“Growing up, I was incredibly lonely. I considered suicide many times because I felt alone and unsupported during high school.

It was by some miracle that a kind and supportive teacher reached out to help me, and I was able to survive this difficult time.

It shouldn’t take a miracle or coincidence for someone to get help. I founded “A Place for You” to help people who are suffering and alleviate the burden of loneliness in their lives.

COVID-19 definitely had a huge impact on mental health in Japan. Children, youths and women especially have suffered during this time. However, the pandemic has positively changed out way of thinking about the importance of mental health. The reality that many people suffer from poor mental health has begun to be widely acknowledged in our society.

Where once youths were not empowered or allowed to raise their voices, I’ve learned through personal experience that young people can positively impact society with a sense of purpose and vision for the future.”