M.O.F.U Mental Health Event Returns for 2026 - Join Us for Wellness!

The Re-Launch of M.O.F.U: A Mental Wellness Event!

The highly praised mental wellness event, M.O.F.U (Mind Opening Forum for Us), is set to make its much-anticipated return on May 31, 2026. Hosted at the Bunkyo Civic Hall in Tokyo, this event aims to promote mental health awareness through experiential workshops where participants can discover, feel, and connect with their inner selves.

Event Overview

M.O.F.U is co-organized by four prominent organizations: the Mental Health Environment Improvement Project (MHEC), Heartfulness Association, Doctor in da House, and the Madoka Project. These organizations share a common vision: that mental health care should be a more integral part of daily life. The event is designed for children and their supporters, including parents, educators, community advocates, and mental health professionals, offering them a unique opportunity to learn about mental wellness and care.

Engaging Programs Led by Experts

Participants can expect an enriching program led by a diverse range of experts including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and educators from both Japan and the U.S. The program focuses on multi-sensory experiences, moving beyond traditional clinical approaches to foster a supportive community environment for mental well-being.

Key Sessions Include:

- Heartfulness Experience: Conducted by renowned psychologist and advocate for Heartfulness, Steven Murphy Shigematsu, from Stanford University.
- Hip-Hop Therapy Experience: A unique workshop spearheaded by a team of Japan's first psychiatrists integrating this innovative therapeutic method.
- Expressive Art Therapy (Movement & Art): Award-winning U.S. clinical psychologists lead workshops to foster creative expression.
- Additional engaging programs by licensed psychologists and clinical counselors will also be available.

The Impact on Children and Adults Alike

In Japan, there remains a strong stigma surrounding mental health issues, making access to support challenging. The event focuses particularly on creating safe environments where children can express their emotions and seek help without fear. Delays in receiving care can increase future psychological risks, making this initiative critical in bridging gaps between education, healthcare, psychology, and community support to nurture mental wellness for both children and adults.

Last Year's Success and Future Support Initiatives

Last year, when the event first launched in June 2025, tickets sold out just one week prior, highlighting the strong demand for mental wellness discussions. Participants expressed feelings of acceptance and warmth, stating, “I felt fine just being myself,” and “I found a safe space.” This year, the event marks the beginning of a continuous support program among the four organizing entities, and details will be shared during the event.

Event Details

- Date & Time: Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM (doors open at 9:30 AM)
- Location: Bunkyo Civic Hall (Meeting Rooms)
- Target Audience: Elementary school students and above, parents, educators, community supporters, NPO members, mental health professionals, students, and anyone interested in mental health awareness.

Registration & Contact Information

To register, please visit: M.O.F.U Registration
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Key Speakers and Programs

- Wellness Dialogue (Opening Session)
- Heartfulness (Main Session): Steven Murphy Shigematsu
- Hip-Hop Therapy: Dr. Makidashi, Toridocc, and Reina Sugawara
- Expressive Art Therapy (Movement & Art): Manami Yamamoto
- Art Therapy (Self-Discovery Art): Satoko Kurai
- Grounding Techniques (Closing Session): Enjun Hiyoshi
- Reflections & Q&A (Overall)

About Our Organizations

Mental Health Environment Improvement Project (MHEC)

A nonprofit organization committed to creating a society where everyone can nurture their mental wellness through collaboration between mental health professionals in Japan and the U.S.