Established out of the Caregiver’s Passion

Inspired by the passionate desire of a caregiver who wanted to create a dementia café where both families and persons living with dementia could gather, Café Fushino launched in March 2015 by utilizing the caregiver’s family home – a historic old folk house over 100 years old. It coincided with the establishment of the Yamaguchi City Dementia Cafe Subsidy Program, making it the first dementia care and this March it cerebrated its 10th anniversary.

Enjoying conversation like at a coffee shop

It is held once a month, and we offer coffee and sweets for a participation fee of 100 yen. Participants include people with dementia, caregivers (family members), care workers, government officials, Orange Supporters, university students, and local residents. There is no set program; it is like a coffee shop where enjoying everyday conversation is valued. The Staff ensures that the cafe becomes a place where people including those with dementia, family members, and professionals, can enjoy spending time together as acquaintances – without the need for them to be conscious of this – by providing a welcome environment.

From Mr. and Mrs. Abe ~ A Comfortable Place to Belong

At that time, my husband was diagnosed with dementia, and I had countless questions and things I wanted learn about dementia. In June 2019, driven by a desire to find clues, I picked up a flyer and was led to “Cafe Fushino”. When I entered through the open door, feeling nervous and awkward, I was greeted with a smile, “Welcome,” and offered tea and sweets. They listened to my halting words with genuine empathy, drawing from their own caregiving experience to reassure me I wasn’t alone and that “I understand what you’re going through.” Holding my hand and even shedding tears, they gave me a profound sense of peace.
My husband used to say that he didn’t want to go to cafes or gatherings with young people, saying“It’s not the place for me,”. However, after going together in September, he said, “I was able to be myself just as I am, and It was really good! I want to go again!”, and he seemed to quite like it. I remember the moment his expression brightened suddenly.
Since then, six years have passed, my husband has become a regular at Cafe Fushino, looking forward to meeting his friends there. I feel that I also have a strong bonds through my family connections. Once you step over the threshold of Cafe Fushino, you will be able to talk about what’s on your mind and relax. There will be opportunities to meet companions. And I believe it will surely become a comfortable place to belong.

Written by Takako Abe
Translated by Satoshi Nakano