#Japan #Dementia #Yokohama #Social Isolation #End of Life Care

Symposium to Address Social Isolation in Youths and People with Dementia

The End of Life Care Association, based in Minato, Tokyo, is set to commemorate its 11th anniversary by holding a significant symposium on April 18, 2026, in Yokohama and online. As society increasingly recognizes social isolation as a crucial concern, this event seeks to explore preventive measures specific to underserved populations including children, adolescents, and individuals living with dementia.

With over 100,000 participants from past events, the symposium will shine a spotlight on the often unheard struggles of these demographics. Central to discussions will be the shared experiences of participants, highlighting their “invisible suffering,” and showcasing actionable strategies for preventing isolation and loneliness.

Event Details

• - Theme: Listening to the Unheard Voices: Towards a Society Living with Children, Youths, and Dementia
• - Date: April 18, 2026 (Saturday)
• - Time: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Networking session post-event)
• - Location: Wiling Yokohama Yume-Ooka Office Tower, 1-6-1 Kamiooka Nishi, Konan-ku, Yokohama, 233-0002, Kanagawa Prefecture (and Online)
• - Participation Fee: Free of Charge
• - Registration: Official Website

Featured Speakers

• - Kenwa Soejima (Professor, Showa Medical University)

- Topic: “Learning is Living: Emotional Education Through Hospital Schooling”

• - Haruka Okumura (Chairperson, The Third Family)

- Topic: “Safe Spaces for Youth: Redefining Support”

• - Tomofumi Tano (Dementia Advocate)

- Topic: “Exploring What It Means to Live Well Until the End”

• - Take Toshikazu Ozawa (Chairperson, End of Life Care Association)

- Topic: “Universal Hospice Mind: Supporting Lives”

Agenda

First Part (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

“Universal Hospice Mind: Integrating Toward Every Life” Workshop led by Masato Honma, Chiyomi Kubota, and others. This section is reserved for in-person audiences.

Second Part (1:00 PM - 3:10 PM)

• - Reports on living with dementia presented by various experts including

- Takechi Takahiro from Izumino Clinic discussing community engagement from an individual perspective.
- Maintaining Power to Live with Dementia through the Together Program by Tsutomu Hamada.
- Insights on how those living with dementia contribute to societal understanding.

Third Part (3:20 PM - 5:30 PM)

Focus on “Safe Spaces” for Children and Youths:

• - Engaging talks by guest speakers that cover themes of childhood education, bullying experiences, and shared learning during difficulties.

How to Participate

We invite interested participants to register ahead of the event through our website. The symposium aims to bring together a diverse audience, encouraging dialogue and learning among individuals of varying ages, from middle school students to seniors.

Background of the Symposium

Social isolation has emerged as a pressing social issue in Japan, acknowledging the importance of support and intervention for those who find it hard to express their struggles openly. Children and youths often struggle silently, which underscores the need for initiatives addressing these hidden pains. By fostering connections and enabling dialogues within the community, we believe in creating a supportive cycle that can successfully prevent loneliness and isolation.

Through our active engagement with over 100,000 participants in educational projects focusing on empathy and emotional resilience, the End of Life Care Association aims to raise awareness and provide practical tools for understanding and alleviating the burdens of loneliness. The collaboration with the Cabinet Office has further solidified our commitment to improving the lives of those facing these challenges.

For detailed information about our previous events and initiatives, please refer to our past event reports on our official website.

The End of Life Care Association is dedicated to fostering intergenerational solidarity by educating and equipping individuals with the tools for emotional support. With a vision that transcends generations, we aim for a society where every life is valued and supported, regardless of age or circumstance.