Azalee Group Recognizes International Staff Supporting Japan’s Care Sector
Azalee Group recently held a staff appreciation event for its international employees working across group facilities, including those under Social Welfare Corporation Kōjukai. With nearly 30 participants from 14 countries, the gathering acknowledged the vital contributions of foreign staff to Japan’s aging care infrastructure.
Foreign staff from multiple sites attended the event, alongside employees currently on childcare leave and incoming hires. Some brought family members, creating an inclusive setting reflective of Azalee’s diverse workforce.
CEO Dr Koji Kurusu opened the event by thanking the staff for their ongoing efforts in a sector facing significant labor shortages.
A toast from Chairman Isono was followed by a casual buffet, a country flag quiz, and interactive presentations.
The quiz highlighted that Azalee Group employs staff from 14 countries. Despite language and cultural differences, Japanese is the common working language, enabling effective communication across teams.
Each represented country was introduced through short presentations. Staff from Myanmar, Vietnam, Mongolia, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Korea shared basic information, personal interests, and greetings in their native languages. These segments offered insight into the group’s varied backgrounds and experience.
Although not all countries could be represented on the day, the event provided a platform to recognize the scale and integration of the international team across the organization.
International staff play a critical role in supporting Azalee Group’s operations and leadership across its care services. Their presence helps stabilize frontline functions and address persistent workforce shortages. They are also a joy to work with and learn from, bringing unique perspectives and experiences that enhance team collaboration. The group will continue to prioritize diversity as part of its operational strategy and long-term staffing approach.
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Chinese Early Childhood Education Leaders Visit Azalee Group to Explore STEAM Education in Japan
A delegation of seven early childhood education professionals from Sichuan Province, China—led by Ms. Wang Lin, General Manager of Chongqing Jinde Kaiton Early Childhood Education Group—visited several Azalee Group childcare and welfare facilities. The visit was organized to observe and learn from STEAM education practices currently implemented in Japan.
The group visited four facilities: Nagisa Combined preschool and daycare center, which emphasizes STEAM-based learning; Edogawa Kindergarten, known for its focus on physical development; Ginnosuzu Nursery School, which integrates STEAM with food education; and A-Cube, a multi-generational facility promoting interaction across age groups.
Two lectures were arranged as part of the visit. The first was delivered by Professor Yasufumi Kawamura, a widely respected figure in science education and Chair of the STEAM Early Childhood Education Research Society. Drawing on his extensive experience, Professor Kawamura introduced the value of inquiry-based learning and nature experiences during early childhood, using both theory and practical examples. The visitors showed great interest and engaged actively with questions.
The second lecture was given by Ms. Mihoko Chiba, principal of Nagisa Combined preschool and daycare center, who shared examples from her daily practice and explained how her team designs collaborative STEAM-focused curriculum. Her talk offered a practical view into how young children can begin to develop scientific thinking in everyday settings.
The delegation expressed interest in exploring similar approaches in their own institutions and showed enthusiasm for future exchange opportunities, including the possibility of cross-border learning experiences for children. Their feedback suggested that the visit offered meaningful insights for both sides.
The Azalee Group is grateful for the opportunity to host such an engaged and thoughtful group of educators. Visits like these are a reminder that shared learning can take place across cultures and systems. The integration of childcare, education, and welfare—especially as modeled at A-Cube—may offer ideas for others exploring more inclusive and community-oriented care models.
If your organization is interested in exchanging ideas or arranging a site visit to A-Cube, please feel free to contact us. We welcome opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.
About Azalee Group:
Azalee Group provides a wide range of elderly care services, including nursing homes, rehabilitation, and home care support, with a focus on community-based integration. More information.
About A-Cube:
A-Cube is a multi-generational care facility that integrates elderly care, childcare, and disability support services, fostering an inclusive community and innovative caregiving solutions. More details.
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We love to collaborate. Please get in touch via the contact form below and explore how we can work together.
Building a Community Where Everyone Belongs: Azalee Minna no Restaurant at A-Cube
At A-Cube, a multi-functional community facility located in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, we believe in creating a town where people connect naturally—across generations, abilities, and cultures. Since August 2024, we have been bringing that vision to life through an inclusive initiative called “Azalee Minna no Restaurant” (“Azalee Everyone’s Restaurant”).
Held on the third Thursday of each month, this community dining event is more than a typical children’s cafeteria. It is a space where children, parents, seniors, people with disabilities, and foreign residents come together over a shared meal—and more importantly, shared time. With support from Edogawa Ward, meals are offered free of charge. Ingredients are provided by local partners, including the beloved bakery Köln, and meal preparation is supported by volunteers and users of the A-Cube in-house senior wellness center.
But what makes this initiative unique is how it builds community through participation and interaction. Children engage in seasonal activities like Halloween parades or Christmas gift exchanges, while STEAM-themed experiences, such as science experiments and cooking events, foster creativity and learning. Individuals with disabilities take on meaningful roles in event preparation, reinforcing a sense of purpose and belonging.
