Support group for siblings of people with disabilities to start in Nara

By Barrier Free Japan

April 10 2026

NARA – A symposium commemorating the establishment of “Nara Kyodai Damari,” a gathering place where siblings of people with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities (“kyodai”) can share their thoughts and concerns, will be held on the 12th at the Nara Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s medium hall in Nara City.

The initiative was launched in Nara City by a group of volunteers, including welfare professionals, prompted by growing awareness of “young carers” – children who take on caregiving and daily responsibilities for family members with illnesses or disabilities. The group aims to provide a space where participants can talk about and share their individual feelings and struggles, as well as offer information that may lead to support.

The organizing office expressed hope that “by having a place where people can talk openly about social prejudice, hardships, and difficulties, it can become a space where they can take a moment to breathe and feel at ease.” Going forward, regular meetings are planned for the second Sunday of every even-numbered month, although the location has yet to be decided.

The symposium will take place on the 12th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kazufumi Tanaka, a child psychiatrist from the Kyoto City Child Welfare Center, will speak. In addition to introducing activities of the “Kyodai Club” organized by the Kyoto Autism Association, he will give a lecture about growing up with a younger brother with a disability and his experiences through his current work. There will also be a free discussion session covering topics such as career paths, “romance and marriage,” “life after parents pass away,” and “caregivers.”

The application deadline is the 11th. The event is open to people who have family members with disabilities as well as those who are interested. Capacity is 50 participants (first come, first served). The participation fee is 500 yen.