#Japan #Tokyo #Childcare #Burnout #Support

Symposium on Sustainable Child Support: "It's Not Your Fault"

On June 27, 2026, a significant event titled "It's Not Your Fault" will take place in Nihonbashi, Tokyo and online, organized by Asobi No Mad and in collaboration with the medical corporation Shimotsuki no Kai. This symposium will focus on sustainable approaches for those involved in child support, especially in light of the increasing pressures that caregivers face.

A Vital Discussion Amid Growing Challenges

Child psychiatrist Dr. Hideo Honda, who serves as a professor at Shinshu University, will deliver the keynote speech. He emphasizes that expecting to change a child is a misconception that leads to caregiver burnout. Alongside Dr. Honda, four experts from fields such as medicine, education, welfare, and social entrepreneurship will engage in discussions aimed at fostering supportive environments for children without exhausting those who aid them.

In today’s world, many support workers may feel overwhelmed, thinking, "Could I have done more for that child?" This symposium seeks to unravel that psyche, revealing that feeling inadequate is not a personal flaw but rather an indication of being caught in a psychological trap.

The Background: Wider Social Implications

The need for safe spaces for children is becoming an urgent societal issue, seen in the staggering statistics:

• - As of now, there are 350,000 children in Japan who are absent from school, marking a record high (Source: Ministry of Education).
• - Over 7,000 public school teachers have taken leave due to mental health issues (Source: Ministry of Education).
• - Approximately 64.7% of welfare and child care facilities report a shortage of staff (Source: Care Labor Welfare Foundation).

These numbers signify a systemic issue where many support workers internalize the challenges they face, leaving them to struggle alone.

A Unique Assembly of Experts

The symposium will bring together four professionals working at the forefront of healthcare, education, welfare, and social entrepreneurship, making it a rare opportunity to gain insights from diverse perspectives. This panel discussion encourages participants to shift their mindset, sparking the realization that it is possible to rethink approaches to child support.

Key Takeaways from the Symposium:

1. Understanding Blame: Participants will gain clarity on the common feelings of guilt experienced as caregivers, articulated from a medical perspective.
2. Revising Mindsets: Attendees may find that the solutions to their challenges are much simpler than they believed.
3. Expanding Perspectives: The dialogue among professionals from different areas will provide fresh insights into child support practices.
4. Networking Opportunity: The event will include a social gathering where attendees can connect directly with the speakers and network with peers.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Symposium "It's Not Your Fault".
• - Theme: Exploring Sustainable Child Support Models with Dr. Hideo Honda.
• - Date: June 27, 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00.
• - Venue: Cybozu Inc. headquarters (Nihonbashi, Tokyo) and online participation.
• - Organizers: Medical Corporation Shimotsuki no Kai and Asobi No Mad.
• - Registration Fee: ¥3,000 for regular attendance (¥5,000 with a social gathering).
• - Registration Link: Symposium Registration

Media Inquiries

The event welcomes journalists with free press seats available. For media, arrangements can be made for image captures and detailed profiles of the speakers.

Host Organizations:

• - Asobi No Mad: An NPO established with the mission to prove that "Children do not need to change; adults can change their perspectives."
• - Shimotsuki no Kai: Founded by Dr. Kawai Sawa, providing mental health support and striving to increase the number of individuals wanting to live tomorrow.