Launching Azalee Kids Lab: Expanding an Inclusive Community at A-Cube
On April 1, 2026, Koujukai Social Welfare Corporation (Azalee Group) proudly opened the “Azalee Kids Lab” within “A-Cube,” our community coexistence complex in Edogawa City. Kids Lab operates as a multi-functional facility providing child development support and visiting support for nursery schools.
With this new addition, A-Cube has evolved into a unified hub encompassing six vital community functions, including elderly care, disability support, childcare, and after-school programs. This initiative is our way of reimagining welfare—bringing services that are often separated by institutional systems together into a single, integrated space.
What is A-Cube?
A-Cube is a model facility that truly embodies “community coexistence.” By bringing together seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children under one roof, we create a vibrant, inclusive environment where everyone naturally mixes together. We aim to foster a space where people connect organically, moving beyond the traditional dynamic of “supporters” and “those being supported.”
Why Child Development Support?
As the need for developmental support continues to grow, early intervention has become more critical than ever. Drawing on the Azalee Group’s extensive experience across childcare, after-school programs, disability welfare, and elderly care, we established the Azalee Kids Lab to provide a comprehensive environment that offers:
- Careful, small-group support
- Continuous, reliable assistance for parents and guardians
- A nurturing environment where children can grow as active members of the local community
The Value of the Coexistence Model
A-Cube consolidates a diverse range of services: Adult Day Care for Seniors / Inclusive Lifestyle Support / Licensed Nursery School / Company-Led Nursery School / After-School Club / Child Development Support.
As these services intersect on a daily basis, relationships that transcend generations and backgrounds are born. This creates an environment where the entire community comes together to help raise its children.
- Features of Azalee Kids Lab
- 45-minute short-term intensive programs
- Data-driven support strategies
- An environment enriched by multi-generational interaction
Our goal is not simply to “increase what a child can do,” but rather to cultivate the inner strength they need to live authentically as themselves.
Message from the CEO
Koji Kurusu, CEO of Azalee Group
“A-Cube is a hub for community coexistence where everyone can naturally interact in shared spaces. The Azalee Kids Lab will be a place that not only provides dedicated care to each individual child but also expands their connections to society through engagement with diverse generations. We remain committed to realizing a society where people live together, positively influencing one another.”
Future Outlook
Using A-Cube as our model, we aim to build a society centered on community coexistence by:
- Strengthening regional partnerships
- Promoting collaboration among various professionals
- Expanding inclusive, community-based services
A-Cube is more than just a facility; it is a place where people connect. Through this initiative, we will continue to share and promote a new vision for what a community can be.
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China’s Qingmeng Group Visits Japan to Explore Early Childhood and STEAM Education
The general manager of Beijing’s Qingmeng Group led a delegation of kindergarten directors from across China to visit the Azalee Group as part of an educational exchange program in Japan. The group observed classes at Edogawa Kindergarten, learned about intergenerational activities at A-cube, and attended a lecture on STEAM education presented by Nagisa Kindergarten Principal, Mihoko Chiba. Through this visit, participants exchanged ideas and discussed various approaches to early childhood education centered on STEAM learning.
One expert in early childhood education and Montessori studies, currently based in the United States, shared:
“This was my first time visiting kindergartens and daycare centers in Japan. In the past, I believed that early childhood education in Asia was somewhat behind that of the United States, but through this visit, that impression changed. I was impressed by the attention to children’s growth and the thoughtful approach to education I observed in Japan.
Seeing the interactions between children and older adults also left a deep impression on me. In those warm, intergenerational exchanges, I felt the essence of education as nurturing life and community.”
We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this international exchange through education. Moving forward, we will continue to value our philosophy of “nurturing people through people,” and strive to keep learning and sharing ideas that help shape a better future for all children.
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We love to collaborate. Please get in touch via the contact form below and explore how we can work together.
Fifth Class from Copenhagen Nursing Program Visits A-Cube for International Exchange
On September 17, 2025, Azalee Group had the honor of welcoming the fifth class of nursing students from the Copenhagen Honours College in Nursing at the University College of Copenhagen. Accompanied by two returning faculty members, the visit continued a valued partnership that supports mutual learning and cross-cultural exchange in the field of integrated care.
Fifteen students took part in the one-day program, beginning with a tour of Azalee Annex, where they observed examples of community-based elderly care in Japan. The group then visited A-Cube, Azalee Group’s facility that brings together elderly care, childcare, and disability services in a shared environment.
At A-Cube, the students saw how nursery school children, day service users, and individuals with disabilities spend time together in shared spaces. This approach encourages meaningful interaction and mutual support across generations.
The group also experienced the Snoezelen room, a multi-sensory space that promotes comfort and stimulation for users with cognitive or sensory needs. Another highlight was a hands-on demonstration of the Muscle Suit—a wearable device used in rehabilitation to improve posture and reduce strain. At Azalee, the suit is introduced to elderly individuals to help maintain upright posture and prevent muscle pain, and to mothers of children entering Azalee Nursery School to support pelvic stability and recovery after childbirth. Students tried the suit themselves and gained insight into how such technology is applied to support daily well-being.
