How LOVE HAS NO LIMIT Charity Donations Are Being Put to Use in Osaka Prefecture's Children's Shining Future Fund

Universal Studios Japan contributed about 4 million yen to Osaka Prefecture's Children's Shining Future Fund at the end of January 2025, using a portion of the proceeds from the LOVE HAS NO LIMIT charity merchandise sales.

Osaka Prefecture's Children's Shining Future Fund aims to ensure that all children have an equal starting point and the opportunity to pursue a bright future. It provides direct support to children, including subsidies for educational materials and educational toys. By donating to this fund, Universal Studios Japan hopes to do what it can, however small, to support the healthy development of children in the local Osaka community. 

In this article, we would like to showcase examples of some of the ways in which this fund has been put to use.

Traveling Zoo at a Local Kodomo Shokudo in Hirakata

On March 2, Tetsu Suta Kodomo Shokudo, a "children's cafeteria” that opens twice a month at the local community center, brought a traveling zoo to the grounds of Yamanoue Elementary School in Hirakata. The event was open for the preschool and elementary school children who use the Kodomo Shokudo, their parents, other local families, and neighborhood residents.

The traveling zoo featured pony rides, the experience of feeding sheep and goats, and opportunities to interact with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and ducks. Children of all ages came to enjoy the event, from preschoolers to junior high school students. The enthusiastic children engaged in lively interactions with adorable animals. Some held guinea pigs under the guidance of the caretakers, while others excitedly told their parents about feeding the goats and sheep. The event was full of joyful scenes of kids having fun connecting with the animals.

Tetsuya Sugino, who heads Tetsu Suta Kodomo Shokudo, the organization that hosted the traveling zoo, explained that the event was designed to foster connections within the local community.

Mr. Sugino, a childcare worker who is also active as an early childhood education consultant, spoke about the importance of strengthening ties with the local community to foster children's development. "As nuclear families become more prevalent, building connections within the community plays an important role in nurturing self-esteem in children. In the small communities of home or school with their predefined roles for each person, opportunities for children to express themselves are limited. In larger community settings, they can discover new sides of themselves through experiences like being appreciated for helping care for younger children, for example. Such experiences help foster a stronger sense of self-esteem," he explains. 

Furthermore, part of the fund was used to purchase play equipment that supports sensory development, an important aspect of healthy growth in children. This equipment is used during the children's cafeteria events. Mr. Sugino hopes to continue using similar funds in the future to give children even more valuable hands-on experiences.

• Event Details
Event Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Yamanoue Elementary School Grounds, Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture
Sponsor: Tetsu Suta Kodomo Shokudo
Target Participants: Kodomo Shokudo users (preschool- and school-age children), their parents, local families, and community residents

Tetsu Suta Kodomo Shokudo requested the use of Osaka Prefecture's Children's Shining Future Fund to purchase the swing and balance board pictured above. These are now used for the kids to enjoy during regular Kodomo Shokudo operations.

Osaka Prefecture's Children's Shining Future Fund Website:
https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/o090120/kosodateshien/kodomo-mirai/index.html

Click here for the LOVE HAS NO LIMIT Online Charity Merchandise Store.