Having lived in Japan for more than three years has shaped my academic, professional and personal journey. Alongside completing my master’s degree, I volunteered in projects connected to making social impact, of which recently connected to mental health and community engagement, such as TELL Japan’s Step Up Challenge for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

I also set up an individual fundraising campaign through my network, with funds being eventually donated to Bond Project - a small ngo helping young women and girls in Tokyo who are at risk of being forced into prostitution networks.

These experiences strengthened my commitment to promoting open conversations around mental health and building supportive intercultural communities.