[Activity Report] Finalists Volunteer at "KIV Kids English Village"

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, two members of Mrs. Universe Japan, finalist Shuko Aoi and alumna Keiko Kawasaki, took part as volunteer staff in "KIV Kids English Village," held at Yoyogi Park.

As an activity of the Mrs. Universe Japan "Charity Club," they helped support a special day on which children met the world using all five senses, amid the fresh green of the park. Here is our report.

What is KIV Kids English Village?

Organized by the NPO KIV Children's International Village, it is an outdoor international exchange event that brings Japanese children together with multinational overseas volunteers called "IFs (International Friends)." On the day, more than 100 people took part, including volunteers from India, the Philippines, Thailand, France, the United States, Vietnam and other countries, along with the children. Surrounded by lush nature, the event became a lively space where, through games, dancing and free conversation in English, children could enjoy a cross-cultural experience like a "mini study abroad" without leaving Japan.

Support activities by the finalists

At the venue, Ms. Aoi and Ms. Kawasaki supported the event in a variety of roles so that the children and the overseas volunteers could connect with peace of mind.

• Event preparation and guiding guests from the station
  They helped set up the venue before the opening, and greeted visitors and the overseas volunteers (IFs) with smiles at the nearest station, guiding them safely and smoothly to Yoyogi Park.
• Demonstrating the English Games & Dances
  For the games and dances that livened up the event, they demonstrated the moves themselves, easing the nerves of participants and leading the way in creating a fun atmosphere.
• Supporting communication between the children and the IFs
  With more very young children taking part than expected, they gently supported them so they could join the games and free talk actively without feeling nervous. They also served as a bridge so that conversations with the IFs flowed smoothly. In addition, they worked as photographers, capturing the lively atmosphere of the event.

Comments from the participants

Shuko Aoi (@shuko.sgds)

"The children were interacting freely among the greenery of the park. I think they had an experience they could feel with all five senses, something you cannot get from learning at a desk. There were more small children than I had imagined, and I could feel how eager their parents were for them to have exchanges with people from overseas. I have great respect for KIV's steady work.

When I lived abroad in the past, many people helped me and I felt the warmth of others. I want the people who come to Japan to feel glad they came, too. If I have the chance to help with exchanges like this again, I would love to take part.

It also made me want to create more opportunities to use my English, which I keep forgetting. I once studied how to teach children the sounds and rhythms of English, and I would like to use that to help spark their interest in English and international exchange. It was a wonderful experience full of inspiration. Thank you for introducing me to it."

Keiko Kawasaki (@kawasakian0503)

"On the day, more than 100 children and IFs (International Friends) took part. Volunteers of many nationalities joined, from India, the Philippines, Thailand, France, the USA, Vietnam and more. The children quickly became friends with the IFs, and being able to talk with people from so many countries at once made the event feel like a mini study abroad.

The IFs made friends with one another too, and the children got to experience international exchange. This was my third time, and even I (not good at English) found myself communicating naturally with the IFs. I would love to take part again ✨"

• NPO KIV Children's International Village: official website
• NPO KIV Children's International Village: Instagram

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