What does 'Children First' mean? Being yourself.

What does 'first' mean?

'First' means
'the most important place.'
'Children First' means
with the feeling that 'children are precious,'
thinking about what is best for the child

Rather than adult convenience,
time, money, or traditional ways,
it means thinking about
the most important place
for each individual child.

And,
not forcing adult ideas
onto children, and
listening fully to children's opinions.

What does 'being yourself' mean?

What we think of as
'Children First' is
being able to be yourself.

🌱 Being able to say what you like, 'I like this'
🌱 Not having to hide when you are crying
🌱 Feeling that it is okay to be different from everyone else
🌱 Being able to think for yourself and make choices

When you
'want to do this,'
if an adult immediately says 'no,'
how would you feel?
In a 'Children First' society,
they should first ask,
'Why do you think that?'
Your voice should truly be heard.

What we value

'Children First' is
feeling emotions.

Children
have the power to think,
have the power to feel.

So that children
can feel that their own feelings
are accepted,
we adults
want to feel those feelings with them.

And we adults who are
by the children's side
should also feel at ease.

Empathizing with each other
and shedding tears together

Sometimes strongly,
and
always smoothly,
we want to cherish
connections that flow like water.

A message to you

Like,
dislike,
fun,
boring,
your own thoughts
—these are very important things.

Home,
school,
the street,
the park
—I want you to find places
where you can be yourself.

To play is to live
— Regional Organization MAP Representative Keiko Nishimura —

#ChildrenFirst #ChildrensRights #BeingYourself #ToChildren

Updated May 22, 2026

The Narashino Children First Supporters will hold an introductory exhibition at Narashino City Hall in July 2026
(FY2026 Narashino City Civic Activity Grant Project)

[Title] Narashino Children First Supporters Introductory Exhibition: Connecting Plaza
[Inquiries] Community Group M A P mapnarashino@gmail.com
[Lead Text] Friends who support child development in the city will gather at the exhibition space on the 1st floor of City Hall for 3 days to hold exhibitions, mini-workshops, discussion meetings, and indoor play parks.
[Date] 2026/ 7/1 (Wed), 7/2 (Thu), 7/3 (Fri) 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (until 3:00 PM on the final day)
[Location] Narashino City Hall 1st Floor Exhibition Space
[Target] All citizens, those interested in child-rearing, parents raising children, children, etc.
[Cost] Free
[What to bring] Nothing in particular
[Application] Not required
Website:

kodomo-mannaka-narashino.jimdosite.com

The "Children First Supporters" include various "friends who support children's growth."
Please take a look at the following page when you have time or when you need help.