Interview with Yumepal Staff
We interviewed Akagi Kikuko, the director of Yumepal, about what Yumepal is, how we would like citizens to utilize it, and more.
A Rare Public Consultation Agency for Parents Born from Parents' Voices
Please tell us about the background of Yumepal's establishment in Kurashiki City.
Akagi (no honorifics)
Yumepal is a consultation center that supports parents born from parents' voices in 2008.
While there are institutions across the country that connect children with disabilities or developmental concerns to welfare services, there are still few institutions aimed at supporting the difficulties faced by parents raising such children.
In Kurashiki City, there are organizations aimed at supporting parents raising children with disabilities or suspected disabilities. Responding to requests from such parents, Yumepal was established as a public consultation agency where they can consult easily.
It's nice that Saturdays are included as opening days.
Akagi
Saturdays are a day when working parents can more easily visit. Due to high demand, reservations are required.
Additionally, there is ample parking, so arriving by car is also possible.
It is known by the nickname "Yumepal" rather than the official name "Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center." I would like to know the origin of the nickname.
Akagi
The word "yume" means dream, and "pal" means friend, which together form "Yumepal."
The nickname was decided through a public recruitment process.
Please tell us about the target users of Yumepal.
Akagi
The target users are parents or family members of children under 18 years old.
Currently, even if you do not possess various disability certificates or recipient certificates for "Child Development Support" or "After-School Day Services," if you feel difficulties in parenting, please feel free to consult with us.
We also provide information on other welfare services and administrative services as needed.
Smooth Collaboration with Both Government and Private Welfare Services
What roles are unique to public institutions?
Akagi
We also serve a role similar to that of a city hall window, where you can apply for recipient certificates to utilize welfare services.
Additionally, with the cooperation of the organization "Certified NPO Parent Support Step," which supports parents of children with disabilities, we hold writing sessions for the "Kagayaki Notebook," where parents can document their children's growth and learning experiences.
This format was also created in response to requests from parents, in collaboration with Kurashiki City and the Kurashiki City Board of Education.
Recently, in November 2025, we held a private viewing event for Yumepal families at Kurashiki City Art Museum.
In this way, being able to collaborate with public institutions while responding to parents' requests is a unique role of a government agency.
On the other hand, Yumepal does not conduct disability certifications for children. Diagnoses should be obtained from hospitals with specialized doctors.
However, since a psychologist is stationed here, we can analyze your child's strengths and areas for growth from multiple perspectives and discuss parenting points together. There is also a playroom in the consultation room, so you can bring your child along.
Please tell us why the target of support is the "parents" of children with disabilities or developmental concerns.
Akagi
We believe that stabilizing the hearts of parents living with children with disabilities or developmental concerns leads to the stability of those children's lives.
By gaining hints on how to interact with their children and connecting with institutions that can accompany them in parenting, we aim to create a society where parents do not have to bear everything alone and can raise children in the community.
Additionally, while there are institutions that sincerely engage with children's needs, such as developmental support and educational institutions, we also want to assist in supporting parents at Yumepal.
Consultation Available Anytime for Parents Who Feel "Stuck" in Parenting, Regardless of Disability
Some people may not know when the right time to consult is and may find it difficult to seek help.
Akagi
Anytime is fine.
If you are concerned about your child's development or if you are struggling with parenting, please consult us anytime.
When Yumepal was established around 2008, many new visitors came at the time of starting elementary school, but now consultations are increasing from a slightly earlier stage.
The fact that the age of children among visitors is getting younger indicates that there is a growing interest and concern for developmental support in Kurashiki City. It is heartening to see that more and more people are recognizing Yumepal as a familiar consultation agency and coming to consult with us each year.
Of course, since the target is children up to 18 years old, you can consult about difficulties that arise as they grow.
For older children, we often receive consultations from parents of children who are truant or tend to lie. Additionally, even if a family's use of Yumepal has lapsed, some return when new concerns arise due to growth, such as entering school or friendships.
Visitors include not only parents but also grandparents who come to consult.
Is it necessary to bring your child to the consultation?
Akagi
In cases such as applying for recipient certificates, it is necessary to bring your child for identification purposes, but in other cases, it is left to the family's discretion.
When you come with your child, there is also a space where they can play.
If coming in person is difficult, we also accept online consultations, so please inquire when making a reservation.
Is it not the case that the staff sometimes feel sad about the consultation content?
Akagi
At Yumepal, we share the consultation content among staff on a daily basis. Not only do we share the content, but we also have an atmosphere where we can casually suggest things like, "How about saying it this way next time?"
Consultations are not something that individuals bear alone; we ensure that anyone can respond to them in the future.
We also value regular opportunities for specialized training.
Comprehensive Parenting Support for Children with Disabilities or Developmental Concerns
Yumepal also holds original events in addition to consultation support. Please tell us about past events that were well received.
Akagi
The day camp "Karugamo Camp," held in the fall, is popular every year.
Participants have said, "While I can't join local groups like children's associations, at Karugamo Camp, my child can run around or panic without worrying, so I can come with peace of mind."
Another popular leisure support event is "Fagiano Okayama Near the Pitch," where participants can view the pitch. Especially since Fagiano Okayama was promoted to J1, it has become a popular event that requires a lottery to participate.
This is also easy to participate in because the participants are children who need support.
Additionally, "Skip Time," aimed at families waiting for developmental support, is meaningful as local developmental staff also participate.
Moreover, for parents using Yumepal, parenting courses at local childcare support centers may not be very relevant to their own parenting. The "Parenting Assurance Series" aimed at such parents has been well attended each time.
We Want to Provide Support That Reaches Those in Need at the Right Time
Please tell us about your future prospects.
Akagi
I want to raise awareness of Yumepal among citizens who need it.
The number of visitors has been increasing year by year, but especially for families with infants who do not attend nursery or kindergarten, there may be those who do not know where to consult.
In the future, I would like to continue to raise awareness so that various people can learn about Yumepal.
Please give a message to the readers.
Akagi
Parenting is difficult, whether there are challenges or not. That’s why please don’t hesitate to consult with us.
We are always on your side, parents.
Conclusion
I was born with a hearing impairment.
As a child, I took my hearing difficulties for granted and did not compare myself to hearing people, so I did not feel much difficulty at that time. However, my parents must have been greatly shocked to learn that their child had a disability, and they were filled with anxiety about my future.
In fact, I had schools that taught me how to use hearing aids and sign language, but my parents were in an unknown and trial-and-error state when it came to raising a child who could not hear.
I believe that services like Yumepal, which empathize with parents' feelings, are even more necessary the younger the child is.
I hope that Yumepal's existence will be known to those who need it, and that the number of parents who bear the worries and anxieties of parenting alone will decrease, leading to smiles for future children.
Data on Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center Yumepal
| Name | Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center Yumepal |
|---|---|
| Address | 1st Floor, Window 7, Kurashiki Health and Welfare Plaza, 180 Sasao, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-434-9882 |
| Website | Kurashiki City Comprehensive Development Consultation Center |
