Radical Hope

Suicide, Japan’s Identities,and African American Community Insights

Abstract

This paper explores how integrating the three tenants of Radical Hope̶deep communal/family ties, cultural identity, and faith/spirituality, central to the African American community̶with Japanese concepts like 生き甲斐 (ikigai, the joy of purpose),和 (wa, harmony), 我慢(gaman, endurance), and 家族 (kazoku, family) can create a robust framework to address Japan’s suicide epidemic. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, initial interviews with Japanese undergraduate males reveal an intrigue with Radical Hope and a perceived lack of these elements in their lives. Drawing on African American community insights, Japanese research on suicide, and limited interviews, preliminary findings suggest that introducing Radical Hope may encourage deeper reflection on overcoming life’s challenges. This perspective aims to guide future Japanese researchers in creating culturally sensitive suicide prevention programs by leveraging African American resilience strategies and empowering Japan’s intercultural identities.