People feel lonely for many reasons: for example, their pet dies, or they move to a new city, or their dreams are dashed. To overcome loneliness, they need connections and a sense of belonging. However, there are times when they feel lonely because they are unable to meet people for physical or psychological reasons.
　Think of a boy of your age who has a serious illness and is confined to a bed in the hospital. He wants to study in school, as well as play, talk, and express emotions with his friends. He is alone most of the day, but he has a dream: to do something that helps people like him feel happier by making them feel that they are useful and important. The hospital is near his school, but he cannot go there even though he wants to. Imagine how lonely he must be.
　Now look at “OriHime in use” on the next page. The boy mentioned above is using OriHime from his hospital bed and there is another OriHime in a classroom. The boy is not in the classroom, but OriHime allows him to be there. The robot is an extension of himself. Through OriHime, he can talk and experience joy and sadness with his classmates. He is a member of the class.