#Japan #Osaka #Pal System #Amon Miyamoto #Hikikomori VOICE

Nationwide Caravan for Hikikomori Awareness Launches

On August 22, an initiative to increase awareness of hikikomori will commence in Osaka, spearheaded by the Pal System Union in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. This initiative, known as the 'Hikikomori VOICE STATION Nationwide Caravan 2026,' spans six cities, including Aomori, Gifu, Kofu, Okayama, and Miyazaki, concluding on November 14. The caravan aims to provide a platform for voices and experiences of those affected by hikikomori, a phenomenon estimated to affect one in fifty individuals aged 15 to 64, according to a survey by the Cabinet Office.

Empowering Voices Through Poetry and Dialogue

The program begins each day at 1:00 PM, divided into three parts. The first part features online streaming, allowing voices from across the nation to join in and resonate with personal stories from individuals who have experienced hikikomori.

In Osaka, notable figures will grace the stage during the first part, including acclaimed director Amon Miyamoto, comedian Rui Yamada 53, and influencer Maikichi. These speakers will share their own journeys and insights into their experiences living with hikikomori.

The second part of the program, titled 'Living with a Sense of Deficiency? Namba Session,' will feature a panel discussion aimed at exploring how we can foster an inclusive society where everyone can thrive. Meanwhile, in other cities, the first part will highlight personal narratives from affected individuals through what is termed the 'Life Drama Graph,' comparing their emotional journeys to positive and negative trends on a graph, illustrating the variances that lead to hikikomori.

Workshops and Interactive Sessions

The latter part of each session invites participants – those currently experiencing hikikomori as well as their families – to express their thoughts and feelings through a collaborative workshop. This exercise, known as 'Hikikomori Voice Haiku,' encourages participants to create haikus encapsulating their struggles and sentiments as inspired by stories shared within the Ministry's hikikomori support portal, 'Hikikomori VOICE STATION'. Participants will aim to craft kaikus that resonate with the universal discomfort of living.

A total of 44 haikus will be selected by judges, with the best being transformed into 'Hikikomori Voice Karuta.' Submissions for kaikus are also welcomed on the 'Hikikomori VOICE STATION' platform, leading to a showcase at the 'Hikikomori VOICE STATION Festival' slated for January 2027, where awards such as the 'Grand Prize', 'Amon Miyamoto Award', 'Rui Yamada 53 Award', and 'Maikichi Award' will be conferred to outstanding submissions.

The third part encourages relaxation and connection among attendees, allowing for open exchange of experiences and feelings regarding the event and their personal journeys through structured yet casual interaction.

Events Overview

Locations and Schedule:

• - Osaka: August 22 at Congress Square Grand Green Osaka
• - Aomori: September 5 at Aomori Welfare Hall
• - Gifu: September 13 at Gifu Chamber of Commerce
• - Kofu: October 10 at Yamanashi Ground Industry Center
• - Okayama: October 17 at Okayama International Exchange Center
• - Miyazaki: November 14 at Hinata Campus

Daily Schedule:

Osaka

• - Part 1 13:00-14:20: Talks by Amon Miyamoto, Rui Yamada 53, and Maikichi
• - Part 2 14:30-16:00: Panel Discussion
• - Part 3 16:10-16:30: Participant Interaction Time

For All Other Locations:

• - Part 1: Insightful panel discussions with those sharing their experiences.
• - Part 2: Collaborative workshops crafting haikus based on key themes unearthed during dialogues.
• - Part 3: Relaxed participant interaction for sharing feelings and feedback.

Registration Information

For further details and to register, please visit the Pal System's media outlet KOKOCARA and secure your spot before the registration deadline the day prior to each event.

Through this initiative, Pal System aspires to engage with diverse communities, amplifying the voices of those experiencing various challenges, and to promote the creation of inclusive living environments for everyone.