THE WIND PHONE
PROJECT
Welcome to "The Wind Phone Project," where we honor the touching tradition of 風の電話 (kaze no denwa), or "the wind phone." Originating as a personal tribute, these telephone booths provide a serene space for individuals to have private conversations with departed loved ones, offering profound healing and solace in a society known for its emotional reserve.
Our mission is to establish 47 Wind Phones across all 47 Japanese Prefectures.
Beyond a mere outlet for vulnerability and therapy, each booth will feature a one-way dial system connecting users to suicide prevention hotlines. Working closely with the Japanese prefectural governments, we'll ensure each Wind Phone reflects unique regional designs, incorporating local cultural elements.
To amplify our impact, we'll appoint "Wind Phone Ambassadors" to each booth, like celebrities, talents, artists, influencers, and leaders, to support our global mission. These Wind Phone Ambassadors will help to design each booth, adding a profound and meaningful depth with their own personal stories of tragedy, loss, but ultimately, hope.
WHAT IS A WIND PHONE?
A “Wind Phone” in Japan, known as the "Kaze no Denwa" (風の電話), is an unconnected telephone booth that people use to communicate with lost loved ones. The original is located in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, and was created by a man named Itaru Sasaki in 2010 after the death of his cousin. He wanted a place where he could speak to his cousin and express his feelings, despite him being gone.
The Wind Phone gained widespread attention after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, as many grieving people visited it to find solace and communicate with their loved ones who had passed away during the disaster. Though the phone is not connected to any network, people use it as a symbolic way to voice their grief, memories, and hopes, sending messages to the deceased through the wind.
It has since become a well-known symbol of healing and emotional connection in Japan.
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ENGAGE AUDIENCES + RAISE AWARENESS
We will embark on a captivating odyssey across Japan, blending the spectacle of the long walk with the stories of seven lives lost to suicide. We’ll engage with diverse communities, creating a living narrative that draws attention to the profound impact of mental health issues.
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FORGE PARTNERSHIPS + MAKE FRIENDS
We will fundraise and collaborate with brands, influencers, celebrities, and organizations, pooling resources for mental health initiatives, research, and community outreach. With the right network with net worth, we can make a meaningful impact on the mental health of millions.
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SPREAD POSITIVITY + CREATE CHANGE
We will transform each step into a platform for change. Throughout the journey, we'll intricately document and promote mental health awareness, delving into societal nuances contributing to mental health decline in Japan. It's not just a walk; it's an opportunity for dialogue.
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SET WORLD RECORDS + INSPIRE YOUTH
We will achieve world record feats, leveraging the attention to promote the cause. The long walk becomes a powerful tool for encouraging a global audience to engage in important conversations. Together, we can break records and break stigmas surrounding mental health.
