New Initiative to Support Bereaved Families Who Lost Loved Ones to Cancer

The certified NPO 'Gan to Mukiau Kai' (Location: Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) has been selected for the Japan Cancer Society's 'FY2026 Cancer Patient Support Activities Grant – Project to Foster Hope Together –' and will commence the project 'Improving Mental Health Literacy and Self-Support for Bereaved Families Facing Loss.'

This project will implement the 'Mokuren Plus' program for bereaved families and relatives who have lost loved ones to cancer, aiming to build local connections where they can safely support each other even after bereavement.

This year, to address deep grief and isolation, the program will primarily feature a 'Self-Care Program' that nurtures the ability to recognize and manage one's emotional state. Through lectures and dialogues by 10 experts from various fields, participants will be supported in reducing grief and enhancing self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Furthermore, this initiative also aims to create a mechanism where participants can actively engage with society, and bereaved individuals themselves can cyclically contribute to local mutual support as future supporters.

First Kickoff Lecture Held Open to the Public

The first kickoff lecture will feature Susumu Shimazono, a religious scholar and Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo, who has ties to Kanazawa, speaking on the theme 'Living While Facing Death.'

The first lecture is a public seminar open to anyone, including not only bereaved families and relatives but also cancer patients, medical and welfare professionals, and general citizens.

For the second and subsequent sessions, prioritizing the feelings of all participants, the program will be conducted primarily for families/bereaved individuals, those currently involved in grief care activities, or those planning future activities. We appreciate your understanding.

Event Outline: 1st Mokuren Plus

Theme: 'Living While Facing Death' Lecturer: Susumu Shimazono Target Audience: Open to all

Participation Method: On-site (Genchan House), Online, On-demand

Participation Fee: Free Organizer: Certified NPO Gan to Mukiau Kai

This activity utilizes a grant from the Japan Cancer Society's 'FY2026 Cancer Patient Support Activities Grant – Project to Foster Hope Together –.'

Details here:

https://genchanhouse.com/notice/20260523event/

You can also apply here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSee8pE-kOQxWmVYRRnSjZhPpCNmsze2fcI46JxrjCloPN0tsg/viewform

About 'Mokuren Plus'

'Mokuren Plus' is a program designed to create a safe space where bereaved families and relatives who have experienced loss due to cancer can share their feelings with peace of mind and maintain connections without isolation.

Grief is often internalized as a personal problem, and many cases involve isolation due to an inability to consult others. This project aims to foster 'the strength to live with sorrow' within the community through self-care, dialogue, and learning opportunities.

The annual schedule for this year can be checked from the link below:

https://genchanhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/%E3%82%82%E3%81%8F%E3%82%8C%E3%82%93%E3%81%B7%E3%82%89%E3%81%99-%E5%B9%B4%E9%96%8B%E4%BA%88%E5%AE%9A%E8%A1%A8.pdf

Organization Overview

Certified NPO Gan to Mukiau Kai

Based in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, this organization is dedicated to creating safe spaces for cancer patients, their families, and the bereaved, and promoting 'cancer-inclusive community development' where people support each other. It provides exchange support, creates learning opportunities, and conducts awareness activities.

For more information about 'Genchan House,' which is the base of operations and the core of Gan to Mukiau Kai's activities, please visit here:

https://genchanhouse.com/