This is an English summary of the Japanese article below.

Charming Care’s original amigurumi project uses pairs of crocheted acorn characters to connect people inside and outside home or hospital. A kit developed under the Japan Amigurumi Association’s supervision makes two personalised figures. One goes on outings with its owner; the other is shared with someone unable to go out easily. Photographs posted online with the Charming Care hashtag allow experiences to be shared from a distance. The project turns a small handmade object into a way of maintaining connection, curiosity and participation in life beyond the hospital or home.