#Japan #Tokyo #social support #Yuka Kubota #Beauty Japan

A Momentous Achievement in Social Welfare

On August 10, 2025, at the Beauty Japan Tokyo 2025 Grand Prix, Yuka Kubota, a clinical psychologist, received the prestigious Grand Prize in the Sociality category. This accolade recognizes her dedicated efforts towards supporting mothers in response to the alarming rise in child suicide rates, underscoring the critical social impact of her work.

Yuka Kubota was not only a participant but also served as a judge during the event, receiving her award from Akie Abe, a notable presenter. The award signifies a significant recognition of her advocacy for mothers, particularly amidst the distressing statistic that recorded the highest number of child suicides since the inception of such studies. A staggering 529 children across various educational levels—15 elementary students, 163 middle schoolers, and 351 high school students—lost their lives to suicide in 2024. This crisis has brought the issue of mental health and parental support to the forefront of societal concerns.

Redefining Beauty and Social Responsibility

Beauty Japan, established in 2019, transcends traditional beauty pageants by not solely focusing on physical appearance but celebrating inner beauty, individuality, social responsibility, influence, and the unique beauty that each contestant brings. This pageant invites women of all ages and marital statuses, encouraging diverse participation from various professions.

The Sociality category, from which Kubota emerged victorious, evaluates the contributions women make to society. In her acceptance speech, Kubota reflected on the vital role mothers play, stating, "The reality behind these staggering statistics includes isolated and overwhelmed mothers. They feel the immense pressure of being a 'perfect mother,' often leading to their own struggles."

Kubota's project, aimed at creating a society where both mothers and children can smile, has gained substantial traction. During a crowdfunding campaign from July 18 to August 8, her initiative exceeded expectations by achieving 246% of its target, well beyond the anticipated amount. This overwhelming support demonstrated a societal shift towards recognizing and addressing the necessity of maternal support.

Proactive Steps Towards Change

With the funds raised, Kubota has planned to donate 220 copies of her book, "Goodbye to Frustration with Child-Rearing—a guide for overwhelmed mothers" to various municipalities and educational institutions across the nation. Additionally, she will invite over 30 mothers to participate in her parenting seminars free of charge. This outreach aims to promote healthy relationships between parents and children, emphasizing that many behavioral issues in children stem from the parent-child dynamic.

Kubota believes that to foster a supportive society, it's imperative not to blame mothers, but to empower them. She stated, "Creating a supportive environment for mothers who are struggling is crucial to prevent child abuse. A happy mother translates into a safer future for children."

Expanding Support Networks

The success of her recent initiatives has positioned Kokoro Lab, Kubota's counseling center, to further enhance collaborations with local governments, educational institutions, and businesses. The organization aims to embed maternal support into societal infrastructure, ensuring mothers in crisis can find the resources and community they need to thrive.

Every day, many mothers face struggles silently, believing they are inadequate. Kubota's message to them is, "You are not alone, and you have already done enough." Envisioning a future where parenting is joyful and where children’s laughter fills homes, she remains committed to creating a society that nurtures and supports mothers, thereby fostering healthier communities for generations to come.

About Yuka Kubota

Yuka Kubota is a licensed clinical psychologist and the head of Kokoro Lab, a counseling center where she has successfully conducted over 10,000 counseling sessions in both Japan and the United States. Her mission is to ensure healthy children enter the world, focusing on the crucial role mothers play in nurturing their well-being. Her book has gained immense popularity among mothers seeking practical advice and support in their parenting journey.

The acknowledgment of the pressing social issue of child suicide, along with Kubota's commitment to maternal support, opens discussions that need to be addressed widely. Interviews and additional coverage are welcomed to further highlight this essential cause.