Higashikawa Town's 'Your Chair' Project Marks 21st Year of Gifting Wooden Chairs to Newborns
The 'Your Chair' project, originating in Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido, has entered its 21st year of distributing unique wooden chairs to children born annually. This initiative, which features a new design each year, aims to highlight the preciousness of life and has expanded to include donations to disaster-stricken areas across Japan. In 2026, approximately 3,000 chairs are expected to be donated by participating local governments. The 2026 model was officially unveiled on April 4 at the Higashikawa Town Community Exchange Center, where three families received the chairs on behalf of their newborns. Higashikawa is renowned for its 'Asahikawa Furniture' brand, leveraging local craftsmanship for this social contribution. Parents expressed joy and anticipation for their children's future with the chairs. The project serves not only as a gift but also as a symbolic reminder of life's value, particularly in regions recovering from disasters. By connecting newborns with tangible symbols of growth and stability, the program fosters community spirit and emotional resilience. The event underscores the intersection of local industry, childcare support, and social welfare, continuing a two-decade tradition of celebrating new life through artisanal furniture.
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Higashikawa Town's 'Your Chair' Project Marks 21st Year of Gifting Wooden Chairs to Newborns
The 'Your Chair' project, originating in Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido, has entered its 21st year of distributing unique wooden chairs to children born annually. This initiative, which features a new design each year, aims to highlight the preciousness of life and has expanded to include donations to disaster-stricken areas across Japan. In 2026, approximately 3,000 chairs are expected to be donated by participating local governments. The 2026 model was officially unveiled on April 4 at the Higashikawa Town Community Exchange Center, where three families received the chairs on behalf of their newborns. Higashikawa is renowned for its 'Asahikawa Furniture' brand, leveraging local craftsmanship for this social contribution. Parents expressed joy and anticipation for their children's future with the chairs. The project serves not only as a gift but also as a symbolic reminder of life's value, particularly in regions recovering from disasters. By connecting newborns with tangible symbols of growth and stability, the program fosters community spirit and emotional resilience. The event underscores the intersection of local industry, childcare support, and social welfare, continuing a two-decade tradition of celebrating new life through artisanal furniture.
asahi