Also known as: Mr. Hug (Kuwaman)
An activist who delivers peace and smiles through “free hugs” in 197 countries around the world.
Since 2011, starting with South Korea, he has carried out activities to remove the walls around people’s hearts by holding up “FREE HUGS” signs and hugging strangers in various countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

His presence, shared through platforms like YouTube, continues to question the importance of “individual-to-individual connection” that transcends political and historical backgrounds.

No matter how much language is not understood or how complex history may be, hearts can connect through a single hug.
He is an activist who has conducted “FREE HUGS” on streets around the world and delivered those miracle-like moments.The sight of people from conflicting countries hugging in his videos has stirred many people’s emotions and given them hope.

Please experience his overwhelming ability to take action, his boundless bright smile, and his passion.

Mr. Hug (Kuwaman)’s activities can be found below

How to participate:

Please send anything that made you feel “thankful” in the sharehouse through the form below.

Form URL：https://11573.typeform.com/to/KlJRaKrO

*Messages will be published on our website after the end of April. (The names of the recipient and yourself will not be published on the page.) You can also send it as an anonymous love letter. Please feel free to share your feelings as a way to support Mr. Kuwahara’s activities.

Event Period:
April 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026

*Crowdfunding is also being held simultaneously!

Project Report:

After the project ends on April 30, we will announce the number of “thank yous” received by Kizunaya and deliver the total donation amount to Mr. Kuwahara.

For those who send a “thank you,” a special free hug message will be delivered from Mr. Kuwahara.

Lastly: A message from Kuwaman.

“To be honest, I was incredibly surprised by this support project!

I received the message of support from Kizunaya at the perfect timing, just as I was preparing to start my crowdfunding campaign for a 10-country European tour. This synchronicity gave me goosebumps.

For one year starting from 2020, I was forced to suspend my activities due to the pandemic, and the days when I couldn’t do my beloved free hugs continued.

They were anxious days as people grew further apart, but the time spent gathering around the table at Kizunaya and talking face-to-face was my only salvation.

‘Even if we cannot hug, we can connect through our hearts.’

The days at Kizunaya where I became convinced of that are the important foundation that supports my activities today. Because of that year, I am now able to carry out my activities while appreciating the ‘preciousness of connection’ more than anyone else.

Now, several years after moving out, you are supporting me as a member of the ‘Kizunaya Family’ as I take on a new challenge.

I am now once again realizing the ‘power to continue nurturing connections’ that Kizunaya values.

Everyone at Kizunaya, thank you so much for the wonderful surprise and the courage.

I’ll give it my all!”