In contemporary Japan, the erosion of foundational connections—such as community, family, and company—that once supported people's lives has led to an increase in complex life challenges that cannot be addressed by traditional "targeted support." Consequently, the existence of people caught in the "gaps between systems" is becoming increasingly visible (Abe, 2007). We need the creation of open "spaces" within communities that transcend institutional frameworks limiting assistance recipients, spaces where anyone can drop in.

With this awareness, this presentation focuses on a space (X) where residents voluntarily gather to engage in creative improvement activities. Specifically, I examine the "Character Design Competition" project, which is planned to raise social awareness about children in need of support. Through this, activities that connect adults through enjoyment and hobbies have the potential to lead to unprecedented forms of child support is argued. For example, one of the project's initiators, who had always enjoyed ANIME and MANGA, pointed out that anime and manga have the potential to draw attention to children who need support. In the "Character Design Competition" project, participants' individual images of children become enriched. Many ideas that were initially unplanned emerged one after another (including manga, merchandise, and collaborations with YouTubers). Several members of "X" realized that the same project being undertaken within administrative services needs greater accountability but lacks authenticity on this issue. Such an activity can be seen as a form of “Art-based research” (Leavy, 2015) that enables people to engage with subjects in a fun way. Rather than planned support activities, the participants' connections forged through shared enjoyment paradoxically broadened their interest in children who need support.

Reference

Abe, A. (2007). Genndai nihon no syakaiteki haijo no genjou [Present condition of social exclusion of present age in Japan]. In H. Fukuhara (Ed.), Syakaiteki haijo/housetsu to syakai seisaku [Social exclusion/inclusion, and social policy] (pp. 129–152).Kyoto: Horitsu Bunka-Sha.

Leavy, P. (2015). Method Meets Art (2nd ed): Arts-Based Research Practice. Guilford Press.