03 Dec A Space to Heal Together
A Space to Heal Together
Photos by Jaimee Itagaki
On November 1st, 2025, Little Tokyo Service Center held the 4th Annual Ebb and Flow Community Mental Health Conference at Terasaki Budokan, with workshops hosted throughout Little Tokyo. Participants had the opportunity to explore the neighborhood as they walked to workshops at Nellita’s Craft, the Little Tokyo Branch Library, Little Tokyo Towers, and Far East Lounge. These discussions and workshops covered a wide range of topics, such as art and music therapy, death and grieving, and homelessness in the Japanese community.
It was inspiring to see people of all ages coming together to learn more about reducing the stigma of mental health issues within the AANHPI community. After the turmoil our community has faced in the past year, our Social Services team knew that they needed to create a space to heal together.
It’s easier to come to an event and seek help or get information with other people rather than on your own. It’s less scary. It’s helpful with a group–you don’t feel isolated. You can relate to others who have gone through similar experiences. - Stefany, Ebb and Flow participant
We’re all working, doing things too fast, and we don’t have the time to talk about the things we experience. It’s important to talk about mental health in a place where you feel comfortable… I think it’s great to have safe spaces like this. -Grace, Ebb and Flow participant
Ebb and Flow included two panel discussions, the first involving survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires sharing their experiences navigating trauma, displacement, and healing. The second panel was focused on losing family members and grief, with a multigenerational lineup of speakers accompanied by mental health professionals.
It’s important for us to see ourselves in these spaces. There are a lot of people here that are in different stages of life, and I think we have something to learn from each other. -Allyza, Ebb and Flow participant
The day concluded with a relaxing traditional Japanese tea ceremony, the perfect way to decompress after a day of cathartic, but difficult, conversations.
This conference was made possible by the support of the California Department of Public Health Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative – Community Alliances for Local Impact (CALI) campaign, and the following:
Dave and Terri Mitani
Joyce and Glen Komatsu
The Key Yukari Roberts
The Koyanagi Family
Dr. Mary Ann Takemoto and Tony Kwan
MUFG Bank
Okura Mental Health Leadership Foundation
Scott Hiji Family
So-Phis
USC Equity Research Institute & Elaine Jeon
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