#Japan #Tokyo #Health Awareness #Second Opinion #Shinagawa Hanakaido

February 14th: A Day to Reflect on Second Opinions

Every year on February 14th, people are encouraged to think about the importance of obtaining a second opinion in healthcare. Collaborating with the non-profit organization Shinagawa Hanakaido, T-Pec Co., Ltd. is showcasing the 'Second Opinion Haiku' at Shinagawa Hanakaido along the Katsushima Canal in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo.

A Celebration of Health Literacy

This initiative aims to create opportunities for the public to learn about second opinions while enjoying the blooming rapeseed flowers and the Kawazu cherry blossoms. The displayed haikus were selected from entries of the 'Second Opinion Haiku Contest' held in 2020 and 2025, highlighting the significance of seeking additional medical advice.

What is Second Opinion Day?

Established in 2019 by T-Pec Co., Ltd., Second Opinion Day promotes the idea that consulting a second physician (2/14) can lead to better health outcomes. Coinciding with Valentine's Day, the day emphasizes compassion for loved ones and encourages individuals to seek diverse opinions when faced with health issues.

Every year, various awareness campaigns are launched on this day to reflect on the importance of making informed decisions in healthcare. Initiatives such as the Second Opinion Haiku and 300-character essays engage the public to think critically about their health options.

The Outdoor Exhibition

Exhibition Details

• - Location: Shinagawa Hanakaido (Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, along Katsushima Canal)
• - Exhibition Period: February 6, 2026 – End of March (Tentative)
• - Access Information: 5 minutes from Keikyu Tatsuikawagawa Station/Samezu Station, 10 minutes from JR Oimachi Station, 8 minutes from Monorail Oi-keiba-jomae Station.

Fifty-six haikus from a total of 15,523 submissions received during the contests will be showcased. Here are a few selected pieces that reflect the spirit of the event:

• - 'A second opinion is a guide to self-determination.' (Kokichi, Female, 58, Okayama)
• - 'Spreading second opinions is also a way of love.' (Tsuberu, Female, 32, Kanagawa)
• - 'If a second opinion were cheaper, I'd want one.' (Gansabakun, Female, 57, Kanagawa)
• - 'Had I known you'd want a referral, I would have written one.' (Kenichi Murayama, Male, 51, Hiroshima)
• - 'For a single life, two perspectives should exist.' (Luke, Female, 63, Tokyo)
• - 'Please tell me about your recommended second opinion doctor.' (Miyami, Female, 46, Aichi)

Commentary from Shinagawa Hanakaido Staff

This year’s collaboration with healthcare awareness themes marks a first for Shinagawa Hanakaido. Staff member Nagao shared, 'This exhibition provides a valuable chance for locals and visitors to learn about second opinions and participate in an otherwise inaccessible discussion. Enjoying flowers is contingent on good health, and we hope to continue community-driven initiatives like this.'

Similarly, staff member Hori noted the exhibition's potential impact on different age groups, stating, 'With visitors ranging from young children to seniors, this event naturally engages younger generations, who may not yet perceive illness as a personal issue. Learning about healthcare will empower them and help demystify medical knowledge.'

Feel free to visit and enjoy the haikus along with the seasonal flowers. Currently, we are also hosting a scarecrow contest where your online votes are welcome! Vote here for the Scarecrow Contest.

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About Shinagawa Hanakaido

Shinagawa Hanakaido is a community organization dedicated to maintaining parks and flower beds along the Katsushima Canal, where the public can enjoy blossoms from canola flowers, cherry blossoms, and around 20,000 lilies. The organization holds annual local events like the Cherry Blossom and Canola Flower Festival and Shinagawa Lily Garden Festival.

With the rapeseed and Kawazu cherry blossoms currently in full bloom, Shinagawa Hanakaido is embarking on fresh initiatives, including the scarecrow contest and a new tea shop opened at Samezu Irie Park. Expect the lilies to also burst into bloom starting in May.

• - Official Website: shinagawa-hanakaido.org
• - Social Media: X @47hanakaido, Instagram @shinagawa.hanakaido

About T-Pec Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1989, T-Pec specializes in 24-hour health consultation services and operates a contact center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals. It aims to resolve various societal issues in health and medical care through services like second opinion facilitation and mental counseling. T-Pec has been recognized as a 'White 500' health management excellent corporation for nine consecutive years from 2017.

Note: 'Sekao Pi' is a registered trademark of T-Pec Co., Ltd.