A Look at the Event

We hosted another edition of “Kasumiso Hiroba,” the parenting community gathering born from Sarukuma!
@sarukoukumamoto

This time we had a special edition! It all started when Riri-san posted a story saying “I’d love to learn self-defense!” The response from her followers was so enthusiastic — “Yes, please, let’s do it!” — that we made it happen!Our wonderful instructors were Eto-sensei and Gondo-sensei from Aikido Hino Kokoro, an aikido dojo based in Suizenji, Kumamoto.
@hinococoro_aikido
Our fellow writer “Aroma na Hito” (the Aromatherapy Lady) joined us as well!
@te_amour.aromatherapy
She actually trains in aikido at this dojo together with her son.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art built on the philosophy of not creating enemies and not relying on brute strength. To prevent injury, we started with simple warm-up exercises — and even the youngest children did a wonderful job copying the movements!

“When someone grabs you like this, use the principle of leverage — like this! And when they grab you that way, do this!” One by one, the senseis taught us practical techniques for getting out of grips.

The elementary school kids absorbed the techniques eagerly and put them into practice — honestly, the kids picked things up much faster than the adults!
The little ones did their best by mimicking the moves, and they looked surprisingly stylish doing it.
Most of all, it felt like a fun bonding game between the children and their parents — everyone was having a blast.

This time we had an unusually high turnout of dads, and they may have had the most fun of any session yet!
Since dads are usually the only ones strong enough to grab moms with full force, we had hoped to give the moms a chance to flip them with an “ow ow ow!” — but instead, several dads volunteered themselves: “Sensei! Please pin me down!” (Ha!)

Although seasonal illnesses meant we had several last-minute cancellations, the participants who came absolutely loved it. “Please do a second session!” “Make this a regular event!” — the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Going forward, we’re planning more special weekend editions for kindergarteners and elementary school children who can’t usually join our weekday gatherings.
If you have ideas for activities you’d love to see, please let us know! We’re thinking about a science experiment workshop for spring break — stay tuned!

Event announcements are also posted on the Kasumiso Hiroba Instagram.
Ko-Ko-Kono KOSHI Instagram

Same-day cancellations and coming and going during the event are totally fine!
Parking: Free
Restrooms: Western-style toilets, no baby seat guards, but a diaper-changing table is available in the multipurpose room
Nursing is also welcome!
If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask the staff.
You don’t have to live in Koshi City, and your child doesn’t have to be a baby — everyone is welcome to join!
It’s perfectly fine if your child cries or runs around, and arriving late or leaving early is also no problem!
Because that’s just what kids do — and that’s totally okay with us!

While we use a reservation system, we’ve been getting more people on the waiting list lately, so if your plans change please send us a DM through this account to let us know.

Ko-Ko-Kono KOSHI Instagram

Our Sponsors

Starting this fiscal year, “Kasumiso Hiroba” is looking for sponsor companies to support our activities!
For details, please feel free to send us a DM through the Kasumiso Hiroba Instagram.

In Cooperation With

Yusui Nursery School Toyooka
Website: https://yusui.ed.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toyookayusui/

Every month, the principal of Yusui Nursery School Toyooka joins us at our gatherings.
He lends us tools and toys for our activities, and even brings along a height-and-weight scale!
He’s happy to answer questions about finding the right nursery school, and even insider questions like “What is it really like to work at a nursery school?”
During the activities, you might glance over and find a baby happily sitting on his lap! (Ha!)
He’s incredibly friendly and approachable, so please don’t hesitate to chat with him (^^)