Disney Delivers Joy to the National Center for Child Health and Development in Japan

Disney’s commitment to helping reimagine the hospital experience has expanded in Japan. Disney, in collaboration with The Support Network for NANBYO Children of Japan, has introduced five new empowering experiences to the National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), including: Japan’s first-ever mobile movie theater; interactive murals featuring beloved Disney characters, complimentary Disney+ access, Disney character staff badges, and Disney-themed Starlight Hospital Wear.

As the largest children’s hospital in Japan, the NCCHD welcomes tens of thousands of patients every year, many of whom must undergo a range of difficult procedures. With the addition of the installations, Disney and the NCCHD look forward to bringing joy and comfort to generations of young patients when they need it most.

“These efforts build on a legacy of support for kids and families, beginning with Walt Disney himself, who brought Disney animators and characters to visit hospitalized children,” said Carol Choi, managing director, The Walt Disney Company Japan. “Last year, we were proud to bring this longstanding tradition to Japan with the launch of our children’s hospital initiative, and we’ve been touched to hear so many stories of young patients finding comfort in our characters and stories since then. With the unveiling of today’s expanded experiences, we look forward to helping even more patients and their families right here at the NCCHD and continuing to expand our support to other hospitals across Japan in the coming months.”

“We would like to thank Disney for donating these colorful new additions to our hospital,” said NCCHD Executive Director Dr. Mureo Kasahara. “Coming to the hospital can be difficult for patients and their families, but being surrounded by beautiful murals and other beloved interactive Disney elements can calm patients and help them find joy during a trying time.”

These children’s hospital installations constitute one of the most extensive packages of their kind in Japan, allowing children to engage with Disney characters throughout their hospital journey. The newly announced concepts and experiences allow children to interact with murals filled with Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel characters via the Disney Team of Heroes app; watch Disney stories on Japan’s first-ever mobile movie theater; enjoy complimentary access to Disney+; see their doctors’ favorite Disney characters on the new staff badges; and dress like some of their favorite Disney characters with Disney-themed Starlight Hospital Wear.

In celebration of the announcement, a special unveiling ceremony was held at the NCCHD, featuring a surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse, who visited and brought smiles to patients around the hospital.

About the Walt Disney’s Children’s Hospitals Support

For almost 100 years, Disney stories have been a source of imagination and hope for children of all ages. Walt Disney himself visited hospitalized children with Disney animators and characters to bring young patients moments of joy when they were needed most. Today, this legacy is reflected in Disney’s $100 million global commitment to help reimagine the patient experience, providing familiarity and optimism during an otherwise anxious time for kids and the people who care for them. As part of this commitment, Disney brings the positive power of its stories, characters, and immersive experiences to more than 700 children’s hospitals and pediatric places of care around the world. Learn more about Disney’s commitment to delivering joy and comfort through the power of stories at joy.disney.com.