#Japan #Fukuoka #well-being #Forest Therapy

Forest Therapy Society's Seminar in Fukuoka

On March 12, 2026, the Forest Therapy Society (NPO) will hold a seminar titled "Connecting Health Management and Community Future through Forest Power" at the Fukuoka International Conference Center. This event is set to address the pressing challenges that corporate HR and health management personnel face when implementing mental health initiatives within their workplaces.

Understanding the Background

Recent trends indicate that organizations are shifting their approach to mental health from reactive measures to proactive strategies focusing on prevention and well-being. The concept of Forest Therapy, which is scientifically validated and refers to the practice of forest bathing, aims to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system, ultimately reducing stress and preventing depressive states. Many HR and health management professionals have expressed their frustrations regarding this transition, highlighting key issues such as:

• - The inability to justify costs and benefits of mental health initiatives to senior management.
• - Over-reliance on one-off events that do not lead to sustainable practices.
• - Lack of means to quantitatively demonstrate the effectiveness of ongoing efforts within the company.

Seminar Objective

This seminar is designed to introduce evidence-based practices related to Forest Therapy, showcasing insights into hospital models that incorporate natural environments, as well as examples from corporations and local governments. The goal is to provide participants with a clearer understanding of how Forest Therapy can be effectively integrated into health management strategies.

Prominent speakers will cover various topics such as the utilization of local forest resources, with a particular focus on the Forest Therapy base located in Sasaguri Town, easily accessible from Fukuoka City.

Key Highlights of the Seminar

• - Keynote Lecture: "Closer to Nature, Farther from Illness" - Discussing the impacts of nature-integrated hospital designs and their benefits for stress care, presented by Yuichiro Tokunaga, Director of Shiranui Hospital, and a visiting professor at Fukuoka University.
• - Case Studies: A discussion on the current state and future of corporate mental health strategies led by Hiroe Ohnita, Deputy Director of Shiranui Clinic.
• - Regional Examples: An exploration of how local governments can utilize Forest Therapy bases, presented by Masaru Miura, Mayor of Sasaguri Town.
• - Program Introduction: Future directions for the Forest Therapy Well-being Program, presented by Mihoko Kasuga from the Forest Therapy Society.
• - Data Analysis Report: Results on the preventive effects of Forest Therapy against depression in urban parks, presented by Risa Kimura from Momo Well-being.

Networking Opportunities

The event will conclude with a panel discussion and a networking session specifically for on-site attendees, allowing for individual consultations and opportunities to exchange business cards and ideas from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Event Details

• - Date: March 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Networking time from 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM)
• - Venue: Fukuoka International Conference Center, Fukuoka City
• - Participation Fee: Free (prior registration required)
• - Registration: Available online at Peatix Event Page

Contact Information

Organizer: Forest Therapy Society (NPO),
Address: 1-6-9 Koji-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan
Director: Kiyotaka Sege
Seminar Office Contact:
Email: [email protected]

This seminar promises to be a vital resource for HR personnel, health managers, and local government representatives interested in integrating nature-based initiatives into their well-being strategies, and it is a significant opportunity to learn and network with industry experts. Don't miss out on the chance to participate in a movement that combines health management and community sustainability through the power of nature.