A therapy from the Netherlands that gives new visual and tactile experiences to people with learning disabilities is gaining popularity in Japan.
Known as Snoezelen — a contraction of the Dutch verbs "snuffelen" (to seek out) and "doezelen" (to doze) — the therapy involves a room that stimulates the senses using light, color, sound, scent and objects.
A Snoezelen room at a residential facility for people with learning disabilities in western Japan resembles a miniature amusement park. It is one of several forms of a Snoezelen environment and contains a ball pool, a swing and a hammock.