AERA’s “I Want to Be Kind Project” special page opens on October 20th

AERA’s “We Want to Be Kind Project” special page opens on October 20th ​
Asahi Shimbun Publications Ltd. Press Release: October 20, 2025 AERA’s “I Want to Be Kind Project” special page opens on October 20th Special organizer is Kundo Koyama The weekly magazine and news site “AERA” (Asahi Shimbun Publications) has launched the “Yasashiku Naritai Project” (commonly known as “Yasa Pro”) to promote greater acceptance of diversity and a more tolerant society. A special page was launched on AERA DIGITAL on Monday, October 20th.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/4702/2239/4702-2239-4d0573eb7d6b5c5a6435674778caf32f-2880×2700.jpg

Special page here ​ As society becomes more divided and words become weapons of hurt, AERA will communicate in various ways to spread the desire to be kinder. AERA’s most “kind” project in its history has begun. The special page features entry points to various categories, such as “Let’s Talk About Kindness,” “The Science of Kindness,” “Let’s Listen to Voices,” “The House of Warmth,” “The Source of Kindness,” “Kindness Special,” “Gentle Portraits,” and “Kindness Outreach,” delving into kindness from multiple angles. Additionally, the weekly magazine “AERA,” releasing its December 8th issue, will be entirely dedicated to “Wanting to Be Kind.” Going forward, this project will continue to feature articles on diversity and regional support on a variety of themes, including “Well-Being,” “Women’s Empowerment,” “15 Years Since the Great East Japan
Earthquake,” and “Regional Revitalization.” There will also be plenty of reader-participation projects, including large and small events and social media posts.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/4702/2239/4702-2239-cdc651d90a8867cb0062e0f9f70190fe-1600×1067.jpg The special organizer of this project is Kundo Koyama, a television writer, scriptwriter, and creator of “Kumamon.” Ten years ago, when Koyama served as special editor-in-chief, AERA featured “I Want to Be Kind” in its January 12, 2015, issue. This time, we will once again spread this value through various means of communication. Koyama says, “I believe kindness is about how strongly you can care for people other than yourself. I have always believed that honing your ‘power of consideration for others’ will undoubtedly enrich your life.” (Read the full interview with Koyama here →
https://dot.asahi.com/articles/-/264926) Let’s spread a kindness movement together with AERA’s “We Want to Be Kind Project”! AERA: A weekly news magazine founded in 1988. It offers “AERA DIGITAL” as its digital platform. It publishes articles that address people’s concerns, explore diverse values, and consider ways of living and working that are unique to each individual. We hold roundtable discussions and reader networking events focused on solving social issues. Kundo Koyama: Born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1964. Vice President of Kyoto University of the Arts. As a broadcast writer and screenwriter, he has worked on TV programs such as “World Heritage” and “Iron Chef,” as well as films such as “Departures” and “The Way of the Bath.” He has been involved in regional revitalization projects in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kyoto City, and is also the creator of “Kumamon.” They will produce the signature pavilion “EARTH MART” at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Project name: AERA “I Want to Be Kind Project” (commonly known as “Yasashiku Pro”) Special page:
https://dot.asahi.com/dir/yasashikunaritai/ For more information about this release