On February 1 (U.S.) and February 2 (Japan), USJC Council Leader Gerald Hane (Senior Research Fellow at the Health and Global Policy Institute) hosted the first Mental Wellness Affinity Group (MWAG) discussion of the year. The conversation allowed members to brainstorm ideas for potential activities in 2023 following the highly successful breakout session at the Annual Conference in Tokyo.
Ideas regarding both content and format flowed freely; the suggestions included establishing a mental wellness resources hub tailored to the Japanese American community, addressing the relationship between mental health and Asian American hate crimes and creating a peer group where members can talk openly about issues related to mental health.
The MWAG Youth Initiative also shared details regarding their upcoming event that will highlight Japanese students’ experiences studying topics related to mental health at American institutions. The event will feature both Watanabe Scholars and TOMODACHI Initiative alumni.
If you are interested in getting involved in the Mental Wellness Affinity Group or have any additional ideas for 2023 activities, please email the group via [email protected].
Thank you to Kanna Mayuzumi (TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program 2021 alumna) for the recap!