Message from President, Akira Kugaya, M.D. Updated on 9/2/11
translated in English by Madoka Urhausen.
I cannot forget the photograph I saw after the disaster of 3/11/11.
A young woman is crying, looking aimlessly.
Displaced, she holds in her hand a piece of bread, a ration for the day.
What are those tears for? Is it possible that she has lost her family? Perhaps she is regretting that she has survived alone and yet is conflicted with the body’s demand to eat, to survive, and to live on regardless of her suffering… It is said that the picture tells a thousand stories. This photograph definitely solidified many complex thoughts and feelings that were beyond what the words could describe.
Suffering and strength shown by the survivors of the recent disaster in Japan resonate with those like us who work in caring professions and prompt us to do what we can to support people in distress.
Kokoro Wellness Network’s core belief is based here.
As the awareness for the mental health service needs or “care of the heart” were raised in the Japanese consciousness after the great Hanshin Awaji (Kobe) Earthquake, our effort is similar to a tiny budding sprout that came out of the devastated land.
We will carry on with our mission and continue to grow.
By offering unique and culturally informed services, we will contribute to people’s (kokoro) wellbeing by working toward creating an environment that allows for open and meaningful (kokoro) communication, and assist to cultivate even more resilience (of kokoro) for those living in culture different from their own.
Please bring your kokoro together and support our effort.