Japanese municipalities host Orange Festa events for dementia awareness

Various municipalities in Japan are hosting Orange Festa events to promote dementia awareness and support for the elderly.

In Wakkanai, an event held at the municipal library featured lectures and technology demonstrations. Professor Masahiko Mikawa from the University of Tsukuba showcased service robots designed to act as conversational partners for elderly individuals to stimulate brain activity. Additionally, instructor Naoko Fujisaki presented on ‘Humanitude,’ a French caregiving technique emphasizing four pillars: seeing, speaking, touching, and standing, to preserve the dignity of patients.

In Akashi, the ‘Akashi Orange Festa’ is scheduled to take place at the Aeon Akashi Shopping Center. The program includes health exercises based on hula dance movements, a dementia-themed poetry award ceremony, and training sessions for dementia supporters. The event aims to provide a space for community members to learn about and support those living with dementia.