Young people who commit delinquent acts are often ostracized or categorized by society as "offenders." While supporting victims is crucial, reintegrating these youths into society and preventing recidivism is the key to reducing future crimes. To do this, we must understand the underlying causes of their actions, which often stem from issues like domestic violence, poverty, mental illness, or disabilities. These problems, if not addressed, can lead to a cycle of delinquency and further societal rejection.

We began our work to break this cycle, offering these youths a chance at hope and a positive future. Initially, we focused on the aging and declining number of probation officers, organizing study sessions and discussions to encourage new actors in rehabilitation. Over time, however, we realized the lack of support outside the official welfare systems and now offer direct assistance to these youths.

Our primary focus is on young people in their teens and twenties in Tokyo and surrounding metropolitan areas, along with their families. They often face multiple issues, for example disabilities, poverty, and abuse, that existing welfare systems alone can not address. We aim to bridge the gap between welfare and rehabilitation services and apply our experience from working with former combatants of non-state armed groups overseas to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Our efforts are mainly built on four pillars:

Social Integration Support, including counseling

We offer counseling and continuous communication to juveniles released from detention facilities, those on probation, and prisoners. We aim to help them find hope and reintegrate into society, taking a collaborative approach to their rehabilitation.

Outreach activities

In downtown areas in Tokyo, we reach out to at-risk youth, offering information and creating environments where they can seek help when needed. This outreach draws on our experience from conflict zones.

Emergency Housing and Livelihood Support

We provide housing and support for 6-12 months to youths who have no place to return to, assisting with financial management, employment, and education. We utilize our experience managing rehabilitation facilities in conflict areas to offer comprehensive and tailored support.

Online Awareness-Raising Seminars

To support the reintegration of delinquent youths, societal understanding is essential. We conduct online seminars featuring experts from detention centers, probation officers, and former offenders, sharing their real-world experiences to raise awareness of rehabilitation and reintegration issues.

Economic difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the challenges faced by international residents in Japan, especially Muslims. Language barriers, cultural differences, and social isolation often prevent them from receiving the support they need.

Japanese people are often unfamiliar with Muslim customs and may feel uncertain about how best to support and live alongside Muslim communities locally. Drawing on our experience working with Muslim communities in various countries and regions, we apply our knowledge of their customs, taboos, and culturally sensitive interaction methods, along with our insights and networks, to offer the following services:

Food Bank Support

Since March 2021, we have provided halal food to over 1,000 people, distributing food at mosques and our office once a month. These events also offer a space for conversation and life consultation, where participants can speak in their native language. In addition, several counselors are on hand at these events to offer guidance on daily life issues, making these opportunities a consultation hub for their problem-solving. This approach, inspired by our work in conflict zones, helps us create multifunctional support spaces for the community.

Muslim Consultation Desk

We receive diverse inquiries about residence status, employment, education, healthcare, and general life concerns from Muslims living in Japan. Many face difficulties speaking up due to language or cultural barriers. We offer personalized support, providing information, accompaniment, and collaboration with experts when necessary.

Website Leaflets

Providing a "Third Place" for Children and Youth

For young people who were born and raised in Japan, including those who came to Japan at a young age, as they grow up, it becomes normal for them to live their lives using Japanese language and customs rather than the language and cultural customs of their home.