A Warning from the Battlefield Ukraine – 'Invisible Anxiety' Spreading in Japan

Idea Human Support Service Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Mariko Ukiyo; hereinafter 'Idea Human Support Service'), which operates Cocorogoto Cafe, announces that May will be designated as a month to strengthen mental care activities. Wisteria Fair is being held until May 31. ## Background and Purpose Amidst ongoing global instability, psychological anxiety caused by wars and conflicts affects not only those directly involved but also our daily lives as recipients of information. Especially in recent years, with increasing interest in international affairs, stress due to 'vague anxiety' and 'uncertainty about the future' has spread. Furthermore, May is a period in Japan when the tendency for 'May sickness' – a lack of motivation or low spirits unique to the post-Golden Week period – becomes apparent. Mental and physical fatigue caused by environmental changes and disruptions to daily routines can lead to chronic stress and decreased performance. As temperatures rise, this will further burden the mind and body, making early recovery very important. In particular, the experience of visualizing unconscious emotions and thoughts provides an opportunity to confront one's inner self and leads to the habituation of reproducible self-care in daily life. Therefore, believing in the importance of daily self-care, Cocorogoto Cafe was opened in 2014, where anyone can easily receive counseling and therapy. Experiential therapies such as miniature gardens and art, while enjoying tea, are very popular. Inside the cafe, 'Trouble Concierges' who are qualified counselors listen to everyone's stories. In addition, Idea Human Support Service, which operates Cocorogoto Cafe, fully cooperates with the Ukraine 'Mental Care' Exchange Center, established by the National Federation of Psychological Professions (Zen-Shin-Ren), an industry organization for psychological counselors, to provide mental care for Ukrainians suffering from war trauma. Since its renewal opening in May 2024, Cocorogoto Cafe has also been providing employment support for Ukrainian evacuees, aiming for stable living and social participation in Japan. The owner of Cocorogoto Cafe visited Ukraine in April for the second consecutive year and is collaborating with the all-Ukrainian mental health program 'HOW ARE U?' led by First Lady Olena Zelenska, currently providing mental care in wartime. Cocorogoto Cafe will continue its activities to care for all 'mental issues,' from wartime mental care to daily self-care. ## 'Mental Care' Event Schedule - Local Report from Ukraine: 'War Anxiety Spreading Globally from a Psychological Counselor's Perspective' - - May 8 (Fri) 19:00-20:30 - May 15 (Fri) 19:00-20:30 - Apply here - https://www.idear.co.jp/2604ukraine_report/) Calligraphy Art Therapy Experience - Wakaba Matsuri ~Let's go meet the self you don't know yet~ - - May 20 (Wed) 19:00-20:30 - 'Creating Your Own Instruction Manual' to organize your strengths, emotions, and values on one sheet - https://idear-human-support.stores.jp/reserve/idear/1514620 - May 21 (Thu) 19:00-20:30 - 'Exhibition of Emotions' to express your feelings through art, photos, and words - https://idear-human-support.stores.jp/reserve/idear/1384644 - May 31 (Sun) 15:30-17:00 - 'Letter to My Future Self' a time capsule for your future self - https://idear-human-support.stores.jp/reserve/idear/1355641 - Wisteria Fair is being held until May 31 - https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000134.000047506.html - About Trouble Concierge - https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000133.000047506.html ## What is 'Cocorogoto Cafe'? Cocorogoto Cafe Planned by the National Federation of Psychological Professions (Zen-Shin-Ren) with the concept of 'A treat for mind and body,' as a place where anyone can easily receive counseling and therapy as if having tea at a cafe. In February 2014, under the operation of Idea Human Support Service Co., Ltd., 'a cafe with psychological counselors' was opened.