Social welfare conferences held in Akita and Toyama

In Akita City, the Akita Prefectural Social Welfare Convention was held at the Akita Arts Theatre Milhas. Approximately 580 participants attended the event, which was organized by the Prefectural Social Welfare Council. The convention focused on promoting community development centered on the concept of “living together” amidst challenges posed by population decline and an aging society. Hiromi Miura, chairman of the council, emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening regional mutual support functions, noting that Akita's high aging rate serves as a precursor to challenges facing the rest of Japan.

In Toyama, the Symbiotic Community Welfare Forum 2026 is scheduled for November 8 at Sunship Toyama. The forum will feature a discussion involving the director and cast of the film “Independent Living,” including director Yuki Tanaka. The event aims to present new perspectives on disability and community integration, utilizing a non-traditional approach with comedy duo Raicho serving as coordinators to engage a broader audience, including parents and those unfamiliar with welfare services.