NPO UPTREE to Host Grief Music Gathering Offering Support and a Place for Family Caregivers to Connect

NPO UPTREE, based in Koganei City, Tokyo and represented by Executive Director Mieko Akutsu, is a nonprofit organization specializing in mental health support for family caregivers. The “Grief Music Gathering” gently embraces the sorrow of losing a loved one through music and dialogue. Participants will listen to the deep, warm resonance of the didgeridoo, hear words from a psychiatrist, and quietly converse with others who carry similar grief. According to statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 1.6 million people die each year in Japan, with 2024 marking a record high. When their families and loved ones are included, the number of people living with grief from bereavement is immeasurable. Yet society still lacks enough safe places where people can express that grief. This event is for those who, even after the funeral has ended, continue to feel waves of sorrow in everyday life, and for those who wish to connect with others who have had similar experiences. It will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Shinzo-in Temple in Koganei City, Tokyo. Many people who have lost someone important say they want “a place where I can open up about my sadness” or “someone with the same experience to talk to.” However, spaces that provide specialized care for grief are still not sufficiently established in Japan. The same is true in caregiving. Many people continue to carry a deep sense of loss alone after years of caring for a family member and seeing them through the end of life. Through its work supporting family caregivers, UPTREE has heard many voices from people facing this “loneliness after end-of-life care.” “We want a place where it is okay to grieve.” This event was born from that simple wish. The 90-minute program includes: 1. Live didgeridoo performance by “NATA” The didgeridoo is a wind instrument passed down by Australia’s Indigenous Aboriginal peoples for tens of thousands of years. Its low, deep overtones are said to resonate beyond words into the depths of the body and help calm the mind. Participants are invited to entrust themselves to this ancient sound, rarely heard in daily life, and spend quiet time remembering someone dear. 2. Talk by psychiatrist Hiroki Ueda: “For Living with a Richer Heart” Psychiatrist Hiroki Ueda, who is deeply familiar with the grief process, will speak about ways to live each day with emotional richness while facing the pain of loss. The talk is designed to warmly accompany those who may wonder whether their grief is unusual or wrong. 3. Dialogue with others who share similar experiences Speaking, quietly listening, or shedding tears are all welcome. Exchanging words with others who carry similar grief can create a small connection that becomes a step toward tomorrow. Event overview: Event name: My Own “Grief” Music Gathering: For Living with a Richer Heart Date and time: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 15:00–16:30 Venue: Shinzo-in Temple, 2-8-4 Sekinocho, Koganei City, Tokyo Eligibility: People who have experienced the death of someone important to them Capacity: 15 participants, advance registration required, first come first served Organizer: NPO UPTREE How to register: Capacity is limited to 15 participants and advance registration is required, so early registration is encouraged. Please apply through the inquiry form on the NPO UPTREE website. About NPO UPTREE: NPO UPTREE works to provide mental health support for family caregivers and care professionals, who often prioritize caregiving over caring for themselves. With the mission of “creating a place for those who care for others,” the organization continues to hold grief care and caregiver support events. Contact and registration: Name: NPO UPTREE TEL: 042-381-5570 Email: info@uptreex2.com Those wishing to participate may apply by phone or email. For inquiries regarding this press release, please contact NPO UPTREE at info@uptreex2.com.