Background: School Refusal in Japan and Hikikomori

According to a 2023 survey by Japan’s Cabinet Office, more than 1.15 million people in Japan are living in a state of social withdrawal. Among them, approximately 541,000 are aged between 15 and 39, and around 613,000 are aged 40 to 64. This form of isolation is known as hikikomori (引きこもり). While originally seen as a youth phenomenon, it now affects people of all ages.

Particularly concerning is the situation of children and adolescents. About 2.3% of all students in Japan – around 245,000 children – do not attend school regularly (futōkō 不登校). Among them, approximately 33,000 children aged 7 to 17 have already been classified as hikikomori.

Causes include school-related anxiety, bullying, social overwhelm, and psychological distress such as depression and anxiety disorders. Many withdraw completely from school and social life, leading to lasting disconnection and disrupted education.

Even more alarming: in 2024, Japan recorded a tragic all-time high of 527 suicides among schoolchildren – the highest number ever recorded. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among Japanese youth aged 10 to 19.

The FUKURA-AN Project: A Safe Space to Breathe Again

FUKURA-AN is a project by the Three Cranes Association (Switzerland), created for children and adolescents struggling with school refusal and social withdrawal.

The name “Fukura-an” (風蔵庵) can be translated as “A place where the wind dwells” – a safe and nurturing space where young people can reconnect with themselves and others, far from the pressure of school and society.

Our nature-based day retreats are held intentionally without parents or guardians. These days are not about performance or achievement – they are about simply being together: sharing time in nature, cooking and eating together, talking, relaxing, or simply enjoying silence.

The Location

Fukura-an is located in a small fishing village about 60 km south of Tokyo. The house sits on a hill surrounded by ancient trees and shrines, with views of the ocean and Mount Fuji.

The building, with its 300-year-old thatched roof (茅葺の屋根), offers a unique and tranquil atmosphere. Many describe feeling immediately connected to nature and freedom, as if the wind and light itself dissolve everyday pressure and anxiety.

The Pilot Project (March 2025)

In March 2025, we successfully realized the first Fukura-an pilot retreat in Japan. More than 30 participants joined from Tokyo to Osaka – including 17 children and adolescents aged 10 to 15, accompanied by doctors and care professionals.

The project was led by Kazu and Mark Huggler of the Three Cranes Association, together with Miwako Huggler, who resides at Fukura-an. For many of the children, it was the first time they spent a whole day away from home with others.

Activities included:

• Visit to nearby SHO Farm, an organic farm founded by former biology teacher Shoko Nakano. The children learned about natural cycles with a special focus on the element Earth (土 tsuchi).

• Shared meals prepared together with seasonal farm ingredients and Swiss recipes – guided by culinary specialist Mark Huggler.

• Free time to explore the garden and house, to relax, talk, or play without pressure.

• Walk to the nearby beach, where the children experienced the element Water (水 mizu) – feeling the ocean, breathing the salt air, and taking in the vastness of the sea.

Results and Feedback

The pilot retreat was a moving success. Children began eating with appetite and joy, asked questions, laughed, and connected with peers and adults. The atmosphere remained calm, open, and harmonious throughout the day.

Most touching were the children’s responses in feedback forms:

• “Even one day gave me strength and confidence to be with others again.”

• Several discovered for the first time that they could enjoy being outside their rooms, in nature, with others.

Encouraged by this success, the next retreat will take place in October 2025.

Support this project

To continue and expand the Fukura-an Project, we rely on financial support.Every contribution helps us create a safe space for children in need – thank you for supporting this unique project.

