Story
Why Bright Nest Began
History
The Moment I Realized
Japanese and American Early Childhood Education Were Missing Each Other
Through my work in U.S. early childhood education, I began to see clearly that each system holds strengths the other has yet to fully receive.
Japanese-inspired Chiiku
U.S. Early Childhood Practice
Japanese education is deeply rooted in foundational skills, perseverance, daily life habits, and a strong learning mindset—qualities highly respected by American educators.
At the same time, American early education excels in self-expression, inclusivity, and emotional development, areas that are not always fully accessible in Japan.
I am not here to compare which system is better. I am here to connect them.
FROM PRACTICE, NOT THEORY
Bright Nest was born from years of hands-on practice—working directly with children, observing, trying, failing, and improving every day. Rather than relying on theory alone, this project is grounded in lived experience and reflection from the classroom.
I am neither a parent nor an education major. Yet through continuous learning and on-the-ground experience, I have built knowledge shaped by real children, real families, and real challenges.
Bright Nest was founded on the belief that learning should be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in care. At the time of our founding, we created our original logo together with our community.
This founding logo represents the beginning of Bright Nest—and the shared dreams that shaped it.
That is why this project is not a place of one-way teaching, but a space where we grow together.
If someone ordinary like me can take this step, I believe you can too. This journey is my proof.
Founder
Early Childhood Educator
Moe Yamamoto
My name is Moe Yamamoto, and I am an early childhood educator at Boston Children’s Hospital Child Care Center.
I have lived and worked within both Japanese and American education systems at the ground level.
🇺🇸 Early Childhood in the United States
I spent part of my early childhood in the United States before returning to Japan just before the age of three. I was raised and educated in Japan, an experience that deeply shaped my values and approach to learning until the age of twenty-one.
🇯🇵 Education in Japan (Ages 3–21)
Through Japanese early education—including abacus, piano, sports, group activities, shared meals, and daily routines—I experienced what is considered “normal” in Japan, yet globally exceptional.
🇺🇸 Bilingual Preschool Experience (2021)
In May 2021, I moved back to the United States to work at a Japanese-English bilingual preschool in Massachusetts.
🏥 Boston Children’s Hospital Child Care Center (2022– )
Since July 2022, I have worked at Boston Children’s Hospital Child Care Center, focusing on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and evidence-based early childhood practices.
Long-term Vision
LOOKING AHEAD
“Building a Bilingual Daycare Full of Love in Boston”
A Place We Hope to Build
We envision a warm, inclusive bilingual daycare in Boston —a place where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn as they grow across languages and cultures.
Why This Is a Long-term Vision
While this daycare is part of our long-term vision, it guides everything we create today at Bright Nest.
Our programs, content, and community are all shaped by the values this future place represents.
A Vision Shaped by Community
Community support will one day help bring this vision to life — from securing a space and meeting safety standards to creating an environment filled with meaningful learning materials.
Together, we hope to build a place where children and families truly belong.
This is not what we offer today,
but where we are intentionally heading.
We are raising funds to build a warm, inclusive bilingual daycare in Boston where children can feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn.
Community support helps make this vision possible by covering facility leasing, renovations, and educational materials—creating a place where children and families can truly belong.
If this vision resonates with you, there are a few ways to support and learn more.