Machiko no Ishi’s mission is to provide gentle emotional support to hospice and end-of-life palliative care patients.

We do this by providing culturally attuned comfort companions inspired by the Japanese tradition of nuigurumi: lifelike plush Maltese dogs that help reduce feelings of isolation and bring warmth, reassurance, and connectedness to patients and caregivers. These comfort companions are provided at no cost to patients or families.

Machiko no Ishi can be translated as “Machiko’s Legacy” and was created in memory of the founder’s late wife, Machiko Chiba, whose own experience in hospice care revealed how meaningful quiet presence, familiarity, and tactile reassurance can become during serious illness and end-of-life care. Machiko no Ishi prioritizes patients of Japanese and other Asian ancestry but serves all who would benefit from our program.

Machiko no Ishi's guiding principle is expressed in the phrase that appears on its logo: "Jinsei no saigo ni, yasashii nukumori o" ("A gentle warmth at the end of life"). The organization's programs are built around the belief that compassion, dignity, and human connection remain important forms of care even when curative treatment is no longer possible.

Family members and loved ones may request a companion directly. Clinicians and healthcare professionals may also request one for patients in their care.

Machiko no Ishi (“Machiko’s Legacy”) is a California 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. We are a 100% volunteer organization with no salaries, benefits and minimal administrative expenses, funded entirely by donations.