2024 Activity Report

🎯 Mission of the Association

The International Association for Play Songs and Music aims to foster self-expression across all generations, from children to adults, through music. We particularly focus on rhythmic education for children with developmental disabilities, aiming to create a society where everyone feels safe to express their voices.

📅 Key Activities in 2024

1️⃣ Appointment as Japan-US Cultural Ambassadors

Overview: In March 2024, the Chairperson and Directors were appointed as “Japan-US International Cultural Ambassadors” by the Honolulu Festival Foundation.

Significance: This appointment recognizes the association’s cultural exchange activities through music. The Honolulu Festival is a nonprofit organization that aims to deepen friendship between Japan and the US through various cultural events.

Future Plans: We will continue promoting international exchange through the power of music.

2️⃣ Lecture at Teikyo University of Science, Department of Early Childhood Education

Overview: The association’s “Certified Play Song Eurhythmics Course” has been officially incorporated into the curriculum of the Department of Human Education at Teikyo University of Science.

Courses Offered:

• Certified Play Song Eurhythmics Course

• Specialized Rhythmic Course for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Results: Students gain knowledge and skills to practice eurhythmics in educational settings and apply them in future childcare and education fields.

3️⃣ OTO-CAN Program

Overview: The association runs an online certification program called “OTO-CAN,” offering music education-focused certified courses to participants nationwide.

Courses Offered:

• Certified Play Song Eurhythmics Course Level 1 & 2

• Specialized Rhythmic Course for Children with Developmental Disabilities

• Play Song & Early Childhood Piano Certification Course

• Showa Kayo & Karaoke Recreational Instructor Course

• Vocal & Karaoke Recreational Instructor Course

Results: Many participants have shared that they’ve expanded their knowledge and practices in music education through the program.

4️⃣ Play Song Eurhythmics Support Circle

Overview: A new support circle for certified instructors was established, and online lectures were also provided to cater to various educational needs.

Lectures Held:

• AI Picture Book Creation Course

• Healing Voice Seminar

• Voice Mindfulness Course

Results: Participants shared that children became more confident in expressing themselves through music.

5️⃣ Creation and Sale of E-books

Titles and Themes:

• “I Love Piano Story: Let’s Play Do Re Mi Fa So”

• “The Christmas Magic in the Forest: Santa’s Forest Adventure”

• “Work & Life Boost! The Ultimate SNS Guide for Music and Therapeutic Education”

• “Good Morning, Sunshine! A Routine Song”

Results: Our e-books serve as valuable resources for home music education. Notably, “The Christmas Magic in the Forest” ranked #1 in its category on Amazon.

6️⃣ Outreach Lessons

Overview: Weekly outreach lessons were provided for children with developmental disabilities, using music as a form of support.

Activities Include:

• Breathing Songs

• Mindfulness Meditation

• Songwriting Activities

• Rhythmic Movements for Clock Time Expression

• Sign Language Songs (“Life, Earth, and Crown of Love”)

Results: Feedback from support staff included reports of children expressing themselves more actively.

7️⃣ Music Support Activities for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

Overview: We have been continuously providing music support activities for adults with intellectual disabilities for over 10 years.

Examples of Activities:

• Communication support through music

• Expression activities using rhythm

• Singing to promote self-expression

Results: These music support activities have provided opportunities for participants to build confidence and broaden their self-expression. Family members and support staff have also shared feedback, noting that they have witnessed moments when participants’ hearts opened through music.

8️⃣ Video Materialization of Original Songs

Overview: Previously created play songs were re-edited as video materials to be utilized in various settings.

Results: Parents shared that their children became more interested in playing the piano after watching the videos.

9️⃣ Expansion of YouTube Activities

Overview: The association launched a 12-hour BGM live streaming session on YouTube as a pilot project.

Future Plans: In 2025, we plan to continue regular live streaming sessions with improved formats.

🔟 Kirakira Concert in Ikebukuro

Overview: At the end of 2024, the association held the “Kirakira Concert” in Ikebukuro. This joint recital provided a space for participants from all age groups to connect through the power of music.

Content:

• Performance by children and adults

• Presentation of original songs

Results: Families shared their gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy music together, and many noted how confident the children were during their performances.

✨ Key Achievements in 2024

• Diversification of Activities: The association expanded its activities into various fields, including education, support, and international exchange, to meet diverse needs.

• Increased Recognition: The association’s activities have become more widely known through online platforms, e-book sales, and YouTube broadcasts.

• International Reach: The association’s e-books have started to gain readers not only in Japan but also in countries such as Germany, the UK, the US, and Brazil. The family-friendly content is gradually gaining recognition and contributing to home music education. We aim to further expand our international reach in the future.

• Improved Self-Esteem: Through music, many individuals, from children to adults, have improved their self-expression skills and adopted a more positive attitude.

• Increase in Certified Instructors: Many participants in the OTO-CAN program obtained new certifications, contributing to the wider use of music in educational settings.

🔮 Outlook for 2025

• Coexistence with AI:

  • We will promote initiatives to expand the scope of music education using AI technologies.

• Spreading the Mission of the Association:

  • We aim to bring the joy of self-expression through music to more people.

• Development of New Songs and Teaching Materials:

  • We will continue to produce original songs, e-books, and video teaching materials.

• Expansion of Online Courses:

  • The OTO-CAN program will be further expanded to accommodate more participants.

• International Activities:

  • We will leverage our appointment as Japan-US Cultural Ambassadors to promote international exchange through music.

We deeply appreciate your support in 2024 and look forward to another fruitful year in 2025.