YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) Pediatricians and other members of a nonprofit group are preparing to open a retreat facility in Oiso, Kanagawa Prefecture, next year for children with serious illnesses or disabilities.
The Ocean View Forest, consisting of remodeled traditional Japanese-style houses on a hill overlooking Sagami Bay, is now accepting some guests on a trial basis to provide medical care for sick children in a comfortable, homey environment while at the same time allowing relatives who are taking care of them time to rest.
"We hope to make this a place where children come in contact with nature and it nurtures their strength to live," said Hiromi Kai, 41, a key member of the foundation operating the project.