YOKOHAMA -- A nonprofit organization based here that has been supporting children with foreign roots in Japan for nearly half a century is crowdfunding to cover its operational costs.

The nonprofit Shin-ai-Juku foreign resident consultation center, established in 1978, has long provided children with a "place to belong" that is neither school nor home. "We hope the crowdfunding will serve as an opportunity for more people to learn about us," said Shin-ai-Juku director Mariko Takekawa.

The Minami Ward, Yokohama-based organization was founded to provide life counseling and learning support for foreign residents in Japan. Currently, some 50 elementary, junior high and high school students from seven to eight countries, including China, the Philippines and Bangladesh, attend. The children spend time doing homework with friends, eating snacks and talking with Takekawa and other staff members. They all describe the center as "more like home than home itself."

The circumstances facing the children vary. Some come from single-parent families struggling to afford daily meals, while others are emotionally unstable and have issues such as truancy or self-harm. Language issues are particularly significant. Some children struggle after transferring to Japanese schools while not understanding the language, leaving them unable to express their feelings at school or home.

Wang Yuanwei, 28, who became a staff member in February, was once a student at Shin-ai-Juku. He came to Japan from China in 2008, and learned Japanese and received support for further education at the center. Now, he is a trusted adult for children in similar circumstances to his own.

Takekawa says of Wang, "He has become a valuable presence for children with roots in China to communicate in Chinese." The group also enlists Filipino parents as volunteers.

Shin-ai-Juku operates on donations and continues to face financial difficulties. The funds raised through crowdfunding will be used for expenses such as personnel costs. "I am who I am today because I grew up here. I want to pass this place on to the next generation that is a source of hope," Wang commented.

On Nov. 9, the group held an event in Yokohama's Minami Ward to celebrate the 45th anniversary of its establishment and the 20th anniversary of the incorporation of the nonprofit. Some 70 people attended, including education professionals and supporters, reflecting on the organization's activities.

During the event, staff members and group alumni shared their experiences and thoughts. Takekawa expressed gratitude for the support the group has received over the years, saying, "We have been able to operate thanks to the people around us," while also explaining the current situation where they provide around-the-clock consultations for children. She said, "The problems are overwhelming. We are also seeing an increase in consultations from schools and administrative bodies," stressing the need for continued support.

The event's hosts were two teens who currently attend the center. Reflecting on the day, Yoshinori Iguchi, a 15-year-old first-year high school student with roots in the Philippines, said, "The center feels as comfortable as home. I was able to convey its appeal." Lin Na, 14, a second-year junior high school student who moved to Japan from China when she was in fourth grade, stated, "It's a place where I can consult about anything because I can talk (to the staff and friends) in Chinese."

The crowdfunding campaign is being conducted on the Campfire platform until Dec. 15, with a goal of raising 3 million yen (about $19,400).

(Japanese original by Chika Yokomi, Yokohama Bureau)