#Japan #Fukuoka #Multiples #tatamama

Multiples Symposium in Fukuoka 2025

On July 19, 2025, a significant event titled the "Multiples Symposium in Fukuoka 2025" will be held at the Tenjin FFG Hall. This symposium, supported by the Children and Families Agency, Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City, and Kitakyushu City, aims to raise awareness and provide essential support for families raising multiple children.

Understanding the Challenge

Raising multiples, such as twins or triplets, poses unique challenges that many are unaware of. As one mother expressed, "I couldn't get a decent night's sleep for a month after giving birth, overwhelmed by anxiety and uncertainty." This reflects the hardships faced by many parents in similar situations. Every year, around 8,700 families in Japan welcome multiples, dubbed a "1 in 100 miracle." However, they also bear an increased risk of facing severe difficulties, including higher rates of abuse and neglect.

Key Statistics

Recent research indicates troubling statistics about multi-child families:

• - Approximately 70% of multiples are born with low birth weight and require medical care or developmental support.
• - Parents of twins report a staggering 18 hours spent on childcare daily.
• - The divorce rate among families with multiples is 1.5 to 2 times higher than the general population.
• - The abuse mortality rate in multi-child families is 2.5 to 4 times higher compared to single-child families.
• - Alarmingly, 30% to 40% of parents of multiples feel they may be abusing their children.

Given these challenges, the general incorporated association tatamama, established in 2023, seeks to address the isolation experienced by these families through direct support and increased social understanding. The upcoming symposium will feature experts, including directors from the Japan Support for Multiples Association and leaders in child abuse prevention, to engage in fruitful discussions about the realities and necessary support structures for families with multiples.

Event Details

The symposium is scheduled for July 19, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (with registration starting at 12:30 PM) at the Tenjin FFG Hall located beneath the Fukuoka Bank headquarters. Admission is free, but prior registration is required via the official website. The event aims to accommodate up to 692 attendees, including 7 dedicated wheelchair-accessible seats.

In addition to the discussions, there will also be a networking session for families with multiples to share experiences and learn from each other. This will create an invaluable opportunity for parents to connect and gain practical advice on managing the burdens of parenting.

Call for Support

The symposium attracts not only families but also potential sponsors who can contribute to making this event successful. The hosting organization, tatamama, hopes to spread awareness of the plight of multi-child families and ignite discussions on how the community can better support them.

As the representative director of tatamama, Tomoe Ushijima states, "We hope that by raising awareness about the current situation of multiple parenting, participants will consider how they can contribute to supporting families with multiples." The event also plans to share live testimonials from families facing these challenges, adding a personal touch to the symposium.

About tatamama

Tatamama is committed to creating a community where families with multiples are supported and understood. Based in Fukuoka, the organization has actively collaborated with local government bodies since its inception to enhance support systems for multi-child families. It aims not only to assist individual families but also to foster a broader societal understanding.

In conclusion, the "Multiples Symposium in Fukuoka 2025" promises to be an enlightening experience that addresses critical issues surrounding the challenges of parenting multiples. We encourage everyone interested in this vital topic to participate and contribute to the discussion. Together, we can uplift and support the families that need it the most.