Azalee Minna no Restaurant exemplifies A-Cube’s mission to promote inclusive local engagement—not as a concept, but as a lived experience. It provides a warm, welcoming space where everyone can feel seen, valued, and connected.
We will continue to share stories and updates about this initiative in future posts. To stay informed, we encourage you to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, where we will highlight new developments, community stories, and upcoming events.
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Azalee Group and Bunkyo Gakuin University Sign Comprehensive Partnership Agreement
On March 12, 2025, Azalee Group signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Bunkyo Gakuin University and its governing body, Bunkyo Gakuin Educational Foundation. The goal of this agreement is to foster the development of human resources in the fields of childcare, welfare, and healthcare, with a particular focus on promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and the training of international personnel.
By combining Bunkyo Gakuin University’s diverse academic programs with Azalee Group’s hands-on experience in community welfare and multicultural initiatives, the partnership aims to contribute to the advancement of both education and social welfare. The agreement is expected to strengthen ties between education and welfare, offering more practical training opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can collaborate. It also seeks to expand community outreach efforts and deepen connections with local residents, ultimately working toward the realization of a more inclusive and secure society for all.
A signing ceremony was held on the same day to commemorate the agreement. Attendees included Bunkyo Gakuin University President Tsutomu Fukui, Chancellor and Chairperson Masakazu Shimada, Dean of the Faculty of Human Studies Toshiyuki Oguri, and Professor Mika Toba. From Azalee Group, CEO Koji Kurusu, General Affairs Director Masayuki Yamaguchi, Urayasu Kindergarten Principal Kyoko Yamazaki, and Famille Nursery School Director Li Jia were present. During the ceremony, representatives from both organizations spoke about the significance of the agreement and their shared commitment to building a new model of collaboration between education and welfare.
Azalee Group and Bunkyo Gakuin University will continue to strengthen their partnership and work together to nurture outstanding individuals who will contribute to society. We look forward to the new initiatives that will emerge from this collaboration.
A-Cube Hosts October Community Kitchen Event to Strengthen Local Ties
In October, A-Cube was pleased to host its latest community initiative, a monthly community kitchen designed to bring local families together in a warm, supportive setting. This event offered a brief respite from busy schedules, allowing families to enjoy a nutritious meal and connect in an inclusive environment.
A Menu for Community Enjoyment
For this event, A-Cube’s staff and members of both the elder care day service and disability day support service prepared a menu crafted with care and attention to detail, featuring nutritious, comforting dishes such as rice balls, pumpkin croquettes, hearty pork miso soup, and a fresh fruit salad. Each item was selected to appeal to all ages, while also prioritizing balanced nutrition, reinforcing A-Cube’s commitment to promoting health and well-being.
A key objective of the community kitchen was to create a space where families could relax and recharge. Recognizing the many responsibilities modern families manage, A-Cube seeks to provide a supportive setting where parents could unwind, connect with other families, and enjoy time with their children.
Building Connections Through Shared Experiences
A-Cube’s community kitchen highlights the positive impact of shared experiences on community building. By gathering around a shared meal, families were able to engage meaningfully, fostering connections that extended beyond the event itself. Parents found common ground in their shared experiences of raising children, while the children delighted in the meal. As an integrated facility that combines services for children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, A-Cube emphasizes inclusivity as a core value, there were plenty of opportunities to interact with seniors and people with disabilities over the meal.
A-Cube remains dedicated to organizing events and initiatives that encourage community engagement and support. The community kitchen event is one part of A-Cube’s larger strategy to build a robust, connected community where families and individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together.
As we look to the future, we hope to continue to serve as a hub for community building and support, welcoming families and individuals to gather, connect, and share experiences. We hope to see you at our dinner table!
Preparing to Celebrate Summer with Inclusion and Community at A-Cube
At Azalee Group’s A-Cube facility, we are excited to prepare for our upcoming Summer Festival, scheduled for the week of July 8. This annual event brings together children from Azalee Nursery School, participants from our disability day programs, and seniors from Azalee Rehabilitation Club and embodies our commitment to fostering an inclusive and interactive community where everyone can have fun together.
A Week of Fun and Connection
The Summer Festival is a highlight of our calendar, filled with activities designed to bring joy and engagement to all participants. This year, we are particularly proud of the collaborative efforts that have gone into the preparations.
Making Memories with Plum Syrup
In preparation for the festival, our 5-year-old nursery school children teamed up with seniors and individuals with disabilities to create homemade plum syrup. This syrup will be used to flavor shaved ice, a traditional and refreshing treat often found at Japanese festivals.
The children, guided by their teachers and assisted by the seniors and participants with disabilities, learned how to remove the stems from the plums and prepare them for syrup-making. Through the activity of removing plum stems and binning them in sugar, the seniors and nursery school children were able to naturally deepen their interactions.
