Sunsmile Joy Project
Staff Development and International Exchange
At Sunsmile Tonoharu, we actively recruit international staff and engage in global exchange in senior and disability care as part of our program to communicate and share with the world Japan’s approaches to addressing an advanced aging society.
The Joy of Supporting Through Caregiving International Caregiver Training Program
We established the Japan Care Worker program, which enables international trainees to learn caregiving skills in Japan and contribute to their home countries’ development by bringing this expertise back with them. This initiative addresses future workforce shortages in Japan while providing stable income opportunities and creating vibrant workplaces energized by young people, contributing to sustainability in the caregiving industry.
The Joy of Learning Natural Farming in Itoshima Itoshima Natural Farming School
We founded the Fukuoka Citizens’ Natural Farming School with the vision of promoting farming methods that maximize crops’ natural vitality and flavor without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Through hands-on farming experience, as well as classroom instruction in and regular seminars on natural farming, we strive to promote safe and healthy food practices throughout the Kyushu region.
Community Partnerships
As a care and welfare provider, we actively engage in community outreach and partnerships. The possibilities for positive impact through care and welfare are endless. We look forward to further expanding our collaborations with local communities.
The Joy of Helping One Another Emergency Relief Support
As part of our social contribution initiatives, the Mirai Create Group provides emergency relief support in times of disaster. We are prepared to deliver essential supplies including bottled water, rice, bread, fresh produce, snacks, toilet paper, wet wipes, and emergency meals for seniors.
The Joy of Having a Community Space Community Interaction Space
Sunsmile Tonoharu offers a community interaction space open to both facility residents and those in the neighborhood. (We implement appropriate security and infection prevention measures for visitors.) The space is ideal for free and open social gatherings such as visits from residents’ friends."
Agricultural Initiatives
As part of our commitment to community enrichment, Sunsmile engages in farming activities alongside users with disabilities. We cultivate a variety of crops through natural farming methods, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, including fruit trees and rice.
The Joy of Having an Orchard Inclusive Orchard Program
At Sunsmile Tonoharu, we have created wheelchair-accessible orchards around our facility where everyone can enjoy picking strawberries and blueberries. These farms practice natural, chemical-free cultivation methods and are managed by users as part of our agriculture-welfare integration project.
Note: Sunsmile Tonoharu grows figs, blueberries, lemons, apples, persimmons, pears, mandarin oranges, sweet potatoes, strawberries, and more using natural farming techniques.
The Joy of Living with Nature Natural Rice Planting Events
Through our social welfare programs including Sunsmile Ito & Ito Kids, we host rice planting and harvesting events at our Itoshima rice fields. These hands-on nature experiences bring together users, their families, and our staff as we grow delicious rice together.