About Us – JAFAREC

The Philosophy of Support and Care at JAFAREC

Back in the 1990s, developed from support centers such as “Men’s anxiety hotline” and “Men’s anti-violence groupwork” based on the ideas behind men’s liberation movement, the “Men’s support room” was created. This was farther expanded to provide support and care for all genders, not regarding gender difference as the cause of relationship problems. Thus JAFAREC was established in 2003. The center offers counseling and workshops, as well as providing shelters and supporting visitations, all without external contractors or funding. The support structure is entirely client-focused, also encouraging mutual support and care amongst themselves. In addition, the center incorporates the familial functions that are being lost in the modern society into its therapy and counseling. Such at-home environment nurtures the clients, helping their mental regrowth, and alleviates their violent characteristic, which often arise from lack of care and love in their upbringing.

Domestic violence, physical or mental, is about the power control imposed by the strong on the weak; such power and authority structure exists in every culture. However, the violence resulting from power control cannot be prevented simply by enacting relevant laws. The clients benefiting from our “men’s therapy” return to society with renewed respect for individuals, waiving their power control. Their individual contribution may be small, but over time they can help to reform the power-free society. In the century with every increasing conflicts and divisions, what the world needs the most is the relationship between individuals that is free from power control, and restore the familial, caring functions back into society.

It’s not treatment, education, correction, or guidance… Men’s counseling is about growing up together

Suffering and joy… the answer lies within ourselves…

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Michiaki ‘Mich’ Ajisawa

One of the forerunners of the men’s liberation movement in Japan in 1990s, continuing to advocate pro-feminism men’s movement and offering client-focused counseling. Founded the JAFAREC in 2003 and continues to be the representative. At the center, he has carried out well over 7,000 counseling sessions by himself, as well as offering shelters and visitation support. Also offers weekly workshops in Kyoto and Osaka, as well as extended sessions in Tokyo every month, totaling over 1,500 sessions to date.