Smile Smile PROJECT by Japan Heart

“The Smile Smile PROJECT” Activity Report (February– May 2025) 

A Japan Heart initiative supporting children facing pediatric cancer 

Overview 

“The Smile Smile PROJECT” is a Japan Heart initiative that supports children fighting pediatric cancer and brings smiles to them and their families. This report summarizes the project’s key activities and achievements from February to May 2025. 

Key Activities 

• Lemonade Stand Awareness Booth (April 20, 2025) 

For the first time, “the SmileSmile PROJECT” hosted a lemonade stand at the ShimokitaOyako-no-Machi Tsudoi Market, a family-friendly seasonal event in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. With support from SSP volunteers, we introduced the project to many passersby, raising awareness and asking for donations to support children with cancer. 

*About Lemonade Stand 

This initiative is inspired by a young American girl who started a lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. Her story sparked a global movement for pediatric cancer support. 

(Reference: Lemonade Stand Japan) 

https://www.alexslemonade.org/blog/global-collaboration-childhood-cancer-cures 

https://www.lemonadestand.jp/ 

• Ghibli Park Wish Trip 

A girl from the Kanto area, who had been battling illness for about a year, contacted the project to express her wish to visit Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture. Although she had returned to daily life and school, she was still anxious about long-distance travel. “The Smile Smile PROJECT” arranged the trip, and her visit to Ghibli Parkand later Nagoya Castlewas filled with joy and laughter, beautifully captured in family photos. 

• KidZania Koshien Invitation Event (March 2025) 

In collaboration with the Osaka West Rotary Club and KidZania Koshien, we invited six families to a special event. Now in its fourth year, the event brought together 19 volunteers and Japan Heart staff. Personalized welcome boards were prepared in advance based on each child’s interests. Despite some children recently discharged from the hospital or with ongoing health concerns, all participants were able to enjoy the career experiences, wearing professional uniformsproudly and sharing smiles with their families. 

Highlights 

• Public Engagement & Awareness 

Participated for the first time in a public community event (ShimokitaOyako-no-Machi Tsudoi Market) with a lemonade stand, raising awareness for pediatric cancer and engaging directly with families, children, and supporters. 

• Wish Fulfillment 

Fulfilled a young girl’s dream of visiting Ghibli Park, carefully tailoring the trip to her health condition. The joy captured in her family’s photos reflected the power of fulfilling a heartfelt wish. 

• Emotional Healing Through Joy 

The project organized trips to places like Disneyland for children recovering from heart surgeries and serious illnesses. These were more than outings; they were celebrations of life. Children laughed, played, and created joyful memories that offered emotional relief and hope. 

• Strengthening Family Bonds 

The shared experiences during the trips helped families reconnect in meaningful ways. Families found unity, love, and support in every smile. 

• Empowered Participation at KidZania 

Children participated in career-experience programs at KidZania Koshien, wearing professional uniforms and taking on “real jobs.” Volunteers personalized the experience by preparing welcome boards based on each child’s favorite characters and interests, helping the children feel special and supported. 

Achievements 

• Reached and engaged hundreds of people through public events and direct support activities, boosting visibility and community understanding of childhood cancer. 

• Created transformative experiences for children and families, helping them form lasting, joyful memories during or after treatment. 

• Supported the emotional recovery of families through carefully planned wish trips that promoted happiness, laughter, and healing. 

• Fostered strong partnerships with local supporters such as the Osaka West Rotary Club and venue collaborators like KidZania, enhancing the impact of the initiative. 

• Demonstrated the value of personalized, compassionate support, by listening to the voices of children and parents and tailoring experiences to their needs. 

• Reinforced Japan Heart’s core mission: delivering not just medical support, but emotional care and dignity to children facing life-threatening illnesses. 

Looking Ahead:

“The Smile Smile PROJECT” will continue to bring not only life-saving medical care but also joyful experiences that uplift the spirits of families. As the project grows, future initiatives will include more activities designed to create lasting memories and support the emotional well-being of children and their families.