About Us

Anyone Can Be a “Mental Health Supporter”

“Approximately 6,000” – This figure represents the annual number of suicides among people under 39 in Japan. At the non-profit organisation Light Ring, our mission to address youth suicide also brings us face-to-face with broader issues in our society, such as depression, loneliness, isolation, and mental health challenges.

Once an individual is affected by mental illness, full recovery is often difficult, requiring significant time and resources. Yet traditionally, society has focused more on “treatment” after symptoms emerge rather than on “prevention” beforehand.

Reflecting on our 10 years of experience, we have embraced the concept of a “preventive society.” By nurturing every young person to become a “mental health supporter,” we aim to create a society where children and young people can naturally prevent suicide, loneliness, isolation, and depression.

We believe in transitioning from a treatment-oriented to a prevention-oriented society, empowering everyone to be a “mental health supporter.”

Source: National Police Agency, “Data on Suicide Situation in 2023”

Our Vision at Light Ring

Our vision is to create a society where “everyone can achieve the happiness they seek”

At Light Ring, we believe that health—especially mental well-being—is fundamental to happiness. Preventing mental health issues is the starting point, not merely a goal. The true aim is for individuals to prevent mental health crises and live fulfilled, happy lives.

True happiness lies with those who, no matter the circumstance, stand ready to support their loved ones. By supporting individuals who wish to be there for the ones they care about, Light Ring seeks to create a future where everyone can maintain mental health and achieve their desired happiness.

Our Mission

Your action to help those around you contributes to solving social issues.

Light Ring supports those who wish to stand by their loved ones. We utilise social support systems to provide comprehensive assistance, embracing the responsibilities of citizens to approach this mission with commitment, pride, and perseverance.

Our Role

Light Ring. specializes in providing support for the “emotional support for children” and the “training and support of gatekeepers (youth suicide prevention gatekeepers)” who receive concerns from others.

Light Ring. is an organization dedicated to addressing mental health issues, loneliness, isolation, and suicide prevention among children and youth. Our mission is to nurture emotional supporters and create a society where children and young people can open up and share their true feelings without feeling isolated when facing difficulties.

To achieve this, we focus on the development and support of emotional supporters (those who listen to the concerns of children and youth, and youth suicide prevention gatekeepers). We aim to build a network that supports children and youth across society and establish a sustainable support system. Additionally, we actively engage in international collaborations and domestic policies to solve problems with a global perspective.

1. Consultation Support for Children and Youth’s Mental Health

Through face-to-face and online consultations, we provide emotional support to children and youth who listen to the concerns of their friends or loved ones, helping to prevent isolation.

2. Expanding the Network of Emotional Supporters

We train individuals to become youth suicide prevention gatekeepers and strengthen the support system that connects emotional supporters (children and youth suicide prevention gatekeepers) within society. We ensure that emotional supporters for children and youth across all 47 prefectures of Japan are not isolated and can receive proper support.

3. Building a Sustainable Support System

We collaborate with other support organizations, businesses, and government agencies to expand the network of emotional support for children and youth. We also focus on training professionals with the necessary skills to provide support to emotional supporters, indirectly aiding those in need. Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of supporting emotional supporters in society and work toward establishing a sustainable support system.

4. International Collaboration and Policy Support

We actively participate in domestic and international policies and initiatives, expanding the circle of global support and contributing to solving global problems.

Message from the Chairperson

Witnessing a family member’s struggle with alcohol dependency and depression during high school, I came to understand the dangerous reality of addiction and mental illness. Addiction, I believe, arises not from personal weakness but from a lack of supportive people or resources, leading individuals to turn to harmful alternatives, affecting themselves and those around them.

From this experience, I realised that a positive presence can prevent mental illness from worsening. I also learned that having resources for rest and guidance, free from dependence, is valuable for both prevention and treatment. While visiting a psychiatric clinic is often stigmatised, early prevention and everyday support systems play a crucial role in living a healthy, fulfilling life. Building a society where self-worth is cultivated and mutual support is the norm is essential to addressing these challenges.

Through 14 years of dedicated service, we envision a future where all children and youth can form secure, trusting relationships regardless of their background. Light Ring sees its mission as delivering comprehensive social support that empowers every child and young person in Japan to create connections and relationships they can rely on, contributing to suicide and isolation prevention nationwide.

Ayaka Ishii, Chairperson of Light Ring

Born in 1989. Inspired by experiences during childhood, began providing information and support related to the prevention of mental health issues during university years. In 2010, founded the voluntary organization “Mental Health Prevention Project a.light.” In 2012, established the nonprofit organization Light Ring., where they continue to work today.

Committee Member

• Member of the Suicide Comprehensive Countermeasure Tokyo Conference
• Member of the Minato City Suicide Prevention Related Agencies Council
• Member of the Kita City Life-Saving Safety Net Council
• Evaluation Committee Member for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Mental Health Supporter Training Program”
• Planning Committee Member for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Foundation Development Project for Promoting Gatekeepers”
• Member of the Cabinet Office, Department of Loneliness and Isolation Countermeasures, “Study Group for Creating Supporter Training Curricula and Related Research in Loneliness and Isolation Countermeasures”
• Member of the Cabinet Office, Department of Loneliness and Isolation Countermeasures, “Study Group for Methods and Research on Training Connection Supporters”
• Member of the Preparatory Meeting for the Children and Family Agency’s “Children-Centered Society Realization Platform” (tentative name)
• Member of the Committee for the Children and Family Agency’s “Digital Public Relations and Awareness Campaign for Suicide Prevention Among Children in FY 2024”
• Member of the National Youth Consultation Research Conference, hosted by the National Youth Education Promotion Organization

Qualifications and Career

• Certified Mental Health Social Worker
• Co-representative and Founding Member of the National Youth Suicide Prevention Network (2016–Present)
• Expert Committee Member of the Shinjuku City Suicide Comprehensive Countermeasure Conference, Youth Support Subcommittee (2014–2019)
• Member of the Shinjuku City Suicide Comprehensive Countermeasure Conference (2015–Present)
• Member of the Shinjuku City Suicide Comprehensive Countermeasure Conference, Suicide Prevention Plan Review Subcommittee (2018–2019)
• Member of the Minato City Suicide Prevention Plan Review Committee (2018–2019)
• Evaluation Committee Member for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Mental Health Supporter Training Program” (2021–2023)
• Official Commentator for Yahoo! News (2022–Present)

Click here for a detailed profile

Supporting “Human relationships between supporters and those who are worried” Across Generations

Over the past 14 years, Light Ring has actively addressed youth suicide and the underlying issues of depression, loneliness, isolation, and mental health, delivering support to more than 32,000 individuals. Alongside our full-time staff, we have a team of approximately 40 volunteers and skilled supervisors who share our vision and provide vital support to “Supporters of the Heart.” Moving forward, we will continue to build partnerships with local governments, healthcare institutions, educational organisations from junior high to university, and companies interested in supporting youth. Together, we aim to create a society where children and young people are collectively supported.

Meet Our Staff and Supervisors

Meet Our Staff and Supervisors