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. These are referred to as futōkō (不登校). Among them, approximately 33,000 children aged 7 to 17 have already been classified as hikikomori (引きこもり). 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 is the fact that, in 2024, Japan recorded a tragic all-time high of 527 suicides among schoolchildren. This included 15 elementary school students (ages 6–12), 163 middle school students (ages 13–15), and 349 high school students (ages 16–18). 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, created for children and adolescents struggling with school refusal (futōkō 不登校) and social withdrawal (hikikomori 引きこもり). 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.

The project offers nature-based day retreats, intentionally held without parents or legal guardians present. These days are not about performance or achievement – they are about simply being together: sharing time in nature, eating together, relaxing, talking or just being in silence. Stepping outside the familiar environment, even for a single day, can spark a powerful shift: from isolation to connection, from despair to hope.

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, tranquil atmosphere. Many describe feeling immediately connected to nature and freedom, as if the wind and light itself dissolve everyday pressure and anxiety. Fukura-an is a protected space where healing begins.

The Pilot Project in March 2025

In spring 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 (Switzerland), who initiated and designed the concept, together with Miwako Huggler, Kazu’s mother, who resides at Fukura-an. The event was intentionally held without the presence of parents or guardians. For many of the children, it was the first time they spent a whole day away from home with others.

Activities and Impressions:

• 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 were at the heart of the day. The children prepared (voluntarily) and enjoyed dishes created by Mark Huggler, a specialist in culinary and hospitality culture, using Swiss recipes combined with seasonal, local ingredients from SHO Farm.

• The act of cooking and eating together fostered joy, curiosity, and trust – a space for gentle connection, without pressure.

• Time and freedom to explore the garden and house, to relax, to talk, to play – or simply to be.

• Walk to the nearby beach, where the children could experience the element Water (水 mizu) – feel the ocean, breathe the salt air, and take in the vastness of the sea.

Results and Feedback

This first pilot retreat was a moving and memorable success. All children ate with appetite and enjoyment; many voluntarily helped prepare the food. Curiosity blossomed. They began talking, asking questions, laughing, and connecting – both with peers and adults. The atmosphere remained calm, open, and harmonious throughout the day.

Most touching were the children’s responses, gathered via feedback forms. Many expressed how just one day together gave them strength, hope, and the confidence to be with others again. Several discovered for the first time that they could enjoy being outside their rooms, in nature, with others.
The desire for future events is strong – among children, parents, and caregivers alike.

Support This Project

To continue and expand the Fukura-an Project, we rely on financial support.
If you would like to contribute, please consider donating to:

Three Cranes Association
Ankerstrasse 122
8004 Zurich
Switzerland

Bank: St. Galler Kantonalbank, 8021 Zurich
IBAN: 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 get in touch:

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. These are referred to as futōkō (不登校). Among them, approximately 33,000 children aged 7 to 17 have already been classified as hikikomori (引きこもり). 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 is the fact that, in 2024, Japan recorded a tragic all-time high of 527 suicides among schoolchildren. This included 15 elementary school students (ages 6–12), 163 middle school students (ages 13–15), and 349 high school students (ages 16–18). 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, created for children and adolescents struggling with school refusal (futōkō 不登校) and social withdrawal (hikikomori 引きこもり). 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.

The project offers nature-based day retreats, intentionally held without parents or legal guardians present. These days are not about performance or achievement – they are about simply being together: sharing time in nature, eating together, relaxing, talking or just being in silence. Stepping outside the familiar environment, even for a single day, can spark a powerful shift: from isolation to connection, from despair to hope.

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, tranquil atmosphere. Many describe feeling immediately connected to nature and freedom, as if the wind and light itself dissolve everyday pressure and anxiety. Fukura-an is a protected space where healing begins.

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

FUKURA-AN is a project by the Three Cranes Association, created for children and adolescents struggling with school refusal (futōkō 不登校) and social withdrawal (hikikomori 引きこもり). 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.

The project offers nature-based day retreats, intentionally held without parents or legal guardians present. These days are not about performance or achievement – they are about simply being together: sharing time in nature, eating together, relaxing, talking or just being in silence. Stepping outside the familiar environment, even for a single day, can spark a powerful shift: from isolation to connection, from despair to hope.

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, tranquil atmosphere. Many describe feeling immediately connected to nature and freedom, as if the wind and light itself dissolve everyday pressure and anxiety. Fukura-an is a protected space where healing begins.

The Pilot Project in March 2025

In spring 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 (Switzerland), who initiated and designed the concept, together with Miwako Huggler, Kazu’s mother, who resides at Fukura-an. The event was intentionally held without the presence of parents or guardians. For many of the children, it was the first time they spent a whole day away from home with others.

Activities and Impressions:

• 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 were at the heart of the day. The children prepared (voluntarily) and enjoyed dishes created by Mark Huggler, a specialist in culinary and hospitality culture, using Swiss recipes combined with seasonal, local ingredients from SHO Farm.

• The act of cooking and eating together fostered joy, curiosity, and trust – a space for gentle connection, without pressure.

• Time and freedom to explore the garden and house, to relax, to talk, to play – or simply to be.

• Walk to the nearby beach, where the children could experience the element Water (水 mizu) – feel the ocean, breathe the salt air, and take in the vastness of the sea.

Results and Feedback

This first pilot retreat was a moving and memorable success. All children ate with appetite and enjoyment; many voluntarily helped prepare the food. Curiosity blossomed. They began talking, asking questions, laughing, and connecting – both with peers and adults. The atmosphere remained calm, open, and harmonious throughout the day.

Most touching were the children’s responses, gathered via feedback forms. Many expressed how just one day together gave them strength, hope, and the confidence to be with others again. Several discovered for the first time that they could enjoy being outside their rooms, in nature, with others.
The desire for future events is strong – among children, parents, and caregivers alike.

Support This Project

To continue and expand the Fukura-an Project, we rely on financial support.
If you would like to contribute, please consider donating to:

Three Cranes Association
Ankerstrasse 122
8004 Zurich
Switzerland

Bank: St. Galler Kantonalbank, 8021 Zurich
IBAN: 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 get in touch:

info@threecranesassociation.com