New Member: Mirai no Mori
The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) welcomes our inaugural NPO member, Mirai no Mori to our expansive membership base!
Mirai no Mori is a non-profit organisation that provides learning opportunities in the outdoors for children living in care homes in Japan. Over the past 13 years, we have reached more than 4,300 children through around 500 outdoor programs.
In principle, these abused, neglected and orphaned youth living in care must leave care homes upon graduating from high school to begin living independently. Due to limited opportunities to build agency within the current child welfare system, many are unprepared for this sudden transition, being overwhelmed by challenges such as managing finances, forming relationships, facing social prejudice, and coping with the stress of living alone.
Mirai no Mori's solution is to utilie the power of the outdoors and design programs that equip children with the resilience, perspective and confidence needed for independence. Within a supportive and diverse environment, children are encouraged to think and act for themselves, step beyond familiar roles, and discover their own unique abilities and potential.
Our approach is long-term focused, creating year-round programs and close relationships with the children based on individual care and consistent adult role models. This dedicated approach is reflected in our 80% camper repeater ratio. Our age-based curriculum allows children to learn at their own pace, welcoming campers ages 6-15, Leaders in Training ages 16-18, and graduates 18 and above. Ultimately, we aim to build a 'home away from home' where the youth we serve can find a true sense of belonging even after care, and the tools to pursue their dreams.
By blending a local understanding with an international mindset, including bilingual communication and cultural sensitivity, Mirai no Mori is uniquely positioned to create a smooth, meaningful bridge between our mission and supportive sponsors, partners and donors.
Meet Executive Director, Kozue Oka
Why did you join the BCCJ?
We have been incredibly grateful for the financial support, strategic advice, and mentorship already provided by several BCCJ members and Executive Committee members, some of whom have met the youth we serve. We feel privileged to officially join BCCJ as one of the first NPO members, to deepen these relationships and formally embed ourselves in this supportive community.
What do you most hope to gain from your time as a member?
We hope to expand our network of like-minded people, companies and organizations, learn from the deep expertise of other BCCJ members, and find creative ways to build mutually meaningful, impactful collaborations.
What makes your organisation unique in your industry or market?
Mirai no Mori empowers youth aged 6 and above from children's care homes to develop resilience, perspective, and confidence through a multi-year, outdoor curriculum. By adapting to each stage of development, we are present in the children's lives from young campers into adulthood, equipping them with the life skills to build happy futures. Our focus on long-term involvement creates deep relationships of trust, offering these youth a safe and empowering community they never have to say goodbye to.
What recent achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
For the first time in our history, we have grown our team to four full-time staff members. This milestone allows us to scale sustainably, elevate the quality of our programs, and reach more children than ever before.
What kind of collaborations or connections are you most interested in building through the BCCJ?
We offer a diverse range of pathways for individuals and corporations to engage with our mission. Whether it is through corporate sponsorships, direct engagement and volunteering with the youth, or hosting awareness-raising events, we believe in a tailored approach. We are excited to design mutually impactful collaborations that align with what each BCCJ partner is passionate about exploring.
Visit Mirai no Mori's website & follow them on LinkedIn here!
