History
April 1970
In search for a dialogue with babies, which is unknown and no one has attempted before, Mr. Kenzo Kassai founds “Aprica Ikuji Kenkyukai” all by himself.
The “Movement to Nurture Warmheartedness” is launched by three men – the “Father of Childcare” Dr. Jushichiro Naito, the cartoonist Dr. Osamu Tezuka and Mr. Kenzo Kassai, founder of Aprica.
October 1980
The Father of Childcare, Dr. Jushichiro Naito is appointed Supreme
Advisor of Aprica Ikuji Kenkyukai.
April 1987
Naito Commemorative Childcare Institute is established.
June 1993
The achievements of the Movement to Nurture Warmheartedness are recognized and Mr. Kenzo Kassai receives a special commendation at the World Youth Forum of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
October 1993
The first Japan-China Childcare Symposium is held at International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital of China Welfare Institute in Shanghai.
Related symposiums and special courses are subsequently held within and outside Japan.
December 1995
For the recognition of his long-term devotion toward childcare and achievement of spreading the Movement to Nurture Warmheartedness across the world, Mr. Kenzo Kassai is presented with the Reverence for Life Award by the Albert Schweitzer Institute.
October 1997
The Dr. Jushichiro Naito International Childcare Award is established.
The very first recipient of the special International Award, is Mother Teresa.
October 1998
The second recipient of the special International Award of the Dr. Jushichiro Naito International Childcare Award, is Mrs. Nancy Reagan (former first lady of the United States).
April 2004
Mr. Kenzo Kassai was granted a Coat of Arms from the Windsor Herald of Arms in Ordinary at the College of Arms, Mr. William Hunt under the authority of the Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom.
August 2008
Assisted in the planning of Kodomo no Niwa (Garden for Children) created at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.
August 2008
prica Ikujikenkyukai, in respect to Mr. Kenzo Kassai’s intentions:
1. Carries out research and development of baby goods, nursery items, antenatal and postnatal goods for mothers;
2. Provides childcare as well as education regarding childbirth, child-raising and childcare; and
3. Deals with any other matters incidental or relating to each of the foregoing.
With the above as its aim, “Aprica Childcare Institute・アップリカ育児研究所Inc.” is founded by Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (Atlanta, USA) and the Kassai Family with Dr. Noboru Kobayashi, Professor Emeritus of The University of Tokyo as supreme advisor. Mr. Thomas Joel Brown, Mr. Tokuo Kassai and Mr. Yasuhito Kassai are installed as directors.
December 2012
Inaugurations of Mr. Hidehiro Maeda as a director, Mr. Shozo
Kitahama as an auditor, Mr. Tokuo Kassai as the chairman of the board of directors and Mr. Yasuhito Kassai as the president and representative director.
April 2013
Kenzo Kassai was appointed as the Director-General of Aprica Childcare Institute
June 2013
Japanese version of “Childcare Basics: The Japanese Method – How to Raise Children to Develop a Warm Heart –” was published
November 2014
English version of “Childcare Basics: The Japanese Method – How to Raise Children to Develop a Warm Heart –” was published.
November 1, 2015
New “Childcare: Nurturing the Heart” was designated as the publication recommended by the Japan Pediatric Association.
November 23, 2015
The book titled “Motherology - Learning about babies, then entering into motherhood” was published.
January 2016
English version of “Childcare Basics: The Japanese Method – How to Raise Children to Develop a Warm Heart –” was dedicated to the Duchess of Cambridge of the British Royal Family.
Company Overview
Company name
Aprica Childcare Institute・アップリカ育児研究所株式会社
Address
Osaka office:1-14-9, Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0083
Nara office: 3529 Tsugehayamacho, Nara, Nara 632-0231
Representative
Yasuhito Kassai
President and representative director
Scope of business
１．Carries out research and development of baby goods, nursery items, antenatal and postnatal goods for mothers;
２．Provides childcare as well as education regarding childbirth, child-raising and childcare; and
３．Deals with any other matters incidental or relating to each of the foregoing.
Contact
E-mail：info@aprica-childcare-institute.com
