[6/7 (Sun)] How to live in the future after the implementation of 'Joint Custody'? Film screening and dialogue event 'Culture & Dialogue Vol. 1' to be held in Tokyo

The new project 'Culture & Dialogue,' organized by Saori, a single mother raising two children with autism (Voicy channel 'Special Support Bookshelf'), and Mako Yoshioka, representative of the NPO Single Mothers Sisterhood (Voicy channel 'Dear sisters: Moving forward while swaying'), will hold its first event on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Tokyo Women's Plaza.

The theme of this event is 'Joint Custody,' which was implemented in Japan in April 2026.

In addition to the screening of the film 'May Rain'—winner of the 16th Poverty Journalism Special Award, which portrays the risks following the introduction of the new system—the event will welcome comic essayist Yuki Hara, who has conducted multi-faceted research on joint custody, as a guest. The event emphasizes 'dialogue' among participants following the film screening.

Background: Courage to remain in the gradient, not to compete for correctness

In April 2026, Japan's family system reached a major turning point with the introduction of 'Joint Custody.' However, discussion regarding the anxieties of stakeholders and the issues inherent in the system is still insufficient.

As social rules change drastically, there is a need for spaces where individual complex emotions and anxieties are treated with care.

This project aims to help individuals organize their feelings and thoughts through the experience of reality via the culture of film and the process of dialogue. The goal is to create an experimental space to foster small hopes for the future together, having the courage to stay in the gradient of perspectives rather than competing to define what is correct.

Three features of this event

1. Screening of the film 'May Rain': Confronting the 'Realities of Family' inherent in the system What will happen in our daily lives following the introduction of the joint custody system after divorce? This work, winner of the 16th Poverty Journalism Special Award, recreates domestic silent violence, domination, and invisible suffering through drama, with explanations provided by lawyers. It starts with 'knowing' and observing the emotions that arise within oneself.

2. Multi-faceted perspectives with an expert: Talk by Yuki Hara Comic essayist Yuki Hara, who has conducted extensive research on joint custody among stakeholders and professionals, will take the stage. Together with Hara, who has listened to voices from various positions, we will explore this complex theme gently yet deeply.

3. A place for dialogue that 'does not rush to judgment': A safe community based on seven values The most important aspect of this event is sharing individual 'discomforts' and 'fluctuations' as they are, rather than reaching a conclusion. Guided by seven values such as 'do not rush to judgment,' 'respect for diverse opinions,' and 'speaking in one's own words rather than speaking well,' we offer a safe and flexible space where people can talk on equal footing beyond their positions.

Event Overview Date and Time: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 13:30 – 15:40 (Reception starts at 13:15) Venue: Tokyo Women's Plaza, Audiovisual Room (5-53-67 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) Participation Fee: From 2,000 yen (Discounts available for single parents and students) Capacity: 100 people Speakers: Yuki Hara (Comic Essayist), Mako Yoshioka, Saori Details and Registration: https://cultureanddialogue.peatix.com/