This collaborative presentation examines how music can address pressing issues of diversity and inclusion in education by looking at two growing crises: preschool expulsions in the United States and the sharp rise in school absences (futōkō) in Japan.In the United States, increasing numbers of young children—especially those from underserved communities—are being expelled from preschool. Factors such as poverty, limited access to early intervention, inadequate resources, and systemic bias place these children at greater risk. Being excluded from learning at such an early age disrupts developmental progress, reinforces inequities, and can have long-lasting effects on academic achievement and social mobility.In Japan, futōkō has reached record levels. Many students face strained peer relationships, rigid school systems, bullying, and heavy social pressures, leading them to withdraw from attending school altogether. Though the cultural contexts are different, both situations reveal systemic patterns that marginalize children who do not fit expected norms of behavior or participation.Music can help counter these patterns by offering inclusive, flexible spaces for growth and learning. In early childhood settings, group singing, rhythm activities, and piano improvisation allow children to participate in ways that match their individual needs and abilities, free from overly strict behavioral expectations. These musical experiences encourage self-expression, strengthen emotional regulation, build confidence, and nurture empathy, cooperation, and other social-emotional skills that help children stay engaged in the classroom.For students in Japan coping with futōkō, ensemble music-making and collaborative piano lessons can foster trust, connection, and shared responsibility among peers. Music provides safe spaces for expression and belonging—opportunities to reconnect with others even outside traditional school structures.By drawing on experiences from both the U.S. and Japan, this presentation explores the challenges of exclusion and shows how music can serve as a powerful tool for building resilience, equity, and a true sense of belonging. Far from being a mere extracurricular activity, music is a vital part of ensuring that every child—regardless of their circumstances—can participate fully in the life of their educational community.