Sharing Caring Culture (hereinafter referred to as SCC) is a private organization founded in 2014, and incorporated nonprofit in 2019, by a group of ethnically diverse members living in Japan. We began our activities in the hopes of creating a place where international families could share their efforts and energy to together take on the challenges of life overseas.

Our aim is to empower people of all backgrounds, and to share a platform where we could collaboratively work together to make life in Japan as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible. We are imagining a truly diverse and inclusive society in which international people and Japanese nationals can mutually support one another. With this ultimate goal in mind, we organize intercultural activities that do not rely heavily on verbal communication, but rather urge communication through art, dance, and cooking, to ensure that all participants can relate and connect regardless of their background.

We know that Japanese language can be a challenge for many international people living in Japan. However, we believe in the value and importance of people sharing their unique cultures and backgrounds. We provide opportunities for people from other countries to contribute their knowledge, experience, and skills, regardless of their familiarity with the Japanese language.

Sharing Caring Culture(以下、SCC)は、日本在住の多様な民族のメンバーが集まり、2014年に設立、2019年に法人化した非営利団体(NPO)です。外国出身者の家族がそれぞれの頑張りや力を持ち寄って、共に海外での生活にチャレンジできる場を作りたいという想いから活動を開始しました。

私たちが目指すのは、さまざまなバックグラウンドを持つ人たちが、日本での生活をより充実した楽しいものにするために、協力し合えるプラットフォームを共有することです。私たちは、外国人と日本人が互いに支え合うことのできる、真の意味で、多様で包括的な社会を想像しています。この究極の目標を念頭に置いて、私たちは、言葉によるコミュニケーションに大きく依存するのではなく、アートやダンス、料理などを通じてコミュニケーションを促し、参加者全員がバックグラウンドに関係なく関わり、つながることができるような異文化交流を企画しています。

日本に住む多くの外国人にとって、日本語が困難であることは承知しています。しかし、私たちは、人々がそれぞれの文化や背景を共有することの価値と重要性を信じています。私たちは、日本語に不慣れな方でも、他の国の人々が自分の知識、経験、スキルを提供する機会を提供します。

SCC OffersSCCが提供するもの

① Playgroup sessions for babies, toddlers and preschoolers

We provide an environment for children to learn about the world, make friends and develop their skills.

For moms, dads and caregivers, we support international families’ parenting in Japan and share essential local parenting information in English and plain Japanese.

② Childcare reference booklet publication in English and plain Japanese

To fill the information gap for international families, SCC supporters have compiled the reference booklet and provide a guide about parenting life in Japan. The booklet includes personal stories of experienced mothers, list of medical and educational facilities and some useful information.

You can download the PDF files from here.

【English】

https://sharingcaringculture.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SCCOYACO2_English_webPDF_2022.pdf

【Plain Japanese やさしい日本語】

https://sharingcaringculture.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SCCOYACO2_Japanese_webPDF_2022.pdf

Intercultural Program

Through various activities from all corners of the world featuring music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, and world events, we promote international understanding and friendship mainly for kids and raise their awareness of diversity. SCC also provides various opportunities for international people to contribute their knowledge, experience, and skills to the community.

Organizational Summary団体概要

  • 代表理事
    三坂 慶子
  • 住所
    横浜市都筑区
  • 事業

    ①外国人の子育て支援事業

    ②異文化交流事業

    ③行政、自治体、企業等との連携・協働による多文化共生促進事業

  • 創設
    2014年2月(2019年4月法人設立)
  • 役員

    三坂慶子 代表理事

    林宣怜  理事

    内田千春 理事

    百々秀心 監事

TestimonialsSCCに寄せられた声

  • “As I moved to Japan I was very happy to find SCC and join their activities. I took part in the onigiri and Malaysian cooking courses, Halloween events, Picnics and many others…After I could even support SCC as a photographer and team member and contribute to a new OYACO Booklet. At SCC I have the possibility to meet new people from all over the world, learn more about Japan and other countries and spend great time with my kids! Thank you, SCC!”

    – Anastasia, OYACO editing member/photographer

  • “I found out about SCC through my local pediatric clinic. I’ve always been searching for a way to make a commitment to the local community, and finally found SCC where I can make use of my bilingual skills as well as my experiences of living abroad (and coming back to live in Japan as a “returnee” student). I love the diverse culture and welcomingness of the SCC group, and look forward to seeing more and more members join us!”

    – Yuna, PR officer/website administrator

  • “I feel proud and happy to be a Project Coordinator at SCC! What I liked the most in working with SCC projects is, the PROCESS of project planning- meeting and idea sharing with people from diverse backgrounds. Reaching a “team project achievement” together gives me immense pleasure! Being involved in many projects has improved my time management skills and punctuality! To me, giving the freedom to implement my ideas into projects gives me the drive to get involved in even more projects! Thank you SCC for believing in me!”

