#Japan #mental health #Tokyo #Liva Inc. #ReLife Forum

Exploring the Value of Leave: Liva Inc. Hosts a Forum on Mental Health Recovery

On March 7, 2026, Liva Inc. will hold the ReLife Forum at their headquarters in Tokyo, aiming to reframe the perceptions of taking leave due to mental health concerns. With the rising number of mental health issues in Japan—approximately 600,000 individuals are affected, which means about one in every twenty Japanese people faces some mental health challenge—such discussions are more urgent than ever.

Liva Inc., led by CEO Takashi Ito, establishes itself with the vision of creating infrastructures that allow individuals to live authentically. They provide services that assist people in returning to society following mental health disruptions, which is pertinent given the high relapse rates in depression standing at around 60%. This alarming statistic emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to recovery that transcends merely returning to work.

The Purpose of the ReLife Forum

The event will consist of interactive dialogues featuring guests who have firsthand experiences of taking leave and returning to work. The primary goal is to foster discussions that explore how individuals, families, and companies can better understand the process of taking leave and consider effective strategies for transitioning back into the workplace. Liva recognizes that being absent from work due to mental health issues should not be stigmatized as a 'career gap.' Instead, it presents a chance for individuals to reassess their life choices and consider a new direction—one that resonates more with their authentic selves.

For many, returning to work can be fraught with anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Liva intends to mitigate these feelings through this forum by promoting understanding and compassion among all stakeholders involved—patients, families, and employers.

Event Features: Engaging Diverse Perspectives

The ReLife Forum will feature a series of guest talks where individuals who have successfully navigated their return to work will share their stories. The forum's structure encourages participants to break into smaller groups to discuss what constitutes a successful return to work based on their different perspectives. This collaborative approach aims to unveil solutions for common concerns and promote a multi-dimensional understanding of the complexities surrounding workplace reintegration.

What Participants Will Gain

• - For Individuals Facing Mental Health Challenges: Transform feelings of anxiety about returning to work into hope, along with methods to prevent recurring leave periods.
• - For Families and Partners: Insights on how to effectively communicate with loved ones dealing with mental health issues and strategies for supporting their journey.
• - For HR Professionals and Industrial Health Practitioners: Enhanced understanding of re-integration through workshop discussions that elucidate rework processes and offer practical suggestions for supporting employees in recovery.

Event Schedule

• - Date: March 7, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
• - Location: Liva Headquarters, 2-35-2 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo
• - Capacity: 40 participants
• - Entry Fee: Free

Program Structure

1. Cross-talk: Featuring three guests who exemplify 'ReLife,' where they will share their experiences of defining their own work styles following mental health challenges.
2. Group Sessions: Participants will break into small groups by their respective roles to delve into the theme of what characterizes a 'good return' to work, discussing issues and potential solutions.
3. Group Sharing: Insights and tips shared in smaller groups will be brought together for a collective reflection.

Featured Guests

1. Kuppe: A former teacher and author of “The Map of Rest,” Kuppe uses his experiences with mental health challenges to assist others on social media platforms and through podcasts.
2. Nishino: A company employee who had to take leave just two months into her career, Nishino will discuss her transition back into the workforce in IT.
3. Honda: A father of two who previously worked as a team leader and faced challenges leading his team due to stress-related leave, Honda will share insights from his re-entry journey.

Registration Details

Interested parties can register through Peatix here.

About Liva Inc.

Founded in 2010, Liva Inc. has been dedicated to creating infrastructures that allow individuals to explore their authentic selves. Their services include programs like 'Liva-tore,' aiding those with mental health issues in finding a path back to meaningful roles in society. Their approach focuses not just on healing but on redefining what it means to thrive in life and work.

For more information, visit Liva's official website.