GEN HIDEMORI
Born in Nishinari, Osaka, and raised in a difficult and complex family environment
His own loneliness and hardship later became the starting point for supporting others
PERSONAL & ACTIVITY TIMELINE
Gen Hidemori — Activity TimelineAs of September 1, 2026
“Saving the one person before us.”
A journey of helping people rebuild their lives, beginning in Kabukicho
Regardless of whether someone is a victim or an offender—and regardless of age, gender, nationality, or past—he meets the person before him as they are. He does not abandon those who fall between systems, but stays beside them as they rebuild their lives through their own strength.
Key Milestones
YearMilestonePrinciple in Action
Ordained in the Tendai Buddhist tradition under Ajari Yusai Sakai
Built a spiritual foundation for facing life and living in service to others
Learned through a blood donation that he carried HTLV-1, confronting mortality and changing the direction of his life
Resolved to “use the life I have left for others”
Established an NPO in January. On May 20, opened the Shinjuku Relief Center in Kabukicho and began providing consultations around the clock, every day of the year
Created an “emergency general hospital for life’s problems” with no limits on the kinds of concerns accepted
2003
–06
–06
Responded to domestic violence, abuse, runaways, suicide, multiple debts, stalking, and other crises. His work became widely known through The Nonfiction and television dramas
Brought the realities faced by people unable to speak up to wider society
2007
–10
–10
Received a Social Contribution Award and expanded his work through newspapers, film, books, and lectures
Used his own failures and life experience to help others make a fresh start
Established Nippon Kakekomidera as a general incorporated association. Ai Inochi: Shinjuku Kabukicho Kakekomidera, a television drama starring Ken Watanabe, was broadcast
Developed individual action into a lasting support organization
2012
–13
–13
Transitioned the organization into a public interest incorporated association and later opened a Sendai branch. Raised awareness of field-level issues through national media and lectures
Expanded the circle of support beyond one region and raised urgent issues with society
Established the Rechallenge Support Organization and expanded reintegration support for people leaving prison and others seeking a new start
Put into practice the belief that “whatever the past, people can rebuild their lives”
2015
–17
–17
Lectured at schools, government institutions, prisons, and other venues, while broadcasting the weekly Gen Hidemori Kakekomi Radio program
Shared his experience across welfare, human rights, education, crime prevention, and other fields
2018
–22
–22
Developed long-running newspaper columns, independent media, and internet television, continuing consultations and lectures through the COVID-19 pandemic
Continued reaching people seeking help by adapting the way information was delivered
Founded Seiboren, a parents’ liaison council for protecting youth, in response to the growing problem of exploitative host clubs
Responded directly from the field to new forms of exploitation emerging with the times
2023
–24
–24
Spoke through numerous media outlets about exploitative host clubs, unpaid tabs, illegal part-time recruitment, and related problems. In 2024, called for stronger legislation at a press conference following the submission of a victim-protection bill
Alongside victim support, sought legislation—including restrictions on unpaid host-club tabs—to prevent harm before it occurs
Amendments to the Entertainment Business Act addressing exploitative host-club practices were enacted. Seiboren was renamed Seiboren Kakekomidera, and Osaka Minami Kakekomidera opened in November
Carried voices from the field into society while expanding places where people can make a fresh start, whatever their circumstances
Established Tokushima Senior Kakekomidera and continued consultations, reintegration support, lectures, training, and public communication
Continues to face “the one person before us,” regardless of generation or type of problem
Saving the one person before usSupporting victims and offenders alikePeople can rebuild their lives again and again
ACTIVITY RESULTS
Work in Numbers
As of May 2025. He has responded to each person before him without restricting the type of concern.
His work and issues from the field have been featured by NHK, commercial broadcasters, ABEMA, radio, national newspapers, and international press.
Including co-authored books and dialogue collections, preserving his experience and words for rebuilding one’s life.
People can rebuild their lives, again and again.
Explore Gen Hidemori’s work, lectures, and books throughout the official website.