NPO Support Mark Association of Japan Celebrates 6th Anniversary. Towards a Society Where Others "Notice First" People with Difficulties Not Easily Visible Externally

The Support Mark is a signal for others to "notice first" people with difficulties not easily visible externally.

The Japan Support Mark Association, a non-profit organization (Location: Asahi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Director: Susumu Ikeda), will celebrate its 6th anniversary on June 30, 2026.

Our association promotes the "Support Mark," a signal for others to "notice first" people with difficulties not easily visible externally.

The Support Mark is not a mark worn by people in need. It is a new "mutual" signal that makes it easier for those in need to speak up, by showing the intention of those around them to "notice" and "support when necessary."

On the occasion of our 6th anniversary, our association will further promote the Support Mark and expand the creation of an "environment where we can notice each other" in various everyday situations such as companies, stores, schools, communities, and events.

What is the Support Mark?

The Support Mark is a signal for others to "notice first" people with difficulties not easily visible externally.

Its purpose is to create an atmosphere where it is easy to speak up, not just by the person in need saying "help," but by those around them showing their intention to "notice" and "support when necessary."

In daily life, there are difficulties that are not easily understood from appearance alone, such as health conditions, disabilities, illnesses, injuries, pregnancy, childcare, nursing care, and mental health issues.

The Support Mark is a mark that serves as a gentle communication trigger, connecting "people in need" with "people who want to notice" in such situations.

Celebrating Our 6th Anniversary

Since its establishment on June 30, 2020, the Japan Support Mark Association has been working to create a society where everyone can feel safe to speak to each other through the promotion and awareness of the Support Mark.

We have continued to spread the concept of the Support Mark through collaborations with schools, communities, events, and companies.

As we approach our 6th anniversary, our association aims to make the Support Mark known to even more people and to see it utilized in various settings by companies, stores, schools, local governments, community groups, event organizers, and others.

Major Activities to Date

Our association has conducted awareness and promotion activities for the Support Mark, including lectures, participation in events, distribution of informational materials, and collaborations with companies and organizations.

We are working to expand recognition of the Support Mark through connections with local communities and companies, including its introduction on the Kanagawa Prefecture website and the Bihoro Town, Hokkaido website.

We have also expanded opportunities for people to learn about the Support Mark directly through participation in events like YOXO FESTIVAL and awareness activities at local events.

Future Plans

In the future, we will strengthen collaborations with companies, stores, schools, local governments, community groups, and sports events to further promote the Support Mark.

Displaying the Support Mark is an expression of the intention to "notice people in need" and leads to the creation of an environment where everyone can feel safe.

Through the Support Mark, our association aims to realize a society where people in need can easily speak up, and those around them can naturally notice and support each other.

Organization Overview

Organization Name: NPO Support Mark Association of Japan

Location: 25-6-3-201 Kashiwacho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Director: Susumu Ikeda

Established: June 30, 2020

Website: https://supportmark.or.jp

The Help Mark is a signal to inform others that one needs assistance or consideration. The Support Mark aims for a relationship of mutual support, where others show their intention to "notice first."

Activities: Promotion and awareness of the Support Mark, lectures, collaboration with companies, communities, local governments, etc., planning and distribution of informational materials.

Inquiries regarding this matter

NPO Support Mark Association of Japan

Email: info2@supportmark.or.jp

Website: https://supportmark.or.jp