#Japan #Tokyo #Child Abuse #ACE #Onara

Shedding Light on Trauma: The Journey of Onara

In our society, abuse often goes unseen, suffering in silence while its effects ripple through lives long after the events themselves. In an effort to bring these hidden scars into the open, Onara, a Tokyo-based organization dedicated to the support of child abuse survivors, has successfully concluded a crowdfunding campaign entitled "Illuminating Trauma: A Film that Inspires Hope." The campaign garnered an impressive ¥6,568,500 (approximately $60,000) in support and is set to present its launch meeting on January 18.

The Meeting:
This gathering will not only celebrate the journey towards film production but also foster connections between supporters, creating a space where shared experiences and aspirations can be voiced. An additional online meeting will occur on January 23, allowing for broader participation.

Engagement Opportunities:
Supporters have a chance to participate in this event with various ticket options:

• - In-person event and advance screening in Tokyo for ¥14,500 ($130)
• - Online participation and screening for ¥10,000 ($90)
• - A combination of both along with Onara merchandise for ¥30,000 ($270)
• - A special ticket to act as an extra in the film for ¥50,000 ($450)

It's important to note that because this event is a reward for crowdfunding backers, general registration is not available to the public.

A Survivor’s Perspective: Tsumugi Okasaki, President of Onara
Okasaki’s personal history is woven into the fabric of this project. Growing up amidst profound emotional and psychological trauma, she has faced life-threatening challenges including complex PTSD and eating disorders. One particularly haunting experience occurred after a suicide attempt—she recalls a caseworker’s callous remark: “Your life doesn’t matter.” Those words ignited a fire within her to not only survive but to fight for a society where every life is valued. "I believed something must change; this inspires my current activism," she states, emphasizing that her pain resonates with many others facing similar battles.

The film seeks to portray the daily realities of children surviving abuse, highlighting both the shadows of their pain and the flickering light of hope as they recover and reclaim their lives. Okasaki takes on the director's mantle, alongside renowned filmmaker Kaito Nishizaka, weaving a narrative that seeks to shift societal views on abuse's lingering impacts.

Addressing Invisible Abuse:
News of child abuse frequently makes headlines, but numerous individuals suffer in silence, grappling with the pain long after the incident has passed. Often, victims only realize they have experienced abuse years later as adults. Emotional and psychological abuse, such as educational neglect disguised as ‘just wanting what’s best,’ creates invisible wounds that can persist well into adulthood and affect overall well-being.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) encompass various forms of trauma, from physical and psychological abuse to familial dysfunction as described by Ryukoku University’s Haruyo Mitani. Notably, Okasaki’s organization is working tirelessly to shed light on these encounters, revealing the societal and personal implications of such childhood adversities.

The Impact of ACE:
Recent statistics reveal the urgent need for dialogue and action on the subject of child abuse:

• - 91.1% of respondents from Onara's 2023 survey reported suicidal ideation related to their childhood trauma.
• - Over 84% have sought psychiatric care, significantly higher than the national average.

Bringing Awareness:
Onara is committed to ensuring that the voices of individuals affected by ACE are heard. Conducting surveys, sharing stories, and now creating this film are just a few steps the organization is taking to generate awareness and change. The looming tragedy of child abuse affects a staggering 20% of children today. Through Onara’s work, the goal is clear: to cultivate a society where every child can affirm, "I’m glad I survived."

Upcoming Events:
The strategy moving forward includes engaging dialogues, awareness campaigns, and fostering communities where survivors can connect and rebuild trust in a supportive environment.
Join Onara on January 18 for this pivotal moment, and become part of the ongoing conversation to foster a future where every child can thrive, cherish their lives, and believe that they are worthy of love and support.

About Onara:
Founded in 2022, Onara continues to be a beacon of hope, providing assistance and policy advocacy for childhood abuse victims. With a mission to create a world where every survivor can praise their survival, Onara works tirelessly to ensure that stories of pain transform into narratives of strength and resilience.

Let us support this critical cause, shining a light on the often hidden struggles of abuse survivors, and work together to ensure no child feels that their life does not matter.