Side Event of the 79th WHA
Theme: Men’s Health and Social Connection (May 18, 2026)

It is my great pleasure to attend today’s Commissioner event on Social Connections. I would like to express my sincere respect and appreciation to all those involved in organizing this important occasion. With regard to “social connection,” through my own exchanges with civil society organizations that are working diligently to establish Community-Based Safe Spaces at the local level, I have come to strongly recognize the importance of supporting community-led efforts to create such spaces.

　In creating such spaces, it is also important to ensure that they provide a safe environment where concerned parties can spend their time in ways they prefer, while at the same time bridging gaps in existing systems so that no concerned parties in need of support are left behind. The Government of Japan is committed to providing the necessary support in this regard.

　In Japan, to address the issue of “loneliness and isolation,” which is closely related to social connections, we enacted the world’s first Act on the Advancement of Measures to Address Loneliness and Isolation to promote measures to address loneliness and isolation in a comprehensive manner. Based on this Act, we have formulated the “Priority Plan” and have been advancing these efforts across the entire government. As the minister of state for Measures for Loneliness and Isolation, I will continue to advance these policies.

　I understand that today’s discussions will focus on “Men’s Health and Social Connection.” In Japan, there is a concern that people may lose their social connections after retirement, leading to loneliness and isolation. As a form of “preparedness” to prevent this, we believe it is important for individuals to establish social connections with society and local communities from an early stage in life. From this perspective, Japan supports civil society organizations engaged in creating such spaces, including initiatives such as community-based “Men’s Sheds.”

　Finally, loneliness and social isolation are universal and global challenges. I am convinced that learning from one another’s experiences will be of great significance for the development of social connections. Japan remains fully committed to making the utmost contribution to this effort.