, people can focus on consultation work was very refreshing.
This theme seems likely to accumulate many new insights by the time the next research meeting is scheduled in two years.
Profitability of Consultation Support
The afternoon session of Subcommittee 2 had the theme "Profitability of Consultation Support - Real Management Strategies to Continue Support", with the following speakers:
- Masayoshi Suzuki
Consultation Support Office GIFT (Kyoto Prefecture) - Kyohei Takami
Chayamachi Community Living Support Center (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)
Suzuki has been running a consultation support office for about 10 years.
On the other hand, Takami has just started the business this fiscal year. The exchange progressed in a way where Suzuki shared various ideas that have allowed him to continue his business for 10 years, while Takami consulted with him.
The topic of "money," which is usually difficult to discuss, seemed easier for participants to engage with since it was set as a theme for the subcommittee, leading to discussions on specific topics such as ways to increase funds, which was likely a significant gain.
Leisure Support
In the morning of Subcommittee 3, under the theme of "Leisure Support - Supporting the Time to Live", the following individuals provided topics for discussion.
- Komagawa Tatsuhiro
Employment Transition Support Office Irodori (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) - Yoshinobu Daiki
Employment Transition Support Office Irodori (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) - Kojima Takashi
Daytime Temporary Support Project Chill (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)
Among the speakers, there were supporters with experiences of social withdrawal, and the audience listened intently to their stories from both the perspective of being a person affected and as a supporter.
Many participants were supporters themselves, expressing specific needs for connection with individuals who could spend leisure time with those in their facilities.
At the same time, there was a passionate discussion about the importance of drawing out the feelings of the individuals involved, rather than focusing solely on what supporters want to do.
Disability and Sexuality
In the afternoon of Subcommittee 3, under the theme of "Disability and Sexuality - Support for Decision-Making and 'Determination'", Konishi Rie from Osaka's Kagayaki Seisakusho served as the moderator, and the following individual provided topics for discussion.
- Shibayama Keiko
Group Home Arc no Ie (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)
Shibayama discussed the experiences of users regarding pregnancy and childbirth in a women's group home, and how to provide support when users of the affiliated organization become pregnant or give birth.
It was confirmed that support is needed from the perspective of "What does the individual want to do?" and "What can supporters do to respect the individual's wishes?" rather than focusing on "What will I do?".
Separation of Childhood and Adulthood
In the main venue on the second floor, the opening was held with the theme of "Separation of Childhood and Adulthood - Supporting Children's 'Self-Understanding' and Growth", with in-depth discussions and topic presentations taking place from morning until afternoon.
The speakers were as follows.
- Ueno Miharu
Four Star Plus Co., Ltd. (Osaka Prefecture) - Ono Makoto
Future Map Association (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) - Kurokawa Akira
Childcare Support Kagayakids Co., Ltd. (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture) - Ando Kiyoko
Certified NPO Parent Support Step (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)
Focusing on the keyword of "Continuity of Self-Understanding from Early Childhood to Adulthood," the challenges and innovations from the perspectives of after-school day services, educational settings, support organizations, and parental support were shared.
Participants from various backgrounds attended, and there were moments when the genuine struggles of parents were expressed, capturing the serious attention of everyone present.
While no answers were found to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood, the depth of feelings regarding this gap was shared among participants, which was a significant gain.
Although there are often situations where supporters and families of service users must interact from their respective positions, the opportunity for everyone to speak candidly as participants regardless of their roles was a very valuable time.
Dark Room
This is a free talk room mainly for supporters who want to take a break.
Since there were many participants from outside the prefecture at this event, it served as a valuable space for exchanging information.
A Variety of Unique Souvenirs at Kurashiki's Welfare Event
While there is a participation fee for the subcommittees, a free sales corner was open immediately upon entering the first floor.
Numerous sweets and miscellaneous goods made by welfare facilities and parents of children with disabilities from Kurashiki City and as far as Kansai were on display.
During the lunch break, participants of the subcommittees also visited the sales corner, creating a lively atmosphere as people shopped to commemorate their visit to the event.
Conclusion
After the program concluded, the expressions of participants returning to the closing venue were very bright.
During the closing, the moderators of each subcommittee shared their thoughts on what they felt in their respective venues.
While no clear answers emerged from any of the subcommittees, the day served as an opportunity to confirm that various individuals are facing the same theme with their own perspectives and challenges.
Supporters, families of children and individuals with disabilities will return to their daily lives. Knowing the existence of "companions" and that "everyone shares the same concerns" will surely become a source of emotional support.
This time, the members of Support LABO took the lead in providing topics, but perhaps in two years at the next research meeting, there will be contributions from those who felt something and returned to their respective fields.
It was a very meaningful event that made us look forward to the future of welfare for people with disabilities in Kurashiki.
Data from the Kurashiki Support LABO Serious Research Meeting
| Name | Kurashiki Support LABO Serious Research Meeting |
|---|---|
| Date | November 7, 2025 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Location | 17-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | 1,900 yen |
| Homepage | Official Facebook Page of Kurashiki Support LABO (Serious) |