    – Akhila, project coordinator

  • “I’ve been interested in meeting new people, travelling, beach, picnic, yoga. Within SCC, I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of organizing a talk event about immigration, mom’s gathering, supporting a workshop of papercut art for kids, Ukulele for kids, and much more!”

    – Mayumi, workshop designer/facilitator

SCC TeamA message to future members

  • Founder / Representative Director Keiko
    Keiko

    Japan

    日本

    Founder / Representative Director

    Sharing Caring Culture founder. Keiko Misaka  is a General Manager of SCC, along with Sunyoung. She was raised in the U.S. for three years and has a strong commitment to diversity. With the experience of over 10 years of an English school and Japanese elementary school teacher, Keiko started Sharing Caring Culture in 2014 to promote international friendships and understanding between Japanese and non-Japanese through cooking, art, and other cultural activities.

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    After my childhood in the U.S. and entering a Japanese school as a returnee, I struggled to adjust to the homogeneous Japanese culture and wanted to create a place where anybody could be their authentic self.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    Meeting and working with people from different cultural backgrounds broadened my perspectives. I’ve experienced many aha moments through SCC activities that strengthen me to be more inclusive of various ideas, cultures, and values.

  • Board of Director Sunyoung
    Sunyoung

    South Korea

    韓国

    Board of Director

    Sunyoung is a General Manager of SCC. She is on the Board of Directors with Keiko and Chiharu Uchida.
    “I think diversity is created by the individuality of each person. Recognizing diversity means being interested in, and respecting each and every human being.”

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I want to create a place for mothers of different cultural backgrounds to foster connections and gain opportunities to get involved in community activities. I want to help them play an active role in their local community.

     

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    I love SCC because it has a cultural diversity that is not biased towards one nationality or culture. The participants in SCC activities are also highly interested in foreign cultures and education, and I feel that it is wonderful that they utilize each other’s strengths to make creative places through collaboration.

     

  • Board of Director / Professor of Toyo University Chiharu
    Chiharu

    Japan

    日本

    Board of Director / Professor of Toyo University

    Chiharu is on the Board of Directors with Keiko and Sunyoung.
    I think diversity means ‘Possibility’. Diversity brings more possibility in any community. Differences bring things to think about, lighten up ordinary things so that we can see them from new angles, and many other inspirations.

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I want to help people by sharing my experience as a preschool teacher in Japan and the U.S. and interacting with parents and children with my university students.

     

     

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    The thing I like most about SCC is the openness of the people.

  • Administrative Secretary Yuki
    Yuki

    Japan

    日本

    Administrative Secretary

    People can show their differences with confidence in society. This is “diversity” to me, and it is not only for external differences but also internal differences as well.

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    “I want to support people who feel uncomfortable or isolated in the community. At the same time, I want to help children have a broad perspective of their own world and see how much potential they have in the future.

     

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    As a participant, I love SCC’s tolerance and open-minded attitude to anyone. It doesn’t matter what nationality, religion, or educational background a person has. SCC just considers that “difference” is our “personality” and “difference” makes our society more “colorful”.
    As a volunteer, I love to meet various people and make a lot of international friends through SCC’s activities. This opportunity makes my everyday life more exciting and stimulates me in a good way.

     

  • Admin Assistant / Program Coordinator / Cultural Ambassador Farah
    Farah

    Malaysia

    マレーシア

    Admin Assistant / Program Coordinator / Cultural Ambassador

    I am Farah from Malaysia, I came to Japan for the third time two years ago, I am a mother of three children and I live in Kohoku-ku, Yokohama. SCC activities bring culturally diverse backgrounds together and share their knowledge and skills. It is great to carry out activities that are relevant to the needs of international families. The activities provide useful information and, above all, create friendships between international families and local people!!! This is the very essence of a multicultural society!

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I told my Japanese friends that I wanted to do something and they introduced me to SCC. Having worked for many years in my home country, I had a strong desire to be active in some kind of activity and be a part of the community, and SCC has enabled me to do that.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    Being involved in several activities, such as workshops, publication activities, and document reviews, has provided me with language skills and knowledge in related fields. SCC keeps me ‘productive’ and makes my life in Japan ‘fruitful’.

    SCC events are an opportunity for international families and local families to interact with each other, nurturing friendship and understanding.

  • Admin Assistant / Program Coordinator / Cultural Ambassador Akhila
    Akhila

    India

    インド

    Admin Assistant / Program Coordinator / Cultural Ambassador

    To me, “Diversity” is respecting and celebrating together.”

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    Through SCC I would like to help women who are skilled and waiting for a platform to share their talent.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    SCC helps me to get involved with the community, get connected to many people, and improve my skills.

  • OYACO Editor in Chief / Cultural Ambassador Sofia
    Sofia

    Indonesia

    インドネシア

    OYACO Editor in Chief / Cultural Ambassador

    Former gender and development specialist. Now, a housewife in Japan. Has a sociology background and loves to travel. Currently, back to blogging about traveling in Japan, writing about women and parenting issues, and learning drawing, sewing, and photography. Sometimes create postcards and patterns.

