Kizuna Baby

Kizuna Baby is a program in which trained volunteers regularly visit and massage babies living in institutions in their own communities to foster the children’s health, well-being and development. The program was launched in Japan in 2010. More than thirty baby massage volunteers and three institutions currently participate in the program. The three institutions are in Tokyo. Kizuna Baby also provides free baby massage classes to the staff of institutions and to biological, foster and adoptive parents of institutionalized children.

‘Kizuna’ is the Japanese word for ‘bond’ and refers to the bond between babies and their parents or other caregivers which is deepened by nurturing touch and which is so crucial to children's well-being and optimal development.

Baby Massage Workshop for the Volunteer Program

• Date: July 6 (Sat) 10:00~16:00（1 hour lunch break）
• What to bring: Pen, doll to practice massage, bottled water
• Venue: Community center in Bunkyo Ward

Maximum number of participants: 15
Application deadline: June 22 (Sat)
Please send application to [email protected] with the following information:
full name, telephone number (mobile number preferable), and purpose for enrolling in the workshop. Details will be sent after applications are received.

• For those who wish to participate in Kizuna Baby volunteer activities, attending this workshop is required. Prior to starting volunteer activities, prospective volunteers must meet the requirements of the orphanage. Depending upon the desired schedule and conditions, volunteers may not be able to start volunteer activities immediately.
• Parents and grandparents who wish to learn to massage their own children or grandchildren may also join the workshop. However, please refrain from bringing your children.