The visit concluded with a lecture by Dr. Koji Kurusu, CEO of Azalee Group, who spoke about Japan’s long-term care insurance system, projected workforce challenges, strategies to encourage independence among older adults, and Azalee’s efforts to respond to the needs of the community. An open Q&A session followed, with students raising thoughtful questions about public policy, intergenerational care models, and caregiver support systems.
We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to host this visit and to continue our partnership with the University College of Copenhagen. Exchanges such as these allow us to learn from one another and to explore new ideas for supporting people of all ages in our communities. Azalee Group looks forward to welcoming future visitors who are interested in integrated approaches to care.
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We love to collaborate. Please get in touch via the contact form below and explore how we can work together.
Malaysian Delegation Explores Integrated Care at A-Cube Facility
July 2, a delegation from Malaysia visited Azalee Group’s A-Cube facility in Edogawa. The group included representatives from Bina Darulaman Berhad, Seterra Group, and Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Malaysian Research Institute on Aging (MyAgeing). Their visit aimed to deepen understanding of integrated care models in Japan and explore potential collaboration in aging and community care.
The delegation toured A-Cube’s multi-functional facility, observing firsthand its integration of elderly care, childcare, and disability services. They explored various areas of the center and observed the daily operations that promote intergenerational and inclusive support.
Following the site tour, Dr. Koji Kurusu, CEO of Azalee Group, delivered a presentation outlining the organization’s philosophy and approach to community-based care. The session concluded with a structured discussion and exchange of perspectives and facilitating meaningful dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities in care provision.
A member of the delegation shared their impressions:
Our visit to your A-Cube facility on 2nd July 2025 has been an eye opening experience, especially your amalgamation of guests as young as 1 year old to seniors over 100 years old into a successful multigenerational facility they call home away from home.
The visit fostered valuable dialogue and laid the groundwork for future international collaboration. A-Cube aims to contribute to integrated care by bringing together generations and services under one roof. We welcome other institutions interested in learning about our approach to arrange a visit and explore new possibilities in caregiving.
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We love to collaborate. Please get in touch via the contact form below and explore how we can work together.
First Book Published by the STEAM Early Childhood Education Research Association of Japan
The introduction of STEAM education in our programs was inspired by the 2018 revision of Japan’s national curriculum guidelines. These changes emphasized the need to nurture individuals who can create new value in the Society 5.0 era. As we care for and educate children aged 0 to 5, we believe it is our role to lay the foundation for these future-ready individuals. We came to understand that the traditional method of simply teaching answers does not foster creativity. Instead, we adopted an approach we call inquiry-based care, which nurtures intellectual curiosity through exciting experiences and encourages children to think and understand for themselves.
Since introducing STEAM education, our educators have shifted to asking open-ended questions and waiting patiently for children’s responses, taking on the role of facilitators. In turn, we’ve seen notable changes in the children: they have greater focus, can engage in activities for longer periods, and are more confident in expressing their ideas and exchanging opinions with friends. Even without examples to follow, they freely come up with their own ideas and express themselves in creative, individual ways. In this calm and supportive environment, they’ve become more willing to take on challenges without fear of failure.
STEAM is not only effective for children, but also for adults and older adults. The process of thinking, experimenting, and communicating through hands-on, sensory activities stimulates curiosity and creativity at any age. For seniors, activities that involve trial and error through hand movement also help to activate the brain.
Intergenerational STEAM programs, where older adults interact with children, bring added benefits. Seniors may naturally begin to speak in their desire to teach children, or move their hands and feet to help out. This interaction fosters a sense of purpose and encourages social participation. The beauty of STEAM lies in its ability to bring people of different generations together to learn from one another.
Background Behind the Publication
Through our practice of STEAM-based care, we began to witness clear positive changes in both teachers and children. This led to a strong desire to share our approach more widely. We wanted others to know that STEAM education doesn’t require special tools and can be implemented using familiar materials in everyday settings. It expands children’s potential. To capture these experiences and insights, we compiled them into a single book, published on May 29, 2025.
Purpose of the STEAM Early Childhood Education Research Association
The STEAM Early Childhood Education Research Association was established to promote broader awareness and adoption of STEAM practices—not only in nursery schools, kindergartens, and early childhood education centers, but also in educational institutions and households. Our goal is to build a strong community around this approach.
By fostering creative and curious learners, we hope to empower children to shape their own futures with joy and confidence. Through case study presentations, open classroom sessions, and educational material search systems, we continue to advance the understanding and spread of STEAM education.
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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We love to collaborate. Please get in touch via the contact form below and explore how we can work together.
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.
Get in touch
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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We love to collaborate. Please get in touch via the contact form below and explore how we can work together.
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!