The festival will feature a variety of activities, from games and crafts to dances and, of course, the much-anticipated shaved ice treat with our homemade plum syrup.
Embracing Our Inclusive Mission
At Azalee Group, our mission is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can thrive and find joy. The Summer Festival is a testament to this mission, showcasing the benefits of diversity and inclusion. By bringing together nursery school children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities to enjoy special cultural events, we aim to create a community where everyone learns, grows, and has fun together.
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Intergenerational Event: Bringing Together 4-Year-Olds and Seniors for a Day of Fun
Recently, the A-Cube facility of the Azalee Group hosted a wonderful intergenerational event that brought together 4-year-old children and seniors. This special event allowed different generations to share joyful moments and create lasting memories.
A Musical Gift from the Children
The event began with a delightful musical performance by the 4-year-old children. Their cheerful singing brought smiles to the faces of the seniors, filling the room with warmth and happiness. The pure energy of the children created an uplifting atmosphere that everyone enjoyed.
Intergenerational Jenga Game
Next, the children and seniors paired up for a Jenga game using cardboard and paper cups. The teams competed to see who could stack the highest or finish the fastest. This game was not only fun but also a great opportunity to learn about teamwork and communication.
It was especially heartwarming to see the children seeking advice from the seniors and the seniors encouraging the children’s creativity. These moments of intergenerational cooperation showcased the joy of achieving something together.
The Importance of Intergenerational Interaction
Events like this embody the core values of the Azalee Group, which emphasizes the importance of intergenerational interaction. Through these interactions, children learn respect and gratitude, while seniors receive energy and hope from the children.
The A-Cube facility plans to continue hosting events that bring together different generations. By fostering an inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds can interact, we aim to build a richer, more understanding community.
We hope that these initiatives contribute to creating a better future for all our participants—children, seniors, and everyone in between.
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A-Cube: a model for integrating childcare, nursing, and disability services in Japan
Azalee Group, headquartered in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo, on August 1, 2023, reopened “A-Cube,” which integrates nursing, childcare, and disability services.
Background
Globally, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are progressing. In line with Edogawa Ward’s slogan “Living Together, Edogawa Ward,” efforts are underway to realize an inclusive society. Azalee Group has been managing childcare and nursing services for over twenty years and aspires to actualize an inclusive society where “no one is left behind and people support each other.” This led to the creation of A-Cube in Edogawa Ward, a facility co-housing childcare, nursing, and disability services.
A-Cube Chief Producer, Josh Grisdale Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Member of the Committee for Facilitating Mobility / Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Member of the Research Project on Travel Support for the Elderly in Need of Care / Edogawa Ward Member of the Edogawa Future Conference / Edogawa Ward Member of the Committee for Establishing a Mobility Facilitation Policy
Key Features:
Childcare and Education Services
Azalee Nursery School: Focuses on “self-esteem nurturing care” for infants and “education-focused care” for older children. It incorporates “STEAM education” within experiential activities, providing educational childcare through play. In collaboration with the NPO KultureCity®, it’s the first facility in Asia to be certified as sensory inclusive, offering a “Calm Down Room (Snoezelen Room)” equipped with gentle sensory materials.
Azalee Famille Nursery School: Caters to children aged 0-2, enabling staff with children to work while their children are cared for. The staff includes approximately 10% foreign nationals.
After School Club Azalee Academia Shin-Koiwa: Offers after-school care aligned with parents’ work schedules, focusing on “STEAM education” and experiential learning, including programming, Go classes, English lessons with foreign instructors, and various summer programs that foster curiosity and problem-solving skills.
Nursing Services
Azalee Rehabilitation Club: Introduced “Rehabilitation × Muscle Suit,” developed by Professor Hiroshi Kobayashi of Tokyo University of Science. This suit helps the elderly maintain a healthy posture by resetting the pelvic position.
Safety Floor: Developed in collaboration with Professor Yasumi Ito of the University of Yamanashi and Toppan Printing, this floor material reduces fall impact by 45%, lowering the risk of fractures, a major cause of immobility in the elderly.
Azalee Cocokara Plaza: Activities targeting relatively healthy elderly individuals and focus on building a sense of purpose, physical fitness, and engaging in hobbies.
Disability Services
Azalee Rehabilitation Club for Integrated Life Care: Launched in August 2023, this service provides essential community support including bathing services for adults with disabilities. It fosters natural interactions between childcare children, after-school club attendees, and elderly day service users.
Introduction Video
About Koujukai
Founded 25 years ago by Dr. Koji Kurisu, Koujukai consists of social welfare, educational, and medical corporations. Driven by his experiences in nursing care, Dr. Kurisu established the corporation with a vision to provide services that enrich lives and embody the essence of living. The group continues to expand its services tailored to local and user needs, centering on welfare, medical care, and education in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo.
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