Your Experience Has Value: Seeking Storytellers Who Have Overcome Life Challenges

Revalue Life (headquartered in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture), as part of the Saitama Prefecture NPO Fund Grant Project for fiscal year 2026, is seeking storytellers to participate in the 'Recovery Story' project, which publishes personal narratives of individuals who have faced life challenges as YouTube videos.

'Recovery' means rediscovering a new way of living

'Recovery' does not mean the state of being 'cured' from illness or disability. It refers to the process by which individuals who have faced difficult experiences move beyond being defined solely by those experiences and rediscover a way of living that reflects their true selves.

In society, there are still far too few opportunities for the voices of those who have experienced hardship to be heard. However, when someone listens to another person's story, it can help those feeling isolated realize they are not alone and find the strength to take a new step forward.

For the storytellers themselves, putting their experiences into words can bring submerged emotions to the surface and offer opportunities to discover values and perspectives they hadn't previously recognized.

Who We Are Looking For

All genres and experiences are welcome. If you're unsure whether your experience is 'significant enough' to share, we encourage you to reach out and consult with us.

- Individuals who have experienced physical or mental challenges such as illness, disability, or addiction - Individuals who have experienced school refusal or social withdrawal (hikikomori), or their family members - Individuals who have lived through poverty, financial hardship, or single parenthood - Individuals who have experienced sexual violence or domestic violence (DV) - Individuals with experience involving the criminal justice system - Individuals who have provided caregiving or family support - Individuals who have experienced loneliness, social isolation, bullying, or harassment - Individuals who have experienced loss, grief, or employment setbacks - Others who feel, 'I want to share my experience with someone' - Anyone who feels, 'I want to share my experience with someone'

Conditions and Benefits for Participation

- Number of participants: 3 (selection will be conducted if there are many applicants) - Application deadline: August 31, 2026 - Filming location: Around Kawagoe City (in-person) or online (for those living far away) - Face exposure: Optional (silhouette or voice-only participation is acceptable) - Real name disclosure: Optional (pseudonyms or aliases are acceptable) - Publication platform: Revalue Life YouTube channel - Honorarium: ¥10,000 (after 10.21% withholding tax deduction; payment slip issued) - Video removal: Videos cannot be deleted during the project period (until February 28, 2027). Removal or non-publication can be requested after the project ends.

Participation Process

1. Inquiry and Application Please contact us via the application form or inquiry form. Even if you're still unsure, we welcome your inquiry.

2. Pre-interview online meeting (approx. 45 minutes) You will speak with a staff member via Zoom. We will carefully confirm what you'd like to share and address any concerns. You may withdraw from filming at any time.

3. Filming (in Kawagoe area or online) The session will be conducted in a conversational format. You are not required to speak about topics you do not wish to discuss. The session will take approximately 1–2 hours.

4. Editing and confirmation You will be given the opportunity to review the edited video before publication. We will accommodate requests for corrections or non-publication.

5. Publication on YouTube and honorarium payment The video will be published on the Revalue Life YouTube channel, and the honorarium will be paid.

Previously Published Recovery Stories

You can view currently published videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBW6CsT2KepAWAuJDwsYoYPAQ_jsY1gbd

How to Apply

Storyteller application: https://revalu.life/news/recovery-story-2026/

Inquiry (for those who are unsure or want more details): https://revalu.life/contact/

Organization Overview

- Organization name: Revalue Life, a nonprofit corporation - Established: 2024 - Website: https://revalu.life

This project is implemented with the support of the Saitama Prefecture NPO Fund Grant for fiscal year 2026.

Inquiries

Revalue Life, a nonprofit corporation

Contact: Takeuchi

Inquiry form: https://revalu.life/contact/