Existing While Black in Japan:

Online Peer Support Group

This weekly Sunday peer support group is for Black individuals who currently reside in Japan.

Peer support is defined as “people who share common experiences or face similar challenges come together as equals to give and receive help based on the knowledge that comes through shared experience.”

Blackness in this group is defined as the collection of sociohistorical experiences. If you exist in a Black body and experience Otherness in the context of Japanese society, this group is for you.

This support group is not to replace medical care or therapy. This group is not for emergencies or for those in immediate crisis. We are here to share our grievances, resources, and our triumphs without shame. Advice should not be given unless invited. Please note that this group shares personal and sometimes traumatic experiences. If you feel unwell during the group sharing, please feel free to excuse yourself at any time for your mental health.

Weekly Peer Support is available online via Zoom every Sunday from

11AM-12PM JST

Sign up for a session of the weekly peer group (Zoom account required): https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/p4pYeQaGTsmdVESnc0dWBg

Hyperlinked Resource List (Updated weekly)

FKA Morena Peer Support Group Guidelines

The goal is to create a space where every participant feels respected, heard, and safe. By joining this group, you agree to the following community guidelines.

1. Confidentiality

What is shared in this group stays in this group.

Please do not share another participant's personal experiences, identity, or stories outside of the meeting without their explicit permission.

2. Speak From Your Own Experience

Use "I" statements and speak from your own lived experiences rather than making assumptions about others.

3. Listen to Understand

Allow each person to finish speaking without interruption. Listen with curiosity, compassion, and respect.

4. No Unsolicited Advice

This is a peer support group, not a problem-solving session.

Before offering suggestions or resources after someone shares a heavy experience, ask:

"Would you like support, advice, or would you simply like to be heard?"

Respect the speaker's answer.

5. Respect Different Experiences

There is no single Black experience or immigrant experience.

Honor differences in nationality, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, age, immigration status, and personal background.

6. Everyone Has the Right to Pass

Participation is always voluntary.

You may choose not to share, decline a question, or step away from the meeting if you need a break.

7. Share the Space

Be mindful of how much time you are speaking so everyone has an opportunity to participate.

8. Cameras On

For the safety and trust of all participants, cameras are required to remain on throughout the meeting.

9. Respect Privacy

Meetings are never recorded.

Screenshots, screen recordings, photographs, or sharing another participant's information without permission is strictly prohibited and grounds for removal/ban.

10. Zero Tolerance for Hate or Harassment

The following behaviors will result in immediate removal from the group:

Transphobia
Homophobia
Misogynoir
Racism or anti-Blackness
Xenophobia
Sexism
Ableism
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or personal attacks
Deliberate misgendering or discriminatory language

11. This Is Peer Support, Not Therapy

This group exists for mutual support through shared lived experience.

It is not a substitute for therapy, medical care, or emergency mental health services. Participants experiencing an immediate mental health crisis should seek appropriate emergency or professional support.

12. Lead With Compassion

Assume good intentions while remaining accountable for your impact.

Treat others with kindness, empathy, and respect—even when your experiences differ or you disagree.