Thinking about 'Death' on 'Good Death Day' (April 14): A 'Death-katsu' Festival to Re-examine 'Life' at Kamakura Temples and Shrines

Our company supports the 'April Dream' project, which encourages companies to share their dreams on April 1st. This press release represents the dream of 'Namida to Tabi Cafe Akane.'

Hidefumi Yoshida, a 'tear therapist' known as 'Namida-sensei,' who conducts 'Ruikatsu' (tear-seeking) lectures for companies, local governments, and educational institutions, will host a 'Death-katsu' festival on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. This event will take place simultaneously at multiple temples and shrines in Kamakura, allowing participants to casually discuss 'death' and reflect on 'living' while enjoying snacks and drinks. It is an event where people can freely exchange views on their 'philosophy of life and death' and 'ways of living.' Death is inevitable for everyone. By consciously thinking about it rather than treating it as a taboo, it leads to a sense of gratitude for the present moment and a desire to live it to the fullest. Sharing thoughts in one's own words and encountering the perspectives of others provides hints for new values and ways of living.

▼ 'Death-katsu' Official Website: https://www.deathkatsu.com/

■ Overview of the 'Death-katsu' Festival
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:00 - 16:00
Location: Temples and shrines in Kamakura

■ Promoting 'Death-katsu' to Create Spaces for Discussing 'Death' to Live Better
As a certified psychologist, Hidefumi Yoshida has been involved in creating spaces for dialogue in local communities and schools. He also created the qualification of 'Tear Therapist' and advocates 'Ruikatsu,' a way to detox the mind by intentionally shedding tears. He has provided opportunities for nearly 80,000 participants to relieve stress through tears.

In 'Ruikatsu' events, participants share their realizations and impressions. Some talk about the sorrow and loss of losing loved ones. Often, those who start with a gloomy expression finish with a bright and calm one. Seeing this repeatedly, Yoshida felt strongly that people are seeking a place where they can safely talk about death.

'Death-katsu' was born from this realization. It is an activity to discuss values regarding death and life in a light and casual manner. Venues like cafes and snack bars are often chosen to ensure a relaxed atmosphere. Since death is unavoidable, facing it rather than hiding it helps one live more richly. The goal is to find hints for new ways of living by sharing thoughts and learning from others.

Unlike 'Shukatsu' (end-of-life planning), which focuses on practical procedures, 'Death-katsu' focuses on internal questions and is spreading among people in their 20s and 30s. Each event starts with a theme, such as: 'Unforgettable death of a loved one,' 'What words would you leave behind?', 'Whose life would you trade yours for?', 'What would you want to eat before you die?', 'Have you ever thought about dying?', 'Do you approve of euthanasia?', etc.