Congratulations to Ruth Hetcamp, the founder of Japan's first telephone counseling lifeline, Inochi-no-Denwa. Ruth set up this free, confidential and anonymous lifeline decades ago and she's still working hard to help others. An amazing woman whose words and actions are truly inspiring. Next to her is Yukio Saito san, who has been IND's director for a long time and has done an incredible job of building up the organization to its current size. Thanks Ruth and Yukio!
We talked in Yukio's book-filled and comfy office, sipping green tea.
Japan TImes Articles

For her tireless efforts to help those who might feel lonely, scared and hopeless, this October Ruth received one of Japan's highest honors, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, awarded by the Emperor and the Office of the Prime Minister.
I was lucky to have accompanied her and Yukio to see Ms. Seiko Noda san, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Consumer Affairs and Food Safety and Space Policy. She sure has a lot of work on her hands but that's not all: Noda san is also in charge of suicide prevention. Gosh, ganbatte Noda san!
Seiko Noda on Wkipedia
Seiko Noda's resume
I hope that Noda san is always OK but if she ever feels overwhelmed with all this work and pressure, Inochi-no-Denwa's and TELL's volunteer counselors are just a call away.
Tokyo Inochi no Denwa
With the holidays coming up, you might feel lonely, maybe you miss your loved ones. If you feel down and you are a Japanese speaker, Inochi no Denwa's trained counselors are here to listen, 24 hours a day. The telnumber in Tokyo is 03-3264-4343. There is no additional charge for the call other than the usual charge your telephone company bills you for.
For web counseling in Japanese, connect here:
Inochi no Denwa Net
For English speakers, Tokyo English Lifeline's trained counselors take calls from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., 365 days a year. TELL Lifeline: 03-5774-0992
TELL Tokyo English Lifeline

Be good to yourself and to others, too! JK