Until a foreign country
becomes your hometown.
We connect families who have moved to Japan from abroad
with the local community — for everyday life and raising children.
Even if your language is different, even if your culture is different,
“there is always someone here for you.”
EN-IKU stays by the side of families starting a new life in Japan,
and connects them with the community.
Do you have worries like these?
These are voices we hear from families living and raising children in Japan.
I don’t understand the procedures for daycare or school
I’m worried about communicating in Japanese
Where should I go when my child gets sick?
I have no one nearby to talk to
Where can I find local parenting information?
Japanese culture and customs often confuse me
Don’t worry alone — contact our Parent Helpline first.Ask us
OUR VISION
Beyond nationality and culture,
a community where we grow together.
EN-IKU is a place where everyone from age 0 to 100 learns and supports one another. Families from abroad can live with peace of mind as members of the community — and in time, their culture and experience become a source of learning and new roles for the whole community.
What we can do
We support every part of life and child-raising in Japan.
01Everyday life & parenting information
We explain what you need to know for daily life — daycare, school, healthcare and government procedures — in a way that is easy to understand.
02Consultation & interpreting
If communicating in Japanese is difficult, we help with interpreting and translation, and connect you with the right support services.
03Connecting with the community
We hold gatherings with local people and events for parents and children, building relationships so no one feels isolated.
04Multicultural exchange & learning
Share the culture, food, language and experiences of your home country, learn from each other’s differences, and help build a richer community.
05Supporting children’s growth
We help children settle smoothly into school life in Japan with study support and a safe place to be after school.
06New roles & work support(planned)
Once you are settled in Japan, we help you use your skills and experience in the community, leading to new roles and work.
From receiving support
to becoming someone’s strength.
At first, you receive support to connect with the community. In time, your culture, language and experience become someone else’s learning and a role for you to play.
EN-IKU is not one-way “help” — we aim for a cycle where everyone supports each other and everyone has a chance to shine.
Voices of familiesVOICE
At first I didn’t understand anything about childcare procedures or hospitals, and I was anxious. When I asked for help, they explained everything so kindly. It helped me so much.
Moved from China · mother of a 3-year-old
Through local events we met so many people. My child made friends too, and every day became more fun.
Relocated from India for work · father of a 6-year-old
I introduced food from my country at an event, and local people really enjoyed it. Now I help out at a cooking class.
Moved from the Philippines · mother of a 2-year-old
* Photos and comments are illustrative examples.
SUPPORT
Please support us
EN-IKU’s place is made possible by your support.
Please help us nurture new lives for families and stronger ties in the community.
2027aiming
to open
CROWDFUNDING
Crowdfunding
We are running a crowdfunding campaign to open our base. Will you help us create a future for children and a connected community?
Support via crowdfundingDONATION
Ongoing donations
We also accept donations outside the crowdfunding period. Your donation will be used to prepare and run our place, and to create experiences for families and children.
- Bank
- GMOあおぞらネット銀行
- Branch
- 法人第二営業部
- Account type
- 普通
- Account no.
- 1707295
- Account name
- 合同会社shikumi
FAQ
FAQ
Who can use EN-IKU? Is there a nationality requirement?
Anyone is welcome, regardless of nationality — families who have moved to Japan from abroad, people with roots overseas and their families, and local residents who would like to take part.
Can I ask for help if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes. Besides easy Japanese and English, we respond together with translation tools and volunteers who can interpret. We will announce the languages we can support as we get ready.
Is there a fee?
Consultations are free. Some events and classes may ask for materials or other actual costs; we will always let you know in advance.
Can children join without a parent?
It depends on the program. Depending on the child’s age and the activity, we may ask a parent or guardian to attend. Details are given in each event announcement.
Can local Japanese people join the events too?
Yes, please join us! EN-IKU is a place where people of all nationalities and generations grow together.
a new life together.
Contact & consultation
Feel free to contact us about life or raising children in Japan, joining events, volunteering, and more.
You are not alone.
There is a connection
here for you.
COMPANY
Our organization
EN-IKU is operated by shikumi LLC.
shikumi.
Turning ideas into reality, building systems for society.
shikumi is a company that brings meaningful projects to life through design, web development, social media and business support. EN-IKU is one of shikumi’s projects for society. (Website in Japanese)
About shikumi
When people’s hearts connect,
the world becomes a kinder place.