Parenting Community 'Oyaka-tsu' Holds First In-Person Event Free of Charge on July 25 (Sat) in Kofu, Yamanashi

Fostering the will to live to resolve isolation and loneliness - Good Life Japan, a general incorporated association supporting hikikomori and school refusal (5573 Egusa, Sudama-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture; Representative Director: Shiro Kawata), will hold a free in-person event for its online community 'Oyaka-tsu' (for parents of children experiencing hikikomori) on July 25, 2026, at the Yamanashi Prefectural Welfare Plaza.

The event will feature a lecture sharing insights from the front lines of hikikomori support, as well as an interview-style talk with guest Mr. K, who experienced hikikomori and has successfully reintegrated into society. Mr. K will share in his own words what he felt and what he needed when he was experiencing hikikomori.

Background and Purpose

As the prolonged and aging hikikomori population becomes a social issue in Japan, parents raising individuals experiencing hikikomori often find themselves isolated. Good Life Japan has been providing hikikomori support services in Yamanashi Prefecture since 2020, and in May 2026, launched the online community 'Oyaka-tsu' for parents to learn and connect with each other.

This 6th event marks the first in-person gathering for 'Oyaka-tsu.' Leveraging the 'power of presence' that cannot be obtained online, it aims to create an opportunity for parents with similar concerns to meet and support each other. Based on the firsthand accounts of those with lived experience, we will consider together 'what changes when hikikomori is resolved.'

Event Overview

Event Name: 1st Real Oyaka-tsu in Yamanashi ~The First Step from Hikikomori When You Realize It's Okay to Ask for Help~

Date: July 25, 2026 (Sat) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Format: In-person

Venue: Yamanashi Prefectural Welfare Plaza, 4th Floor, Conference Room 1

(1-2-12 Kitashin, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture (5 min by car/25 min walk from JR Kofu Station, parking available))

Participation Fee: Free

Target Audience: Parents and relatives of children aged 15 and over experiencing hikikomori, and hikikomori support professionals.

Capacity: Approximately 30 people

How to Apply: Please apply via the following Google Form

https://forms.gle/bsDEhi9Ve15VQn8a9

Organizer: General Incorporated Association Good Life Japan

Sponsor: Yamanashi Prefecture

Event Program

Part 1 | Lecture "The Reality and Practice of Home Support"

Representative Shiro Kawata will clearly explain the steps and key points for resolving hikikomori based on insights gained from the front lines of home support.

Part 2 | Peer Dialogue "The Reality of Hikikomori Survivors"

Mr. K, a hikikomori survivor, will be invited as a guest, and we will delve into his psychological state, feelings towards his family, and the triggers for his recovery through an interview format.

Part 3 | Group Talk & Q&A

Participants will be divided into groups of 4-5 for free discussion based on the content of Parts 1 and 2.

Speakers

Part 1 Speaker

Shiro Kawata

Representative Director, Certified Public Psychologist, General Incorporated Association Good Life Japan

Born in Tokyo. After graduating from university, he experienced approximately 2 years of hikikomori. He then worked for an IT advertising company for about 10 years. During his marriage, he also faced challenges with his stepchild's school refusal and NEET status, working on parenting issues. In his late 30s, he became independent, and after engaging in NPO activities supporting hikikomori and people with disabilities, he launched the hikikomori support service 'Good Life Japan' in Yamanashi Prefecture at the end of 2020. Incorporated in 2025.

Part 2 Guest

Mr. K (Hikikomori Survivor)

From Yamanashi Prefecture. Experienced school refusal from upper elementary school through junior high school. Despite attending a part-time high school and university, he remained in a state of hikikomori for about 10 years due to self-doubt and anxiety about employment. The turning point came when his parents consulted Good Life Japan, and with the support of Representative Kawata, he began to re-enter society. He is currently working part-time while involved in planning and operating circles at an employment support organization, continuing his journey toward independence. His hobbies include board games and guitar.

About the "Oyaka-tsu" Community

"Oyaka-tsu" is a free online community for parents of children aged 15 and over experiencing hikikomori, where they can meet peers with similar concerns, learn, and move forward.

Twice-monthly online regular meetings (1 hour each) include mini-lectures on topics such as family psychology education and group discussions. In-person events are also held once every three months. By adding the Good Life Japan official LINE account as a friend, you will receive a URL to join the open chat.

Official LINE Registration: https://lin.ee/tmtozFK

Corporate Overview

Name: General Incorporated Association Good Life Japan

Location: 5573 Egusa, Sudama-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Establishment: December 2020 (Incorporated in March 2025)

Representative: Shiro Kawata

Business Activities:

◇ Hikikomori home support and accompanying outings

◇ Planning and operation of the Yamanashi Prefecture Hikikomori Information Portal Site "Yamahipo"

◇ Hikikomori lectures and training

◇ Operation of share house "Okanoie"

Website: https://www.goodlifejapan.org/

Contact for Media Inquiries

General Incorporated Association Good Life Japan, Oyaka-tsu 담당

TEL: 050-5799-8579 / E-mail: [email protected]