Photography Event and Poster Exhibition by Cancer Survivor Project "LAVENDER RING" Held in Tokyo

The "MAKEUP & PHOTOS WITH SMILES" event and poster exhibition, organized by the cancer survivor project " LAVENDER RING " to capture and share vibrant images of cancer survivors, took place in Tokyo on Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th. Future events are planned for Osaka and Aichi.

"LAVENDER RING" is a project run by volunteer employees of Dentsu Inc. in collaboration with Shiseido and Cancer Net Japan (CNJ). It began in 2017 and is now in its eighth year. One of its main activities, "MAKEUP & PHOTOS WITH SMILES," is a makeup and photo event for cancer survivors. After personalized makeup lessons and hair styling, professional photographers capture their vibrant expressions and appearances. Posters featuring the participant's handwritten message are completed on-site and presented as gifts. For the first time, each participant was assigned a volunteer concierge. Aiming to create a special experience, these concierges provided attentive support throughout the entire process, from the initial makeup lesson to the final poster presentation.

After makeup lessons and hair styling by Shiseido staff, photographers captured poster shots. The venue was constantly filled with laughter and cheers, drawing out the participants' best smiles.

Together, they chose one photo to feature on the poster. "I never knew I could make that kind of expression!" came the surprised exclamation.

Write your cherished thoughts and feelings in a handwritten message. Alongside your chosen photo, it will be laid out on a poster right there on the spot.

Mr. Tsukimura of Dentsu Inc., the planner behind "LAVENDER RING," explained, "It began when Ms. Misono (who passed away in 2021), a member at the time, confided in me about her cancer diagnosis. To openly share her illness and support each other, we created the 'Fight Together Sticker' as a symbol of that commitment." Despite cancer being a disease that could affect one in two Japanese people, data showed that about 30% of those diagnosed quit their jobs (*). We wondered if we could create a broader social initiative where both those with cancer and those without could live together with smiles. Together with Ms. Misono, we proposed this to Shiseido."

Thus, combining Shiseido's expertise in counseling, cosmetics, and photography with Dentsu Inc.'s planning capabilities—built on a foundation of communication that moves people's hearts—LAVENDER RING was launched. Yokoyama of Shiseido shared, "Initially, I wondered how it would be received. As we progressed, we discovered the social significance of connecting people centered around cancer survivors—sharing their positive stories and messages with those who have cancer or may face it in the future. This resonated deeply with many."

Actual participants shared comments like: "I wanted to show that I'm doing this well and that it's okay, so I gathered my courage to join," and "I felt that being someone with cancer made me uniquely able to participate. The atmosphere was brighter than I expected, and it became a lifelong memory."

Participants receiving their posters at the end

Posters from 2017 onward were also displayed. Alongside handwritten messages, the lineup featured uniquely personalized posters, some incorporating family photos or hobbies. "The posters also serve as a record of the participants' smiles," said Tsukimura.

Starting in Tokyo, the project now extends beyond Japan to overseas locations. Volunteers include not only staff from Shiseido, CNJ, and Dentsu Inc., but also student volunteers participating in various regions. Furthermore, people who participated in the photo sessions later become supporters, connecting the sentiments of those who empathize and expanding the circle of activity.

〈Tokyo Event Overview and Future Plans〉
・LAVENDER RING TOKYO 2024
Dates: August 24 (Sat) 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, August 25 (Sun) 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Photo Venue - National Cancer Center Research Building 1F Lobby (Address: 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
　　Makeup Lesson & Hair & Makeup Venue: Shiseido Shiodome Office GLOBAL VISION CENTER

・LAVENDER RING OSAKA 2024
Date: October 1 (Tue) ※Tentative
Location: Osaka International Cancer Center (Address: 3-1-69 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)

・LAVENDER RING AICHI 2024
Date: October 12 (Sat) ※Tentative
Location: Aichi Cancer Center (Address: 1-1 Shikado, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)

Aichi: Registration for participation is being accepted on the LAVENDER RING official website ( https://lavender-ring.com ) until Thursday, September 12.

(※)Based on the "2013 Survey on the Concerns and Burdens of Cancer Survivors" by Shizuoka Cancer Center.

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