Donation details:Three Cranes AssociationAnkerstrasse 1228004 Zurich, Switzerland

Bank: St. Galler Kantonalbank, 8021 ZurichIBAN: CH85 0078 1626 8687 2200 0

Learn More

If you would like to learn more or attend one of our information events in Zurich, please contact us:

info@threecranesassociation.com

Background: School Refusal in Japan and Hikikomori

According to a 2023 survey by Japan’s Cabinet Office, more than 1.15 million people in Japan are living in a state of social withdrawal. Among them, approximately 541,000 are aged between 15 and 39, and around 613,000 are aged 40 to 64. This form of isolation is known as hikikomori (引きこもり). While originally seen as a youth phenomenon, it now affects people of all ages.

Particularly concerning is the situation of children and adolescents. About 2.3% of all students in Japan – around 245,000 children – do not attend school regularly (futōkō 不登校). Among them, approximately 33,000 children aged 7 to 17 have already been classified as hikikomori.

Causes include school-related anxiety, bullying, social overwhelm, and psychological distress such as depression and anxiety disorders. Many withdraw completely from school and social life, leading to lasting disconnection and disrupted education.

Even more alarming: in 2024, Japan recorded a tragic all-time high of 527 suicides among schoolchildren – the highest number ever recorded. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among Japanese youth aged 10 to 19.

The FUKURA-AN Project: A Safe Space to Breathe Again

FUKURA-AN is a project by the Three Cranes Association (Switzerland), created for children and adolescents struggling with school refusal and social withdrawal.

The name “Fukura-an” (風蔵庵) can be translated as “A place where the wind dwells” – a safe and nurturing space where young people can reconnect with themselves and others, far from the pressure of school and society.

Our nature-based day retreats are held intentionally without parents or guardians. These days are not about performance or achievement – they are about simply being together: sharing time in nature, cooking and eating together, talking, relaxing, or simply enjoying silence.

The Location

Fukura-an is located in a small fishing village about 60 km south of Tokyo. The house sits on a hill surrounded by ancient trees and shrines, with views of the ocean and Mount Fuji.

The building, with its 300-year-old thatched roof (茅葺の屋根), offers a unique and tranquil atmosphere. Many describe feeling immediately connected to nature and freedom, as if the wind and light itself dissolve everyday pressure and anxiety.

The Pilot Project (March 2025)

In March 2025, we successfully realized the first Fukura-an pilot retreat in Japan. More than 30 participants joined from Tokyo to Osaka – including 17 children and adolescents aged 10 to 15, accompanied by doctors and care professionals.

The project was led by Kazu and Mark Huggler of the Three Cranes Association, together with Miwako Huggler, who resides at Fukura-an. For many of the children, it was the first time they spent a whole day away from home with others.

Activities included:

• Visit to nearby SHO Farm, an organic farm founded by former biology teacher Shoko Nakano. The children learned about natural cycles with a special focus on the element Earth (土 tsuchi).

• Shared meals prepared together with seasonal farm ingredients and Swiss recipes – guided by culinary specialist Mark Huggler.

• Free time to explore the garden and house, to relax, talk, or play without pressure.

• Walk to the nearby beach, where the children experienced the element Water (水 mizu) – feeling the ocean, breathing the salt air, and taking in the vastness of the sea.

Results and Feedback

The pilot retreat was a moving success. Children began eating with appetite and joy, asked questions, laughed, and connected with peers and adults. The atmosphere remained calm, open, and harmonious throughout the day.

Most touching were the children’s responses in feedback forms:

• “Even one day gave me strength and confidence to be with others again.”

• Several discovered for the first time that they could enjoy being outside their rooms, in nature, with others.

Encouraged by this success, the next retreat will take place in October 2025.

Support this project

To continue and expand the Fukura-an Project, we rely on financial support.Every contribution helps us create a safe space for children in need – thank you for supporting this unique project.

Donation details:Three Cranes AssociationAnkerstrasse 1228004 Zurich, Switzerland

Bank: St. Galler Kantonalbank, 8021 ZurichIBAN: CH85 0078 1626 8687 2200 0

Learn More

If you would like to learn more or attend one of our information events in Zurich, please contact us:

info@threecranesassociation.com