Being Yourself in Any Environment - 'Socio Relaxation' Brings Hand Care and Conversation to Care and Medical Settings Across Hokkaido, Reaching 366 People in One Year

Socio Relaxation is an initiative that offers 15-minute hand or head care sessions while actively listening to individuals, providing them with a safe and comforting space to express their feelings.

Care for Elderly Individuals Using Day Services

From its founding in April 2025 to June 2026, the association has conducted 56 visits in cities such as Sapporo, Memanbetsu, and Abashiri, reaching a total of 366 individuals through visits to elderly care facilities, disability welfare centers, home visits for people with chronic illnesses, continuing employment support centers, companies, and childcare facilities.

The care time is designed to allow individuals—regardless of age, illness, disability, or personal burdens—to momentarily set aside their challenges and simply be present in a supportive environment.

We believe that having someone who genuinely cares and makes the effort to visit—beyond family or staff—can become a source of comfort and foster a sense of social connection.

What Is Socio Relaxation?

Socio Relaxation is a unique care method developed by the Socio Relaxation Association, based on the French-originated concept of Socio-Esthetics and the knowledge of CODES-JAPON certified Socio-Estheticians.

While providing 15-minute hand or head care, practitioners engage in meaningful conversation, listening attentively and verbally affirming each person’s individuality and positive qualities, placing strong emphasis on communication.

Recent studies have reported that touch accompanied by feelings of safety and trust is linked to oxytocin secretion. We aim to deliver moments where both mind and body can relax through touch, enabling individuals to feel safe and connected to others.

Origins of the Initiative

The association was founded by Megumi Nakazono, inspired by her own experience battling cancer.

At age 21, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During treatment, she realized that just as important as curing the illness was having moments to laugh as herself and feel motivated to keep going the next day.

We believe that even with illness or disability, a person should not have to lose their individuality or the things they love.

This belief is the foundation of our current activities.

The Comfort Only a Third Party Can Provide

At continuing employment support centers we visit regularly, staff have shared:

"We’ve noticed that users gradually gain confidence in society through interactions with a third party who is neither family nor staff."

We believe that being able to speak freely, be heard without judgment, and be treated with care—these small but consistent experiences can foster a sense of safety in relationships and boost self-esteem.

Care Activities at Type B Continuing Employment Support Centers

Care for Caregivers, Not Just Users

Through our ongoing activities, we’ve come to understand that those in need of care are not limited to service users.

Parents raising children with disabilities, family caregivers, medical and welfare staff, educators—those who support others often put themselves last.

"I was able to take a deep breath slowly for the first time in a long while." "Talking with someone made me feel lighter." "I look forward to their visit every month."

Encouraged by such feedback, we are committed to providing comforting moments not only to users but also to those who support them.

Popular Hand Moisturizing Care Among Nurses

Future Outlook

Currently, our activities include cancer support salon talks at medical facilities, visits to elderly and disability welfare centers, corporate wellness programs, and care for families supporting children undergoing treatment—expanding our reach across various sectors.

Moving forward, we aim to strengthen our outreach to medical settings, raising awareness among healthcare and welfare professionals about the value of touch and dialogue as a form of support.

Regardless of age, illness, or disability, we strive to build a society where everyone can feel emotionally fulfilled and be themselves—starting from Hokkaido.

Association Website: https://www.sociorelaxation.com

Association Instagram: @socio_relaxation

Representative Nakazono’s Instagram: @sociosapporo