Masa is a facility dog, a specially trained animal that supports children hospitalised for extended periods or awaiting organ transplants. They interact with patients according to individualised treatment plans, offering moments of normalcy to children who rarely leave the ward. Although facility dogs were introduced to Japan about 15 years ago, their use remains limited, largely because of cost. The organisation plans to introduce a facility dog to Kobe Children's Hospital in Hyogo prefecture in fiscal 2027. Kids aims to introduce facility dogs to all 15 pediatric cancer hospitals in Japan.

Source: Bangkok Post January 02, 2026 08:17 UTC