TIRED OF WALKING

– a heartfelt journey into the mental health crisis plaguing modern-day Japan –

A WORLD-FIRST FOR MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION

In a groundbreaking documentary, 'The Walker' Danny Gallagher and 'The Brother' Sean Osada embark on an unprecedented 10,000-kilometer walking odyssey across Japan. Their mission is profound: to carry the shoes and stories of seven lives lost to suicide, illuminating the deep-seated mental health crisis gripping modern-day Japan.

As they traverse the diverse landscapes of Japan, from bustling city streets to serene countryside, Danny and Sean are joined by a myriad of voices. Bereaved families, mental health professionals, celebrities, influencers, and change-makers all walk alongside them, sharing their experiences and insights.

Through intimate conversations and heartfelt moments, the documentary sheds light on the personal struggles and societal pressures that contribute to Japan's alarming suicide rates. It challenges stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, advocating for empathy, understanding, and support.

'The Walker' and 'The Brother' become catalysts for change, sparking vital conversations in communities across Japan and around the world. Their journey is not just a physical one but a deeply emotional and transformative experience, culminating in a powerful plea for greater awareness and action.

This documentary is more than a film; it's a movement. A movement to break the silence, to end the stigma, and to ensure that no one feels alone in their battle with mental illness. Join us on this extraordinary journey of healing, hope, and humanity.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 39 in Japan.

Though the rates of youth suicides did drop between 2010-2019, they are currently on the rise again after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a fact sheet of some critically concerning statistics:

Japan has the highest suicide rate in the G7 nations.
Suicide is the leading cause of death in Japanese youth.
2023 saw the lowest birth rate since 1899.
Japan has more elderly people than young people.
In 25 years, Japan’s workforce will decrease by 70%.
Japan’s dying population is projected to be less than half by 2100.

Karoshi

In Japan, "Karoshi" (過労死) signifies a dark reality — emerging during the 80s economic boom — as salaried individuals in their 40s succumbed to fatal heart attacks or strokes due to relentless overwork. Japan’s toxic work culture is largely responsible for its mental decline.

Karojisatsu

This "Sudden Death" phenomenon reflects the grim toll of societal pressure. Tragically, some opt for "Karojisatsu" (過労自殺), choosing death over the unrelenting demands of their professions. This phenomenon accounts for a majority of the annual suicides.

A SILENT KILLER

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 39 in Japan. It is the only G7 country where suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 34.

Child Suicide on the Rise

Due to the increasing frequency of modern social issues such as cyberbullying, child suicide in Japan has been on the rise for the last decade.

In 2022, we as a society, failed 514 children.

It was also the first year since records began in 1980, that the number has surpassed 500. This issue has further exacerbated due to the effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

A TALE OF TWO BROTHERS

Danny Gallagher’s upbringing as a mixed-race Japanese-American deeply influenced his perspective on bridging cross-cultural barriers. Raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, his multicultural background not only shaped his personal life but also became a driving force in his professional career.
However, his childhood and adolescence were marred by a challenging struggle with mental illness, leading to food and drug addiction, morbid obesity, and multiple suicide attempts. These experiences profoundly impacted him, shaping his understanding of mental health and resilience.
Despite these challenges, Daniel's personal experiences have fueled his passion for mental health advocacy, driving him to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Through his work with Tired of Walking, he seeks to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and provide a beacon of hope for those in Japan and around the world.

Sean Osada, a mixed-race Japanese American raised in Osaka, Japan, brings a rich cultural background to his journey. Despite his success in acting, he faced struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, ultimately driving his passion for mental health advocacy. Sean's personal experiences of the entertainment industry's neglect for talents' and artists' well-being fuels his resolve.
Supporting the launch of "Tired of Walking," a project close to his heart, he seeks to highlight the need for better practices. Through sharing his story and encouraging open conversations, Sean aims to create a community where asking for help is accepted without judgment. He envisions a world where compassion, mental health awareness, and resilience are prioritized.

A WORLD RECORD ODYSSEY

The Walker's journey is a monumental undertaking, spanning the entire length of Japan from north to south. Starting from Cape Soya in Hokkaido, the northernmost point of Japan, The Walker will traverse the country, covering thousands of kilometers on foot, before reaching Cape Sata in Kagoshima, the southernmost tip.

To achieve this incredible feat, The Walker adheres to the guidelines set by Guinness World Records Japan. Every accessible road and path are considered fair game, with no retracing of steps permitted. This means that The Walker must meticulously plan each route, ensuring that they cover new ground every day.

While the journey is a continuous one, recovery breaks are allowed. These breaks are essential for physical and mental rejuvenation, helping to prevent exhaustion and burnout. There is no specified limit to the number of recovery breaks The Walker can take, but each break must not extend beyond 14 days. This allows for flexibility in the journey, accommodating unforeseen circumstances or the need for extended rest periods.

Despite the challenges and obstacles along the way, The Walker remains steadfast in their determination to complete this remarkable journey. With each step forward, their aim is to inspire others to overcome their own challenges, demonstrating the power of resilience, perseverance, and the human spirit.

The Walker’s 10,000-kilometer walk across Japan is more than a physical feat — it's a powerful metaphor for overcoming depression and mental illness. This journey symbolizes resilience, inspiring others to embark on their own paths to recovery. Through this undertaking, The Walker aims to demonstrate that with perseverance and support, anyone can overcome the darkest of times.

35,052 SHOES

Largest donation of shoes in 24 hrs.

18,302 SHOES

Most shoes collected for recycling.

2,000 SHOES

Largest shoe sentence.

60,214 SHOES

Longest single file line of shoes.

Listed above are Guinness World Record attempts that
visually represent global lives lost to mental illness. Achieving these records aims to enhance global empathy and understanding.

#KEEPWALKING CHALLENGE

MENTAL HEALTH IN MOTION

Expanding far beyond Japan, "Tired of Walking" aspires to create a worldwide community of walkers dedicated to enhancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through the simple act of walking.

With our #KEEPWALKING campaign, we inspire people in Japan and globally to join us on this journey, sharing their personal stories to cultivate empathy, understanding, and unity.

By the conclusion of this remarkable journey, our aim is to establish #KEEPWALKING clubs and chapters across Japan, Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Australia, fostering a global movement toward wellness and solidarity.

RAISE AWARENESS

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.

FORGE PARTNERSHIPS

We will fundraise and collaborate with brands, influencers, celebrities, and organizations, pooling resources for mental health initiatives, research, and community outreach. By coming together, we can make a meaningful impact in ways the average charity, cannot.

WORLD RECORDS

We will set 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.

START A CONVERSATION

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 illness.

WALKING & Talking with BEREAVED FAMILIES

Losing a loved one to suicide due to mental illness leaves a pain that is indescribable yet keenly felt. The grief of those left behind is immeasurable. Their stories are not only heartbreaking but also vital in preventing future tragedies.

Tired of Walking seeks to honor these stories by featuring intimate interviews with the families of those lost to suicide. These narratives will be powerfully juxtaposed with reenactments of their loved ones' lives, creating a poignant and deeply resonant viewing experience.

Through these narratives, we aim to inspire viewers to check in on their loved ones, to listen, and to ensure their well-being. Each segment will delve into the lives of individuals who felt trapped by depression, weaving together a compelling narrative that not only honors their memory but also sheds light on the critical importance of mental health awareness.