    “Through the OYACO publication project, I want to fill the information gap for international parents who are living in Japan. Editing and creating the parenting booklet is challenging but rewarding. My favorite SCC activity is reading Indonesian children’s books for kids who have different cultural backgrounds. It’s so much fun!

    In the future, my dream is to explore Indonesian nature with kids by drawing pictures.

    Diversity is all about respecting each other!”

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    Meeting fabulous friends.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    Can contribute to the community.

  • Photographer / Proofreader Andrew
    Andrew

    Canada

    カナダ

    Photographer / Proofreader

    Andrew is the photographer of SCC’s events.

    He also runs the non-profit Yokohama Theatre Group.

    Diversity is the spice of human existence.”

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I’m involved with SCC because life as an immigrant can be pretty isolating, and I think it’s important to have a platform that offers activities and social opportunities for international children and their families.

     

     

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    What I love most about SCC is the accessibility of the programs and activities and the kindness of the volunteers and members.

  • Senior Cultural Ambassador Eve
    Eve

    Thai land

    タイ王国

    Senior Cultural Ambassador

    I love both as a volunteer and a participant.
    As a volunteer, I can help and share. (Be a giver)
    As a participant, I can gain new things. (Be a receiver) how wonderful!

    I think “diversity” means mixing but not messy.

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    My main career is teaching Thai culture as an instructor. I am so proud and happy to meet many people and share my culture.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    Cooking, I am also passionate about cooking. Thank you, SCC for giving me a wonderful opportunity with this position as, a senior cooking instructor. I am really happy when I am in the kitchen with various friends.

     

  • Cultural Ambassador May
    May

    Malaysia

    マレーシア

    Cultural Ambassador

    “I want to help people using SCC as a volunteer and also a participant.

    Aside from meeting new people after joining SCC, I am able to help others by sharing some of my experiences of living and raising kids in Japan. It’s a good opportunity to help spread my own culture and language too!

    For me, “diversity” is all about having love and respect for people coming from different places.”

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

  • OYACO Playgroup Facilitator / Cultural Ambassador Elena
    Elena

    Costa Rica

    コスタ リカ

    OYACO Playgroup Facilitator / Cultural Ambassador

    Elena is a facilitator of the OYACO playgroup and mainly leads the craft activities.

    “I’m happy that I can connect with families from different backgrounds and share not only my own culture and language but also my experience with gentle parenting and attachment parenting which starts when pregnancy does. That’s why I consider OYACO Playgroup will be the right place to get started.

    I enjoy organizing different activities for SCC and especially matching foreign parents with the right group or person so they can get support. And SCC is the best place to meet both parties.

    Diversity will be found in each person when they go to meet each other. It always calls for respect and some understanding is necessary. SCC is an excellent platform to show how different is beautiful.”

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I want to spend time with children and parents and share my experiences.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    Sense of community spirit.

  • OYACO Playgroup Facilitator / Cultural Ambassador Risa
    Risa

    Japan

    日本

    OYACO Playgroup Facilitator / Cultural Ambassador

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I want to experience many things by using the skills I have gained through my career as a nursery teacher.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    I feel the benefits of having many chances to plan and organize events with people from around the world.

  • Intercultural Program Coordinator / Cultural Ambassador Meg
    Meg

    Japan

    日本

    Intercultural Program Coordinator / Cultural Ambassador

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I like to support the team who are non-Japanese people and have respect for what Keiko san is doing. One day I’d like to open up a similar business in the future so, great for learning as well.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    The team members are very supportive and always active!

  • Cultural Ambassador Vidisha
    Vidisha

    India

    インド

    Cultural Ambassador

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    Meeting new people and making new friends from all over the world. Moreover bringing a change in people’s life so that it is easier for them to adjust and live in Japan.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    SCC has been a great support for foreigners living in Yokohama by helping them in various ways from arranging a variety of events and becoming a bridge of friendship between people from all over the world.

  • Cultural Ambassador Jose
    Jose

    Ecuador

    エクアドル

    Cultural Ambassador

     

     

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    I joined SCC because I wanted to share the culture, tradition, and nature of my country.

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

    I like SCC because it helps in many ways for especially expats living in Yokohama.

  • Researcher Miki
    Miki

    Japan

    日本

    Researcher

    “Through my work with SCC I want to help people by making an atmosphere that’s non-hierarchical, equal,and full of smiles!

    As an SCC team member  I love to share time with reliable friends and it’s exciting to do projects with them.
    As a participant in SCC activities, I love spending pleasurable time with people who come from many kinds of backgrounds. It enriches my mind.

    For me, diversity is having curiosity about each other and feeling comfortable expressing ourselves.”

    Reason for participating in SCCSCCメンバーになった理由

    Good things about meeting SCCSCCと出会って良かったこと

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日本語