Supporting Parents and Young People: Quietude’s Mission in Nagano
For years, Quietude and I have been supporting young people and their families—through counseling, teaching, and creating a safe space for those who have struggled with the education system.
However, in these past four years, I have faced painful experiences—I couldn’t save two high school students in Nagano. Their parents are left behind, grieving, questioning, and wondering why their child took their own life.
- Was it bullying?
- Was it because of a specific friend or group?
- Could the school have done more?
While schools move on—changing teachers and classrooms—parents remain, stuck in their grief, trying to understand what happened. They are left without answers.
At Quietude, we stand with these parents. We do more than just listen. We walk with them, speaking with homeroom teachers, engaging with schools, and advocating for real awareness about youth mental health.
A Safe Space for Grieving Parents
Many parents who have lost a child have no space to talk freely. Especially those with younger children—they often feel the need to hide their grief to maintain peace within the family.
That’s why we provide:
- A place where parents can speak openly—whenever they are ready.
- Regular meetups, where parents can share, cry, and grieve together.
- Emotional support—helping parents understand that they are allowed to find happiness again, even after loss.
We believe that no one should suffer alone. Grief does not have an expiration date, and healing happens at each person’s own pace.
The Bigger Picture: Suicide Among Young People in Japan
The need for support is greater than ever.
- In 2024, Japan recorded 527 suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school students—the highest number ever.
- Nagano Prefecture saw 12 suicides among people under 20, a number that remains worryingly high.
- A UNICEF report shows Japanese children rank among the least happy in the world, with academic pressure, social expectations, and mental health struggles playing a major role.
Are These Helplines Enough?
When someone is in crisis, we direct them to hotlines like these:
Inochi no Denwa (Lifeline): 0570-783556
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL): 03-5774-0992
But are these contacts enough? A phone call can provide temporary support, but what about long-term healing and community care?
This is why Quietude exists. We want to be a model that many communities can follow—creating spaces where young people and grieving families can find ongoing support, understanding, and a path forward.
We Are Ready to Share Our Model
If other cities and communities want to create similar spaces, we are ready to go and share what we are doing.
- We believe that no family should suffer alone.
- Every young person deserves a second chance and real support.
- Every grieving parent deserves a place to heal and be heard.
If you or your community want to learn how to support youth, prevent tragedies, and provide long-term care, we are here to help.
At Quietude, we are here for you. Whether you are a young person seeking help, a parent needing support, or a community looking for solutions—we are always ready to listen and share what we’ve learned.